AI Insight
This study examined factors influencing telemedicine adoption in post-pandemic Bangladesh using an integrated Technology Acceptance Model and UTAUT2 framework with PLS-SEM analysis. Trust and perceived usefulness emerged as the strongest predictors of behavioral intention to use telemedicine services, while perceived risk and technology anxiety significantly increased resistance to adoption. Interestingly, pre-pandemic resistance to telemedicine did not significantly affect current adoption patterns, suggesting the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally shifted attitudes toward digital healthcare services.
Why it matters
The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers in developing countries seeking to expand telemedicine access, particularly for rural and marginalized populations. The research identifies specific barriers—security concerns, digital literacy gaps, and platform usability issues—that must be addressed to achieve widespread telemedicine adoption in resource-limited settings.
Understand the Science
by Mohammad Rakibul Islam Bhuiyan, Md Abu Sayem, Niaz Makhdum
In the post-pandemic period, telemedicine services are a new addition to health sectors that facilitate bridging the gap for patients in rural and marginalized areas. The study aims to comprehend the different influential factors associated with adopting telemedicine services in Bangladesh. The study developed several hypotheses from two technology acceptance models, including the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). An explanatory research design was followed using a quantitative approach. The study developed a semi-structured questionnaire to collect primary data. It used Partial Least Squares-Structure Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify influential factors in adopting telemedicine services in Bangladesh. Key findings indicate that trust (β = 0.469, p < 0.001) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.418, p < 0.001) are the strongest predictors of behavioral intention to use telemedicine. Perceived ease of use (β = 0.325, p 0.05), suggesting that the urgency created by the COVID-19 pandemic may have overridden previous resistance to telemedicine. The study also highlights the negative influence of perceived risk (β = 0.286, p < 0.05) and technology anxiety (β = 0.242, p 0.05) and facilitating conditions (p > 0.05) were not found to have a significant impact on resistance to use. This research underscores the importance of addressing security concerns, improving digital literacy, and enhancing the user-friendliness of telemedicine platforms to promote widespread adoption from the implication perspective. These insights are critical for policymakers and healthcare providers aiming to take immediate policy-level initiatives expanding telemedicine services in Bangladesh.