KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS TELEMEDICINE AMONG DOCTORS OF CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Telemedicine is a hopeful approach to make health care services available to all population. Challenges faced globally like improving the quality of services and making cost effective healthcare available to all can be achieved by implementation and appropriate use of telemedicine. Methodology: It is a cross sectional study done between July 2021 and August 2021 among Doctors of Chengalpattu district. Using convenience sampling method 120 doctors were included in this study. Detail written Informed consent was obtained from the participants prior to collecting data. The data was collected using a self designed, pretested questionnaire consisting of Socio-demographic factors followed by Questions on Knowledge and Attitude towards Telemedicine. Collected data was analysed using SPSS, v21.0. Results: In this study to assess the Knowledge and Attitude towards Telemedicine among Doctors of Chengalpattu district, 120 doctors were included in this study among which 58(48.3%) were males and 62(51.7%) were females. Around 116(96.7%) doctors were in the age group of 21-30 years and most of them were Postgraduates 61(50.8%). Mean score was used to assess the Knowledge and Attitude towards telemedicine. Majority of them had good knowledge on Telemedicine 75(62.5%). Among 120 Doctors, 64(53.3%) of them had good level of Attitude while remaining 56(46.7%) doctors had poor attitude towards Telemedicine system. Conclusion: The study shows good knowledge and attitude towards telemedicine among doctors. However proper training of them in delivering healthcare services through telemedicine is needed for successful implementation in healthcare system.