Digital Health Communication: Narratives of Health Patients using Telemedicine for Primary Healthcare in Lucena City, Philippines

Abstract

This study analyzed narratives of health patients who have used telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic starting 2020. Focusing on the relation between society and technology, it is underpinned by the social determinism and the social construction theory and is qualitative in nature. Results showed that the participants used telemedicine during the pandemic because they needed to continuously connect with their doctors. They became familiar with telemedicine in different ways - it was advised by the doctor, it was seen on Facebook, or it has become prevalent even at work and in their Church. From the conventional personal visits to the doctor in their clinics or in the hospital, participants needed to learn and adapt to online medical treatment. Some of them who never had Viber (an online messaging app) created one while some extended the use of their Messenger accounts to constantly talk to their doctors. Because telemedicine is digital in nature, it lacks physical examination of patient by the doctor. Hence, the participants were compelled to become technology savvy and more diligent in monitoring their health by carefully taking note of their symptoms, such as their oxygen and heart rates. The participants also had to adjust to the other demands of technology for health consultation. Nonetheless, the participants have apparently embraced telemedicine as they claim that they are satisfied with its use. Even after pandemic, they continue to use telemedicine and now view it as a good alternative for basic healthcare because it is more convenient, faster, safer, and in many cases, cheaper. So, while telemedicine encouraged them to use technology, they also chose what technology to use or a combination thereof that suited their needs. Further, they improvised the technology to overcome any limitations that would help them transact with their doctors or nurses in the most efficient and effective ways.