Determinants of the intention to use telemedicine in patients and doctors in Caldas, Colombia

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine is a means to overcome inequalities in access to health services and its implementation has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, during which providers have temporary authorization for this modality. After the health emergency, a series of requirements for continuity must be met. One of the variables that contribute to the success of such continuity and sustainability is the intention of use of patients and health professionals, which determines the success or rejection of these services. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in 174 physicians and 820 patients. A self-completed instrument was used, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results: The variables perceived utility, perceived ease of use and attitude, in doctors and patients, presented correlation coefficients higher than 0.70, (r = 0.78, r = 0.82, r = 0.87 in doctors and r = 0.79, r = 0.82, r = 0.88 in patients). The facilitating and facilitating variables presented greater correlation with the intention to use (r = 0.89 for both in physicians, and r = 0.89, r = 0.90 in patients). Conclusions: These results reveal the importance of the facilitating elements as a key factor for the acceptance of telemedicine. As other studies have shown, to improve the adoption of this technology it is necessary to create conditions that facilitate its appropriation, prior to its implementation, such as provision of infrastructure, training and adjustments in the organizational aspect.