The readiness and acceptance of patients with tuberculosis to use telecare

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has been a global health burden and a leading infectious killer. The evolving healthcare technology allows telecare services to improve treatment support for TB patients. However, patient readiness and acceptance to use the service still need to be discovered. Objective: To evaluate the readiness and acceptance of TB patients in using telecare services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving patients at a respiratory hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, was conducted using an accidental sampling technique from April to June 2023. A validated questionnaire was developed from the technology readiness index (TRI) and technology acceptance model (TAM) framework. Data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results: A total of 188 respondents participated. Respondents had low to medium-range attitudes towards a readiness to use the telecare service. Nevertheless, the majority of the respondents accepted the idea of telecare service. Optimism and innovativeness were two significant factors influencing patient readiness to use telecare services. Respondents had a positive perception of the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the service. Conclusion: Not all patients were ready to use telecare despite their high acceptance towards the service. However, the positive perception towards the benefits of the service can be the leveraging factor for gradually adopting the service.