Background: The novel coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic has been dramatically affecting healthcare organizations across the world. Accessing modern health care is still limited in developing countries due to different factors. Within physical distancing, telemedicine has become the preferred communication channel between health professions and patients. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess Perception and Associated factors for the implementation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Health Professionals Working at Governmental health facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods: -Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 845 study participants. A structured interview administrative questionnaire using ODK(open data kit) was used. A pre-test was done on 5% of the total sample size. The quality of data was assured by checking its completeness and consistency. Descriptive statistics Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were fitted. Variables having P-value less than 0.25 during bi-variable logistics regression were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence level (CL) were used to declare association between dependent and the outcome variable. Model fitness and multicollinearity was checked using by using Hosmer-Lemeshow AND Variable inflation factors(VIF) respectively.
Result:- Over all 60.9% (95% CI: [57.5, 64.4]) of health professionals had a good perception towards telemedicine with response rate of 737( 87.2%). Health professionals who had IT supporting staff (AOR:7.13, 95% CI: 4.264-13.201), health professionals ’ being certified concerning with ICT (AOR:4.42, 95%CI: 2.69-7.524), frequency of using social media platforms (AOR=3.263, 95% CI: 1.621-6.561) were variables significantly associated with the perception of telemedicine among health professionals for control and prevention of COVID-19.
Conclusion:- More than half of respondents had a good perception of telemedicine. being trained with ICT, accessibility of computers,s and Having IT support staff in their health facility were significantly associated with the level of telemedicine perception in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Ministry of health recommended to encourage the health professions and the stakeholders to collaborate on promotion of safe and evidence-based use of telemedicine during the current COVID-19 pandemic and future outbreaks.