Attitude Towards Tele-Medicine Among Caregivers of Pediatric Patients: Tele-Medicine Among Pediatric Patients

Shazia Rizwan; Sobia Qamar; Rabeya Rehman; Sobia Shahalam; Madiha Iqbal; Ayesha Mushtaq

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2318

Authors

Shazia Rizwan Department of Pediatric Medicine, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Sobia Qamar Department of Pediatric Medicine, University of Child Health Sciences, Children Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Rabeya Rehman Department of Pediatric Medicine, Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha, Pakistan
Sobia Shahalam Department of Pediatric Medicine, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Madiha Iqbal Department of Pediatric Medicine, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Ayesha Mushtaq Akhtar Saeed Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i3.2318

Keywords:

Telemedicine, Parents' Attitudes, Pediatric Care, Technological Profiles, Digital Health

Abstract

Telemedicine is a vital constituent of digital health-care, particularly stating the deliverance of medical facilities over remote areas by means of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The swift progress of mobile applications has improved support for health-care experts, rationalization responsibilities such as time organization, communication, and policymaking. Objective: To assess attitudes of parents having children aged between one to twelve years towards telemedicine. Methods: The cross-sectional study employed an online survey with the sampling strategy as convenience method for recruitment of eligible parents. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to gather sociodemographic data, child-related information, and participants' technological profiles. Attitudes toward telemedicine were measured using a 5-point scale, evaluating the perceived usefulness of various telemedicine services and associated advantages. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to summarize sociodemographic variables and item prevalence, while excluding any missing values. Results: A total of 120 families participated in the study, with caregivers averaging 47.4 years in males, 43.1 in females and children 7.5 years old. The majority of caregivers were female (68.3%), and most children were male (53.3%). Technological profiles indicated high smartphone availability (93.3%) and moderate use of social media accounts. Attitudes toward telemedicine showed significant perceived usefulness, particularly for scheduling medical visits (54.1% rated it as moderate/much) and telemonitoring services (49.1%). Participants recognized advantages of telemedicine, highlighting time efficiency (44.1%) and financial savings (46.6%) as key benefits. Conclusion: Families of pediatric patients demonstrated a strong willingness to engage in telemedicine programs. They showed positive attitude towards usefulness of telemedicine.

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