Perspective of smokers and healthcare professionals toward real-time video counseling smoking cessation program in general out-patient clinics in Hong Kong: a qualitative study.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of individuals that currently smoke and healthcare professionals on using real-time video counseling in the Smoking Cessation and Counselling Program in General Out-patient Clinics in Hong Kong.

Design: This was a qualitative study using face-to-face semi-structured interviews based on the extended technology acceptance model. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Two investigators coded the transcripts independently. Thematic analysis was adopted.

Participants: Individuals that currently smoke and healthcare professionals who had experience using real-time video counseling in the Smoking Cessation and Counselling Program in General Out-patient Clinics in Hong Kong were recruited. Purposive sampling was adopted. 18 participants were interviewed to reach data saturation.

Main outcome measures: Themes that emerged from thematic analysis of data were the main outcome measures. The emerged themes were refined and verified via inductive and then deductive processes until data saturation was reached.

Results: Two core themes, which were in coherence with the extended technology acceptance model, namely (i) perceived ease of use and (ii) perceived usefulness, were identified. Under perceived ease of use, we identified 2 subthemes: (i) convenience and (ii) measures to facilitate the use of real-time video counseling. Three subthemes were identified under perceived usefulness: (i) empathy and rapport, (ii) measures for pandemics, and (iii) service outcome.

Conclusion: Our study provided a culture-specific perspective of users towards real-time video counseling. It identified users' opinions on the easiness and usefulness of the service. Those could provide clues for future improvement and development of using real-time video counseling in healthcare services.