Online conferencing platforms as operational tools by health professionals: A pilot study

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals provided their services online or by telephone. The science of telemedicine is helping to reduce social inequalities, improve health services, and support patients with chronic diseases regardless of geographic location, income, or educational level. This study aimed to investigate the degree of familiarity, skills, and satisfaction of health professionals with the provision of telehealth—the use of remote therapies in times of emergency, such as a pandemic. The analysis of the results showed that although health professionals feel familiar with the electronic platforms for teleconferencing, they need training and technical support to automate their electronic services to become as functional as the face-to-face sessions. The study contributed by identifying limited knowledge regarding the credentials and potentials of online teleconferencing systems on behalf of health experts.