Implementation of telemedicine for elderly outpatients care during COVID-19 pandemic
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Abstract
Telemedicine has been adopted in healthcare facilities in order to increase healthcare service efficiency and reduce congestion during Covid-19 pandemic Objective: To explore the implementation of telemedicine for elderly outpatients care during COVID-19 pandemic and the factors that influence the telemedicine service. Methods: Semi-structured interview was used to collect the data in 27 healthcare providers and 24 elderly patients in three tertiary hospitals (Siriraj Hospital, Srinagarind Hospirtal, and Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital) Results: Telemedicine was implemented to provide healthcare in outpatients including elderly patients with chronic diseases, cancer, and end of life care. The patients who received telemedicine must be stable and able to communicate via the communication technology. Factors that influence telemedicine service included workflow integration, healthcare providers, information technology infrastructure, suitability of service location, accessibility to the technology of elderly patients, and acceptance of patients. Conclusion: Telemedicine is useful in providing healthcare services to elderly patients in order to receive continuous care. This service should be developed to be more efficient in the future in order to reduce hospital congestion and allow elderly patients to conveniently access the service.
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