A Study on the Factors Affecting the Adoption of Telemedicine to the Rural and Underserved Population in India

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of telemedicine in rural and underserved populations in India, aiming to identify key barriers and enablers. Using data from 750 respondents, the study utilizes PLS-SEM to assess the impact of technological, socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors on telemedicine acceptance. The findings highlight the significance of effort expectancy and social influence in driving telemedicine adoption, emphasizing the necessity for user-friendly platforms and community engagement. Conversely, perceived severity and perceived susceptibility negatively impact adoption, suggesting that heightened awareness of health risks may deter usage due to fear and mistrust.
The study underscores the importance of enhancing digital literacy and infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and improve telemedicine accessibility. Recommendations include simplifying telemedicine interfaces, providing multilingual support, engaging community leaders, and implementing targeted training programs. The study also advocates for integrating telemedicine with existing healthcare services and conducting awareness campaigns to address psychological barriers.
Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and patient confidentiality, are critical in the telemedicine context. The study calls for robust regulatory frameworks and policy support to ensure the safe and effective implementation of telemedicine services.
Future research directions include exploring the long-term impact of telemedicine on healthcare outcomes, assessing the effectiveness of different training and engagement strategies, and examining the role of emerging technologies like AI in enhancing telemedicine services. This study provides comprehensive insights and actionable recommendations to improve telemedicine adoption and healthcare delivery in rural and underserved areas of India, aiming to create a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system.
Keywords: Telemedicine, Rural Healthcare, Adoption Barriers, Digital Literacy, Healthcare Accessibility.