Iran University of Science and Technology
Abstract: (66 Views)
Introduction: In many developing countries, particularly Iran, providing medical services in rural areas faces numerous challenges, including shortages of healthcare professionals, dispersed populations, limited infrastructure, and high travel costs. In this context, telemedicine emerges as an innovative solution that can enhance both access to and efficiency of healthcare services. However, there is still limited evidence regarding the feasibility of replacing in-person examinations with remote alternatives. This study aims to offer a comprehensive framework to guide designers in understanding contextual challenges and effectively navigating the early stages of designing telemedicine examination equipment before defining specific technical solutions.
Method: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in two phases. First, needs were identified through field observations and semi-structured interviews with 25 residents of the rural village of Zamenjan. In the second phase, a multidisciplinary team comprising physicians, local health workers, and residents collaboratively developed a checklist for designing remote medical examination tools, ensuring alignment with both community needs and professional medical standards.
Results: Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Key themes included resource limitations, technological access barriers, and implementation challenges. These insights were directly utilized to develop the final design checklist, highlighting essential features such as a modular structure, a user-friendly interface, a sustainable power supply, data security, and the incorporation of advanced technologies like augmented reality and haptic feedback.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that developing remote examination equipment through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach can significantly enhance access to and the quality of medical services in rural and underserved areas. By utilizing the provided checklist, designers can create efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly tools that address local limitations and specific needs, ultimately improving access to medical services and the quality of primary healthcare in these regions.
Method: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in two phases. First, needs were identified through field observations and semi-structured interviews with 25 residents of the rural village of Zamenjan. In the second phase, a multidisciplinary team comprising physicians, local health workers, and residents collaboratively developed a checklist for designing remote medical examination tools, ensuring alignment with both community needs and professional medical standards.
Results: Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Key themes included resource limitations, technological access barriers, and implementation challenges. These insights were directly utilized to develop the final design checklist, highlighting essential features such as a modular structure, a user-friendly interface, a sustainable power supply, data security, and the incorporation of advanced technologies like augmented reality and haptic feedback.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that developing remote examination equipment through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach can significantly enhance access to and the quality of medical services in rural and underserved areas. By utilizing the provided checklist, designers can create efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly tools that address local limitations and specific needs, ultimately improving access to medical services and the quality of primary healthcare in these regions.
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