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Telemedicine and eHealth Literacy in the Era of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Peripheral Clinic in Israel

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  • Keren Dopelt

    (Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel
    Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel)

  • Nofar Avni

    (Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel)

  • Yana Haimov-Sadikov

    (Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel)

  • Iris Golan

    (Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel)

  • Nadav Davidovitch

    (Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic mandating isolation, quarantine, and social distancing has accelerated and expanded the use of telemedicine. This study examines the extent of the use of telemedicine and the relationship between eHealth literacy and satisfaction with using telemedicine during the pandemic. A total of 156 participants from a clinic in a peripheral community in southern Israel completed an online questionnaire. We found that 85% knew how to use the internet for health information, but only one third felt safe using it to make health decisions. Furthermore, 93% used the internet for technical needs, such as renewing prescriptions or making a doctor’s appointment. Even lower use for telemedicine was found (38%) for consultation or treatment sessions. A positive association was found between eHealth literacy and satisfaction variables with using telemedicine (r p = 0.39, p < 0.001). Although respondents understood the benefits of telemedicine, they were not satisfied nor interested in online sessions after the epidemic’s end, preferring a meeting involving personal interaction. Young people and academics benefit more from telemedicine, thereby creating usage gaps and potentially increasing existing inequality. We recommend developing intervention programs, especially among vulnerable populations, to strengthen eHealth literacy and remove barriers causing skepticism about the use of telemedicine during and after the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Keren Dopelt & Nofar Avni & Yana Haimov-Sadikov & Iris Golan & Nadav Davidovitch, 2021. "Telemedicine and eHealth Literacy in the Era of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Peripheral Clinic in Israel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9556-:d:632966
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Munshi Muhammad Abdul Kader Jilani & Md. Moniruzzaman & Mouri Dey & Edris Alam & Md. Aftab Uddin, 2022. "Strengthening the Trialability for the Intention to Use of mHealth Apps Amidst Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Marta Marsilio & Martina Pisarra & Magda Giulia Santini & Elisabetta Mancini & Carlo Nicora & Michele Torresani, 2022. "Tele-oncologia: dalla cura alla ricerca. Il caso dell?IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori," MECOSAN, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2022(123), pages 133-147.
    3. Orna Reges & Ilan Feldhamer & Yael Wolff Sagy & Gil Lavie, 2022. "Factors Associated with Using Telemedicine in the Primary Care Clinics during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-11, October.

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