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TITLE:

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT TELEMEDICINE DURING COVID–19 PANDEMIC AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF PUNJAB PAKISTAN

AUTHORS:

Faiqa Amin, Iqra Tahir, Anoosha Yousaf

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Telemedicine is the delivery of health care services where distance is a critical factor by all health care professionals for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, telemedicine is bridging the gap between people, physician and health care units while at the same time maintaining social distancing. Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice about telemedicine during Covid-19 pandemic among medical students of Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology Study setting: The study was carried out among medical students of different medical colleges of Punjab, Pakistan. Students of 12 medical colleges were included. Study Design: Cross-sectional observational descriptive study. Duration: 2nd April 2020 to 15th May 2020. Sample size: 200 students. Data collection: A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used for the collection of data in this research. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. In first part questions about bio data were asked and in second part questions about the actual research were asked after taking their verbal consent. Data analysis: Data was analyzed manually. Frequencies were calculated; also tables were made.Results: Survey revealed that 95% of the participants knew about telemedicine and 93% believed that it can be used to provide health services during Covid-19 pandemic. Regarding services of telemedicine 54% of participants had idea, but only 34% knew about training courses. About 70% agreed that patient’s examination, management, investigation and follow up can be done through telemedicine. Survey revealed that 91% of participants think telemedicine is revolutionary for health care provision and 92.5% thought it can save lives during pandemic. About 92.5% were willing to take telemedicine courses and 88% believed telemedicine training should be made compulsory. The study revealed that 74% of participants thought that telemedicine is practical in developing country like Pakistan. Only 20% received any health services via telemedicine during pandemic. 80.5% believed that telemedicine services are feasible and convenient. About 35.5% found the process difficult to understand. 20% found it effective and 2% did not find it effective. Most, i.e. 94.5% would like to recommend this service to others Conclusion: All participants had adequate level of knowledge and positive attitude towards telemedicine thus if appropriate measures are taken the use of telemedicine can bring positive changes in health care provision during this pandemic situation. Keywords: Telemedicine, Covid-19 pandemic, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Medical students.

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