IJCM_235A: Extent and pattern of telemedicine usage and perceptions about telemedicine among health care practitioners across the state of Karnataka, A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine is a developing technology in the Indian healthcare sector. The success of any new technology depends on factors such as knowledge, perception, and willingness of users and professionals to engage it. Hence this study will be conducted to assess the perceptions and usage of telemedicine by healthcare professionals in Karnataka state of India. Objectives: a. To ascertain the extent of telemedicine usage by healthcare professionals in different parts of the state of Karnataka. b. To determine the different models of telemedicine used by healthcare professionals. c. To compare the utilization pattern of telemedicine across various demographic, academic, career and healthcare setting-related parameters of healthcare providers. Methodology: Methods: This study will be conducted using a cross-sectional survey design. The survey will be conducted among healthcare professionals in Karnataka, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Results: In the present study overall usage f telemedicine was 30%. The utilization pattern of telemedicine various widely across various demographic, academic, career and healthcare setting-related parameters of healthcare providers. Different models of telemedicine were used by healthcare professionals in different parts of Karnataka. The utilization pattern of telemedicine is more in urban areas of state. Covid 19 pandemic has a great effect on usage of telemedicine by healthcare professionals. Conclusion: In the present study overall usage f telemedicine was 30%. The utilization pattern of telemedicine various widely across various demographic, academic, career and healthcare setting-related parameters of healthcare providers. Different models of telemedicine were used by healthcare professionals in different parts of Karnataka.