Publication: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PERCEPTION OF THE PUBLIC ON THE READINESS FOR TELEHEALTH SERVICES IN MALAYSIA
Date
2023
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
International Medical University
Abstract
Introduction
Telehealth services have grown in popularity since the outbreak of COVID-19 due to the need for physical distancing and are expected to continue expanding even after the pandemic has subsided. Studies in other countries have indicated that the views and awareness towards telehealth have shifted since the pre-pandemic era. It is vital to understand the current levels of knowledge, attitude, and perception of the public on the readiness for telehealth services in Malaysia to ensure that the country’s healthcare system adapts to the changing environment effectively.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among public members of Malaysia from September 2022 to February 2023. The survey form was distributed online via social media applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. In addition, physical survey forms were also distributed in public areas such as shopping malls and business centers. Participants were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptively and analytically using SPSS software.
Results
A total of 384 (100%) complete responses were collected. Findings suggest that the public has good knowledge and a positive attitude towards telehealth services in Malaysia. The public also had a positive perception on readiness for telehealth services. Among the respondents, 52.6% of them agreed and 17.2% strongly agreed that they were ready to undertake a telehealth consultation. Factors that may significantly influence the perception on readiness for telehealth (p < 0.05) were the level of highest education with 95% CI [1.021, 1.904], individuals who own a computer or laptop [0.156, 0.827], and levels of knowledge [1.074, 1.314] and attitude [1.125, 1.254]. There were significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=0.260, p <0.001), knowledge and perception on readiness for telehealth services (r=0.308, p <0.001), and attitude and perception on readiness for telehealth services (r=0.511, p <0.001).
Conclusion
There is great potential for telehealth services in Malaysia, in view of good levels of knowledge and the positive attitude of the public towards it. There is a wider acceptability of telehealth services among the general public and hence, telehealth services need to be strengthened across the country.
Keywords: Consultation, healthcare, patient services, awareness, health.
Description
Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Perception, Cross-Sectional Studies, Awareness, Health Services, Social Media, Referral and Consultation, Delivery of Health Care