Factors Affecting the Use of Telemedicine: An Empirical Analysis

The transition to telemedicine pandemic has expedited recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a precautionary measure to reduce face-to-face interaction with healthcare professionals. The aim of this study is to employ Andersen's Model of Healthcare Utilization in order to identify the key factors that are associated with the utilization of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to attain two main objectives, which are: firstly, to discern the advantages and barriers of adopting telemedicine; and secondly, to appraise the influence of socio-economic and socio-demographic factors in relation to the regular use of telemedicine by patients. The independent variables are categorized as the following: predisposing factors, enabling factors and need for care factors. From January to February in 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted. The total number of the online survey responses were 707, out of these, 171 (24.2%) reported to be user of telemedicine. To establish the correlation between telemedicine utilization and other independent variables a binary logistic regression model was used. The results show that there is a significant link between age, education, profession, region, and telemedicine utilization. Being a female, or aged between 30 and 50, having chronic diseases and using both virtual consultation and in-person visits with the doctors was associated with higher odds of telemedicine use. This study can potentially aid insurance companies in enhancing their knowledge and training pertaining to telemedicine. Through collaboration with policy makers, it is advisable to integrate education regarding insurance into the overall education program. Further research is needed to identify how telemedicine may reduce costs, as well as how optimal protocols can be constructed to enhance reimbursement mechanisms associated with said service.