Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Telemedicine enhances healthcare access in resource-limited settings. In Ethiopia, despite its potential, implementation remains limited due to healthcare professionals' readiness. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the readiness of healthcare professionals for telemedicine implementation and its associated factors in public hospitals in the Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia, 2024.

METHOD

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 5-15, 2024, among randomly selected 383 health professionals at public hospitals in the Harari region. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing readiness, attitudes, digital competencies, and sociodemographic factors. The primary outcome was readiness for telemedicine implementation. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 17.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with readiness.

RESULTS

Readiness to implement telemedicine was reported by 57.5% of health professionals (95% confidence interval (CI): 52.3-62.6). Having favorable attitude towards telemedicine (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.61, 95% CI (11.63-4.15), computer skills (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI: 2.15-7.55), computer literacy (AOR = 3.00, 95%, CI (1.51-5.97), educational status (AOR = 4.84, 95% CI (1.31-17.79), work experience (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.06-5.17) significantly associated with health professional's readiness for the implementation of telemedicine.

CONCLUSION

More than half of the respondents demonstrated readiness for the implementation of telemedicine. Digital skills, educational level, work experience, and attitude largely determined readiness. These findings support targeted capacity-building interventions to enhance digital literacy and promote positive perceptions, thereby accelerating telemedicine adoption in Ethiopian healthcare settings.

MeSH

Cross-Sectional Studies, Computers, Hospitals, Public, Telemedicine, Work, Literacy