Volume 28, Issue 4 (3-2026)
jha 2026, 28(4): 70-84 |
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Rahmani M, Ghafoorifard S, Soufi K, Fotoukian F, Asghari N, zeirani A. Feasibility study of telemedicine implementation in Saveh city healthcare centers: a cross-sectional study in 2023. jha 2026; 28 (4) :70-84
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4678-en.html
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4678-en.html
Meysam Rahmani1 
, Shadi Ghafoorifard2 , Kimia Soufi2 , Farnoush Fotoukian2 , Narges Asghari2 , Anahita Zeirani3
, Shadi Ghafoorifard2 , Kimia Soufi2 , Farnoush Fotoukian2 , Narges Asghari2 , Anahita Zeirani3
1- Health Information Technology Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
3- Health Information Technology Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran ,o.zeirani@gmail.com
2- Student Research Committee, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
3- Health Information Technology Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran ,
Abstract: (24 Views)
Introduction: Despite infrastructural limitations, telemedicine plays a crucial role in improving access to healthcare services in underserved areas of Iran. The city of Saveh faces similar challenges; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing telemedicine across multiple dimensions in the healthcare centers of this city.
Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in selected healthcare centers in Saveh in 2023. The study population consisted of 70 physicians, 13 information technology staff, and 19 managers and heads of healthcare centers, selected through a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Mehraeen and Kiberu instruments, assessing three dimensions of readiness: human–professional, technical–communication, and organizational–managerial aspects. Face and content validity were confirmed by five experts, and reliability was assessed using the test–retest method (r= 0.71). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The mean attitude scores toward telemedicine among IT staff, managers, and physicians were 3.8, 3.7, and 3.1 (out of 5), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). More than 84% of participants identified the lack of dedicated and adequate funding, along with insurance and reimbursement issues, as the main barriers to telemedicine implementation.
Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes and adequate awareness of telemedicine, inadequate technical and communication infrastructure, insurance-related challenges, and insufficient training remain the primary obstacles to its implementation in Saveh. Strengthening infrastructure, providing continuous training, and revising insurance policies are essential for the successful deployment of telemedicine.
Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in selected healthcare centers in Saveh in 2023. The study population consisted of 70 physicians, 13 information technology staff, and 19 managers and heads of healthcare centers, selected through a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Mehraeen and Kiberu instruments, assessing three dimensions of readiness: human–professional, technical–communication, and organizational–managerial aspects. Face and content validity were confirmed by five experts, and reliability was assessed using the test–retest method (r= 0.71). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The mean attitude scores toward telemedicine among IT staff, managers, and physicians were 3.8, 3.7, and 3.1 (out of 5), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). More than 84% of participants identified the lack of dedicated and adequate funding, along with insurance and reimbursement issues, as the main barriers to telemedicine implementation.
Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes and adequate awareness of telemedicine, inadequate technical and communication infrastructure, insurance-related challenges, and insufficient training remain the primary obstacles to its implementation in Saveh. Strengthening infrastructure, providing continuous training, and revising insurance policies are essential for the successful deployment of telemedicine.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health Information Technology
Received: 2025/07/7 | Accepted: 2026/02/18 | Published: 2026/03/6
Received: 2025/07/7 | Accepted: 2026/02/18 | Published: 2026/03/6
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