Factors Associated with Continuous Telemedicine Utilization among Service Users at the Institute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Keywords:
telemedicine, continuance use, technology acceptance, dermatology patientsAbstract
Objective: Continuous telemedicine utilization is important for sustaining digital health services. This study examined factors associated with continuous telemedicine usage among service users at the Institute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 285 adults selected by simple random sampling from 1,077 telemedicine users in fiscal years 2024–2025. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire based on Extended TAM, UTAUT, and HBM. Questionnaires were administered in paper form at the clinic and online via Google Form through SMS and LINE OA. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used.
Results: Continuous telemedicine usage was reported by 83.2% of participants. Significant factors included marital status (p = 0.007), cumulative telemedicine visits (p < 0.001), duration of dermatologic illness (p < 0.001), self- or family-initiated scheduling (p = 0.014), future intention to use telemedicine (p < 0.001), travel convenience (p = 0.003), private vehicle ownership (p = 0.009), and low travel expenditure (p = 0.042). Overall technology acceptance and all eight dimensions were not significantly associated (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Continuous telemedicine usage was associated with actual service experience, follow-up needs, and family support. Patients with convenient travel still chose telemedicine, suggesting it has become a preferred mode of care. Teledermatology services should improve appointment systems, caregiver support, and service design.
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