TY - JOUR
T1 - Factors Affecting Utilization of the E-Health “Seha” Interactive Application for Online Medical Consultation in Saudi Arabia
AU - Al-Kahtani, Nouf Khalid
AU - Aljabri, Duaa
AU - Alrawiai, Sumaiah
AU - Alsubaie, Shayma
AU - Alasmari, Maram
AU - Aldukhi, Zahra
AU - Alkahtani, Hend Khalid
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Al-Kahtani et al.
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Purpose: Telehealth, Internet interventions, or digital apps provide healthcare to isolated regions and can span borders. The purpose of this research was to assess the use of the Seha application, public perceptions toward the application, and factors that affect its utilization. Methods: The cross-sectional method was used to analyze the quantitative data. Grounded Theory was used to analyze the qualitative data. This study was conducted from December 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019. A total of 419 participants were surveyed online, and semi-structured interviews were conducted for 20 participants. The participants were chosen based on convenience sampling techniques. The survey contained two sections. The first section consisted of demographic data and the second section included eight questions, each covering one main aspect. For the qualitative approach, participants were chosen using a theoretical sampling technique. Researchers acted as the primary data collection instrument. Results: Out of the total, 88.5% of the participants did not use “Seha” application. Among users, the main perceived benefit from the application was the ability to contact a general practitioner anytime. Among non-users, the greatest barrier to use was the lack of awareness about it, while the ability to contact a general practitioner any time (25%) and reducing visits to the doctor (23%) were the top motivations. A conceptual framework was developed to define the different aspects affecting the use of the online medical consultation application. These aspects included awareness and education, technical issues, access, and consultation information. Conclusion: Public awareness and education about the application, as well as the integration of its functions with other healthcare systems were the main recommendations suggested. Implementing these recommendations is encouraged to deliver value to e-health initiatives in Saudi Arabia.
AB - Purpose: Telehealth, Internet interventions, or digital apps provide healthcare to isolated regions and can span borders. The purpose of this research was to assess the use of the Seha application, public perceptions toward the application, and factors that affect its utilization. Methods: The cross-sectional method was used to analyze the quantitative data. Grounded Theory was used to analyze the qualitative data. This study was conducted from December 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019. A total of 419 participants were surveyed online, and semi-structured interviews were conducted for 20 participants. The participants were chosen based on convenience sampling techniques. The survey contained two sections. The first section consisted of demographic data and the second section included eight questions, each covering one main aspect. For the qualitative approach, participants were chosen using a theoretical sampling technique. Researchers acted as the primary data collection instrument. Results: Out of the total, 88.5% of the participants did not use “Seha” application. Among users, the main perceived benefit from the application was the ability to contact a general practitioner anytime. Among non-users, the greatest barrier to use was the lack of awareness about it, while the ability to contact a general practitioner any time (25%) and reducing visits to the doctor (23%) were the top motivations. A conceptual framework was developed to define the different aspects affecting the use of the online medical consultation application. These aspects included awareness and education, technical issues, access, and consultation information. Conclusion: Public awareness and education about the application, as well as the integration of its functions with other healthcare systems were the main recommendations suggested. Implementing these recommendations is encouraged to deliver value to e-health initiatives in Saudi Arabia.
KW - digital health
KW - e-health
KW - health care
KW - mobile application
KW - telemedicine
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85136935972
U2 - 10.2147/RMHP.S349548
DO - 10.2147/RMHP.S349548
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85136935972
SN - 1179-1594
VL - 15
SP - 1607
EP - 1619
JO - Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
JF - Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
ER -