Exploring Health professionals' Knowledge and Perceptions of Telehealth Implementation in Multisite Public Hospitals of East Wollega Zone, Oromia, West Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Telemedicine integrates telecommunications and technology into healthcare delivery, yet its implementation faces challenges in developing regions.
Objective:
This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of telemedicine among health professionals in public hospitals in East Wollega, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
Methods:
A study was conducted with 397 health professionals in public health facilities in East Wollega Zone, selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires from March to June 2024 and analyzed using EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequency distributions, were employed. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test assessed variable homogeneity. Significant variables P<0.05 in the bivariable logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable logistic analysis and reported as AOR with 95% CI.
Results:
Findings indicated high levels of knowledge and perception among participants. Factors significantly associated with knowledge included educational status (AOR = 2.797, 95% CI = [2.019, 26.872]), income between 7,000 and 9,000 Birr (AOR = 3.255, 95% CI = [1.790, 8.878]), access to computers (AOR = 2.414, 95% CI = [1.046, 14.764]), consultation sessions (AOR = 2.389, 95% CI = [1.961, 10.158]), and smartphone usage (AOR = 3.027, 95% CI = [2.797, 14.729]). For perception, significant associations included income over 9,000 Birr (AOR = 2.675, 95% CI = [2.271, 19.277]), improving quality of life (AOR = 1.786, 95% CI = [1.575, 22.587]), increased accessibility (AOR = 1.244, 95% CI = [1.061, 11.333]), consultation sessions (AOR = 4.777, 95% CI = [2.318, 15.062]), and smartphone usage (AOR = 3.836, 95% CI = [2.900, 13.573]).
Conclusions:
Approximately two-thirds of participants demonstrated good knowledge and perception of telemedicine. It is highly recommended to create awareness through educational programs for individuals with lower educational backgrounds and to improve access to technology.
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