Assessing and Estimation of Patient’s Satisfaction with Telemedicine Services in Qassim Region: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital component of healthcare delivery, especially in regions like Qassim, characterized by geographical challenges. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction with telemedicine services in the Qassim Region, considering its unique demographics and healthcare landscape. By employing a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected to assess various aspects of patient satisfaction, including service quality, accessibility, and communication efficiency. A sample size of approximately 352 patients was targeted using a convenience sampling method. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data analysis involved utilizing SPSS to summarize findings and identify significant patterns. the study reported that post-COVID-19, 50.34% of participants started using telemedicine, highlighting its rapid adoption during the pandemic. The primary use was for medical consultations (36.63%), emphasizing its role in routine healthcare. A major consensus (82.5%) saw telemedicine as a time-saver. It's also viewed as an essential component of patient care (82.2% agree or strongly agree) and necessary in rural and underserved areas (83.8% agreement). Regarding factors enhancing telemedicine experience, the most valued aspect is saving waiting times (22.13%), while the least influential factor was conducting laboratory tests through telemedicine (7.51%). Moreover, the study showed diverse satisfaction levels, with the majority feeling 'Satisfied' (46.23%) or 'Very satisfied' (29.80%). These findings collectively indicate the growing significance and acceptance of telemedicine, particularly in efficiency, patient care, and accessibility, with certain demographic factors influencing experience and satisfaction levels.