Evaluating perceived technology self-efficacy and telehealth acceptance in optometry students

There is a growing importance of technology in healthcare, and a demand for practitioners to be current in their practices, including adopting technologies like telehealth to improve patient-centered care. It is unclear if optometry students are accepting and/or feel supported in using telehealth.

This study examined how participation in a telehealth course impacts University of Melbourne final year optometry students’ perceptions on their technology self-efficacy and telehealth acceptance. The results of this study indicated that optometry students had high technology self-efficacy compared to telehealth acceptance, however telehealth training resulted in a significant improvement in telehealth acceptance.

Overall, this study improved understanding in the barriers and facilitators of telehealth adoption, guiding stakeholders in making decisions for safe and effective implementation of telehealth.