Feasibility and Acceptability of Telemedicine in Iraq

Résumé fourni par la source

Background: In a variety of medical specialty, Telemedicine is extensively applied. Nevertheless, it is not evident whether this approach will be critical once COVID-19 is endemic. In this research, we have discussed the opinions of physicians and patients regarding the use of telemedicine. Methods: The anonymous electronic questionnaire was sent to forwarded to physicians working in the colleges of Medicine at the University of Mosul and the University of Nineveh plus to physicians working in the public and private hospitals and also in the private clinics in Mosul randomly without regard to their specialty. The survey contained 18 questions of the feasibility and acceptability of video consultations, ease of use, quality, and other issues. The evaluation of most of the items was on five-point Likert scale, but the perceived benefits and future expectations were open-ended. The survey of patients was also carried out through an electronic connection that was distributed randomly and included 14 questions on the willingness to undergo a video consultation, ease of use, benefits, difficulties, the mode of choice of consultation and the overall satisfaction measured on the same scale. Results: 114 physicians and 142 patients were involved. Video consultations were positively received by patients, with the reportedly acceptable communication and patient satisfaction, although there were some fears about technical difficulties and privacy. physicians were more reserved, indicating that they did not feel comfortable with virtual communication, decreased trust with remote clinical evaluation, and significant doubts about the lack of physical examination and laboratory results. The questionnaire had a satisfactory degree of reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.736). There were considerable differences in a number of physician perceptions, but the perception of patients in different groups did not exhibit significant differences. Conclusion: The physicians and patients found telemedicine to be an appropriate and viable mode of care provision and reception. Technical problem was the key to the successful use.