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Attitudes, Awareness, and Willingness of Iranians Toward Using Telemedicine in Post-Covid Era: A Cross-Sectional Study Publisher



Gholamzadeh M1, 2 ; Abtahi H3 ; Safdari R1 ; Haghshenas E4 ; Gharabaghi MA5 ; Rahimi B3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Health Information Management and Medical Informatics Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department, Thoracic Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Health Care Management Department, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Health Science Reports Published:2025


Abstract

Background and Aims: With the increased use of telemedicine during the pandemic, understanding patients' attitudes and readiness to adopt telemedicine is crucial. This study investigates the attitudes, willingness, and usage behaviors of Iranian patients toward telemedicine. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in Iran from October 2021 to January 2023. Participants received a web-based questionnaire consisting of five sections. The study aimed to assess Iranians' attitudes toward telemedicine following the COVID-19 pandemic and their readiness to utilize telemedicine services in the post-pandemic period by analyzing the gathered data. Results: A total of 569 Iranian patients participated in the questionnaire, resulting in a 95% response rate. While 80% of respondents were familiar with telemedicine terms, only 30% had utilized telemedicine services before the COVID-19 outbreak. Overall, Iranians displayed positive attitudes toward telemedicine, with over two-thirds expressing a strong willingness to continue using telemedicine post-pandemic. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between higher e-health literacy scores and favorable attitudes toward telemedicine. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between having a positive attitude toward telemedicine and prior usage of telemedicine services before the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings indicated a positive attitude toward telemedicine among public patients. The results highlight a willingness to utilize remote medical services if the required infrastructure is in place to address trust issues among patients. These outcomes can be utilized to assess the feasibility of implementing telemedicine services in Iran. © 2025 The Author(s). Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.