Model for the Adoption of Telemedicine in Sri Lanka

Abstract

We report the results of the study that explored the factors characterizing the introduction of telemedicine to the rural areas of Sri Lanka. A model was developed from the analysis of the literature, expert review, and a field study conducted in three districts of Sri Lanka, which involved clinicians, hospital staff, and the general public from both rural and urban areas. Health ministry officials, medical directors, and consultants from urban areas were also consulted. Quantitative data from the questionnaires, and qualitative data from the interviews, were analyzed to investigate the impact on culture, technology, and infrastructure when adopting a telemedicine system in rural areas of Sri Lanka. The TeleMedicine in Sri Lanka (TMSL) model is presented, which expresses the factors that hinder the acceptance of telemedicine in Sri Lanka. The key findings are that an understanding of the culture of Sri Lanka and additional computing skills are essential when implementing a telemedicine system in the rural areas of the country.