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Original Research
Published: 16.12.2024. Biochemistry
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https://doi.org/10.30953/thmt.v9.541

Transitioning From Crisis to Continuity Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: Adoption of Telehealth by Sehat Kahani Healthcare Providers, Karachi, Pakistan

By
Sara Saeed Khurram Orcid logo ,
Sara Saeed Khurram

Department of Public Health & Digital Health, 1 Sehat Kahani C/O Community Innovation Hub , Sindh , Pakistan

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Iffat Zafar Aga ,
Iffat Zafar Aga

Department of Public Health & Digital Health, Sehat Kahani C/O Community Innovation Hub, Karachi , Sindh , Pakistan

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Muhammad Muzzamil Orcid logo ,
Muhammad Muzzamil
Contact Muhammad Muzzamil

Department of Public Health & Digital Health, Sehat Kahani C/O Community Innovation Hub, Karachi , Sindh , Pakistan

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Mahek Karim Orcid logo ,
Mahek Karim

Department of Public Health & Digital Health, Sehat Kahani C/O Community Innovation Hub, Karachi , Sindh , Pakistan

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Shahkamal Hashmi
Shahkamal Hashmi

Ziauddin College of Public Health , Karachi, Sindh , Pakistan

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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the usability and effectiveness of telehealth services among healthcare providers in Karachi, Pakistan post-COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the Sehat Kahani platform.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 388 healthcare professionals utilising the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). Sociodemographic information, encompassing age, gender, speciality, and experience, was also gathered.

Results: The predominant demographic of participants was female (89.9%), with ages ranging from 25 to 46 (90%). A majority of participants (86%) were of Pakistani origin. The average TUQ score was 5.73 (± 0.4), reflecting a favourable view of telehealth. Identified key challenges encompassed inadequate internet access (92%), limited financial resources (54%), legal issues (49%), and limitations in the treatment of specific diseases (78%).

Conclusion: Telehealth possesses considerable potential to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality in Pakistan. Addressing problems like as infrastructure, budgetary limitations, and legal obstacles is essential for its extensive implementation. Future investigations should examine the enduring effects of telemedicine on patient outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare systems. Keywords: mHealth, Telemedicine, TUQ (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire), Sehat Kahani, Covid-19, Pandemic

Keywords:

COVID-19,
mHealth,
Pakistan,
pandemic,
telehealth usability questionnaire,
telemedicine,
TUQ,
Sehat Kahani

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Vol 9, Issue 6, 2024
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