Assessing Patient Use of and Attitudes toward eHealth Services for Communication with Primary Care Centers in Saudi Arabia and Factors Affecting Usage.

BACKGROUND

This study investigates patients' use of eHealth services, their awareness of the availability of these services, and their intention to use them in primary care. It also examines patient characteristics and factors that influence the use of these services.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design using questionnaires was conducted. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the participants rated the two most common services. Descriptive analyses and linear correlation analyses were performed. A simple linear regression was conducted to identify factors influencing the participants' intention to use eHealth services.

RESULTS

In total, 1203 participants with an average age of 43.7 years were surveyed. The participants' usage rates varied, with the lowest at 2.4%, for measuring vital signs, and the highest at 47.4%, for booking appointments. The intentions to use the services ranged from 22.5%, for video consultations, to 46.6%, for prescription refill requests. Approximately 20% of the respondents were unaware of each service's availability. Positive associations were found between all the constructs and the intention to use online services, with a younger age being the most significant factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of and intention to use eHealth services varied greatly. The participants were often unaware of the availability of these services. Promoting the availability and benefits of eHealth services could enhance patient engagement in primary care settings.