Perceived Knowledge, Attitudes, and Barriers toward Adoption of Telemedicine Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

The adoption of telemedicine has facilitated the opportunity to offer best healthcare services. Nevertheless, there is a mismatch between presence of telemedicine programs in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA) and poor acceptance by the end-user patients. The aim of this study was to gain a holistic understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers of the end-user patients toward the utility of telemedicine services in KSA. A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted from 01-Jun-2022 to 31-July-2022 in KSA. The questionnaire was developed based on literature review and examined for validity and reliability. Knowledge questions included Yes/No format whereas attitude and barrier questions had 5-point Likert scale format. Data were reported descriptively and analyzed using the SPSS software. To evaluate the differences in mean scores and identify socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge and attitudes toward adoption of telemedicine, the data were run through univariate and multivariable regression analyses, respectively. Overall, 1024 participants participated in the survey. The fractions of subjects who attended a telemedicine service before, during, and after COVID-19 were 49.6%, 61.9%, and 50.1%, respectively. The mean score for knowledge was 3.52 (standard deviation [SD]=1.486, range: 0-5), reflecting a high level of knowledge. The mean score for attitudes was 37.08 (SD=8.526, range: 11-55), reflecting optimistic (positive) attitudes. Regarding barriers, the participants voiced some concerns regarding patient/physician resistance as well as attributed some cultural and technology-related limitations as potential hindrances to full adoption of telemedicine services. Place of residence (rural versus no rural) had a significant impact on the scores of knowledge, attitudes, and barriers, whereas gender had no significant impact. The multivariable regression analysis showed that several socio-demographic factors significantly correlated with knowledge and attitudes toward adoption of telemedicine services. The participants showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward telemedicine services. As for the perceived barriers, they were in line with the published literature. This research calls for the requirement to strengthen the positive attitudes and rectify the barriers, so that the utility of telemedicine services can be maximized in the community.