Model Development of Telemedicine for Hypertension Patients in a Rural Primary Healthcare Center in Thailand: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Hypertension services were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine was heavily used to overcome this disruption. The aims of this study were to describe a typical hypertension service and recommendations for telemedicine development for hypertension patients in a rural, Sub-District-level, primary healthcare center.Methods: A qualitative case study was utilized. In-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare staff at a rural primary healthcare center in April 2023. The interview process was continued until data saturation had been achieved. Data from the interviews were assessed via the triangulation method. Analytic induction was used to analyze the data.Conclusion: The total number of participants was 10 persons (3 male and 7 female). The median age was 42 years old (min. 32, max. 58). The qualitative results revealed that participants believed that telemedicine provided adequate hypertension services. The patients’ data was sent from the primary healthcare center to the secondary hospital (Provincial level) via the internet system. Communications between the patients and doctors at the provincial hospital were executed via video calls. All services were performed and completed at the primary healthcare center. The use of telemedicine by Sub-District healthcare hospitals could mitigate the limitations of traditional care, such as the lack of physicians, delays in treatment, and limited medical equipment. The engagement of stakeholders was the key factor in the success and sustainability of the program.