Factors influencing user decision of telemedicine applications in Thailand

Abstract

Telemedicine applications have been used worldwide to support the healthcare system in both private and government sectors. However, the factors influencing users’ decisions to use the telemedicine application have not been well determined. Exploratory cross-sectional research was conducted using an offline and online questionnaire on Thai individuals aged 18–65. The recruitment period for this study spanned from December 25, 2023, to March 25, 2024, utilizing quota sampling to ensure representation across different regions of Thailand. The objectives were to estimate the proportion of individuals using telemedicine applications and to identify significant determinants of the decision to use telemedicine applications, including Acceptance and Use of Technology, the information systems (IS) Success Model, Trust, and Perceived Risk factors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify potential latent factors from the 62-item multidimensional questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to identify significant determinants of using telemedicine applications. EFA was performed to group 62 variables into 6 latent factors, including trust, ease of use, system quality, benefits of use, price, and service quality. Of 385 Thai individuals, the proportion of those who use telemedicine applications was 63.63%. All six determinants significantly influenced the decision to use telemedicine applications. The factors influencing individuals’ decisions to use telemedicine applications include trust, ease of use, system quality, benefits of use, price, and service quality.