Medicine, Health & Food
Volume: 82 , Issue: 1 , August Published Date: 19 August 2021
Publisher Name: IJRP
Views: 1074 , Download: 747 , Pages: 110 - 124
DOI: 10.47119/IJRP100821820212170
Publisher Name: IJRP
Views: 1074 , Download: 747 , Pages: 110 - 124
DOI: 10.47119/IJRP100821820212170
Authors
| # | Author Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jocelyn D. Domingo |
| 2 | Gian Karla M. Durian |
| 3 | Michael Andre H. Lucido |
| 4 | Ma. Kyla Maru A. Magcamit |
| 5 | Kiara Louise M. Roque |
| 6 | Charissa Anne Beatrice M. Santos |
| 7 | Janelle R. Soriano |
| 8 | Karl Adam S. Yap |
Abstract
The transition of healthcare delivery from face-to-face interactions to telemedicine is gradually recognized in developing countries. The applicability of telemedicine is influenced by different factors (e.g. technological difficulties). The study aims to determine the factors that affect the applicability of telemedicine in selected areas of Luzon based on the perceptions of medical professionals. It specifically focuses on the description of the sociodemographic characteristics of medical professionals participated in the study, identification of the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine to both medical professionals and patients in selected areas of Luzon, description of the challenges encountered in telemedicine by Luzon-based medical professionals, and recognition of possible improvements that could be done in the Philippine healthcare system to aid the emergence of telemedicine practice especially in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The selected areas are Makati, Manila, Marikina, Las Pi?as, Caloocan, Quezon City, Pasay City, Valenzuela, Cagayan, Dagupan, La Union, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and Oriental Mindoro. A survey questionnaire was disseminated through Google Forms. Statements reflect on the factors possibly encountered during clinical/ telemedicine practice. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to measure all responses. The perceived advantages of telemedicine are saves time, improves work efficiency, increases patient recall to follow-up consultations, reduces overall medical fees, and improves access to healthcare services. The perceived disadvantages are training requirements and understanding the system, and less connection between patients and physicians due to reduced physical interactions. The status of internet connectivity, and costly security and maintenance of telemedicine applications/ websites are perceived to be the main challenges. The healthcare system inefficiencies appear to be the main point of improvement. The prioritization of outpatient consultation in telemedicine practice obtained the most impact considering the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicability of telemedicine is influenced by its advantages and disadvantages, challenges, and points of improvement. The applicability of telemedicine is influenced by its advantages and disadvantages, challenges, and points of improvement.