ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement L-Z 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 26
WONCA 2023 Supplement 2: WONCA 2023 abstracts (L–Z)
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Key factors for telehealth implementation in Thai
ageing population
O
Miss Pradubporn Leelasart
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Q
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V
W
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Y
Z
Nakornping Hospital
Background
To prepare for an ageing society, the Thai government has established a policy integrating the use of
communication technology into health services (telehealth). However, local evidence about telehealth
implementation in the older population was limited.
Aims and objectives
This study aimed to identify what key factors were needed for successful telehealth implementation in
general and specifically in the Thai older population.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach including a critical literature review and qualitative interviews with six
stakeholders in the northern part of Thailand was applied. In the critical literature review part, 11
studies from four databases (Delphis, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus) were included. Inclusion
and exclusion criteria were applied. In the qualitative part, six stakeholders were included: one
policy maker, three healthcare providers, one IT worker and one older patient. Online semistructured
interviews were conducted via Zoom or LINE VDO call. Qualitative content analysis was applied.
Results
Three categories of person-related factors, technology-related factors and contextual factors were
extracted from the literature review and interview data. Each category had effects on one another.
Seven key factors were highlighted: (1) promoting acceptance: perceived usefulness and social
influence; (2) minimising barriers: health conditions, socioeconomic issues and technology skills; (3)
training; (4) practical support; (5) effective tools: consideration of older people’s conditions, ease of use,
integration into existing infrastructure and services; (6) security; and (7) policy and funding support.
Conclusion
A holistic approach by integrating key factors into the existing healthcare system considering older
people’s specific needs and cultural context would lead to the successful implementation of telehealth
in the Thai ageing population. However, policy and funding support was also needed to sustain the
telehealth services.
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