The Strategies for Development the Quality of Telemedicine Services in Cancer Patients in Udon Thani Cancer Hospital
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine has been widely implemented in cancer care. Enhancing service quality is essential to ensure high-quality and sustainable healthcare delivery
Research objectives: To develop strategies for improving the quality of telemedicine services for cancer patients.
Research methodology: This developmental research employed a mixed-methods approach and was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 involved assessing current issues in two steps: (1) a quantitative study using questionnaires with 193 cancer patients to analyze problem levels using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation; and (2) a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, analyzed through content analysis. Phase 2 focused on strategy formulation. Phase 3 evaluated the proposed strategies using assessments by 30 experts, with data analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The participants included cancer patients and telemedicine providers at Udon Thani Cancer Hospital, selected through purposive sampling.
Results: System quality issues were found to be at a moderate level ( x-= 2.58, SD = 0.98), with issues in reliability, ease of use, and response time. Problems included unstable systems, poor internet, and complexity for elderly patients, and the need for caregiver or provider support. Service quality issues were at a low level ( x-= 2.29, SD = 1.02), especially in responsiveness, tangibility, and assurance. Challenges involved coordination, service areas, procedures, technology, and communication tools. A total of 6 strategies comprising 11 projects were developed to enhance telemedicine service quality. Evaluation results indicated that the strategies were appropriate and feasible for implementation.
Conclusion: The developed strategies are suitable for improving telemedicine services for cancer patients.
Implications: These strategies should be applied in practice to enhance the quality and efficiency of telemedicine services for cancer patients.
Keywords: strategies, service quality, telemedicine, cancer
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