Telemedicine Services: Assessing the Public Awareness and Readiness Levels
Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s41347-026-00741-0
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Psycinfo
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Awareness, Healthcare, Readiness, Scale development, Telemedicine
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background and Aim: Telemedicine is increasingly becoming one of the main service offerings. However, users’ awareness and readiness to use it are critical in achieving the expected outcomes of the service. This study examined the levels of individual readiness and awareness. Methods: Data were collected from centers and rural areas in 72 provinces in all regions of Turkey. A total of 1,137 people took part in the study. Two scales were developed, comprising awareness and readiness to use telemedicine. A non-probability (convenience and snowball) sampling approach was used, so the sample is not nationally representative. Results: Significant differences were observed in readiness and awareness levels among participants based on age, education level, region of residence, and place of residence variables. Differences by age and education level were moderate to large in magnitude (η² = 0.080 and 0.144 for readiness), whereas differences by region and place of residence were small (η² ≤ 0.021) and no substantively meaningful gender difference was observed. Conclusion: It was determined that some physical and technical barriers, concerns about trust, and low levels of awareness about telemedicine services were observed.