Ethics code: IR.TUMS.SPH.REC.1401.239
1- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (28 Views)
Objectiv(s): Virtual clinics have played an important role in improving access to healthcare services worldwide. However, several challenges, barriers, and facilitators can affect the success of these clinics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the facilitators and barriers encountered by virtual clinics in Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals.
Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative method and was a descriptive phenomenological study involving semi-structured interviews with 40 medical staff members and administrators at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed and reported using both inductive and deductive approaches.
Results: Barriers were identified and categorized in three areas: human resources, structure, and quality of virtual services. For example, software and security limitations, service safety, and integration and communication were among the most important. Similarly, virtual clinic facilitators were categorized in five areas: human resources, hardware/software capabilities, quality, efficiency, and accessibility. Themes such as human resources capabilities and capabilities, payment system, university branding, improved interaction, follow-up, cost reduction, and improved financial status were mentioned.
Conclusion: In this study, the key facilitators and barriers to implementing virtual clinics in hospitals were identified. The findings indicated that the success of this approach depends not only on technical and software infrastructure but also on human factors, service quality, accessibility, and efficiency. Developing specialized human resources, establishing a coherent structure, and focusing on service quality are essential requirements for expanding virtual clinics. Further studies in other healthcare centers are recommended to validate and generalize these findings.
Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative method and was a descriptive phenomenological study involving semi-structured interviews with 40 medical staff members and administrators at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed and reported using both inductive and deductive approaches.
Results: Barriers were identified and categorized in three areas: human resources, structure, and quality of virtual services. For example, software and security limitations, service safety, and integration and communication were among the most important. Similarly, virtual clinic facilitators were categorized in five areas: human resources, hardware/software capabilities, quality, efficiency, and accessibility. Themes such as human resources capabilities and capabilities, payment system, university branding, improved interaction, follow-up, cost reduction, and improved financial status were mentioned.
Conclusion: In this study, the key facilitators and barriers to implementing virtual clinics in hospitals were identified. The findings indicated that the success of this approach depends not only on technical and software infrastructure but also on human factors, service quality, accessibility, and efficiency. Developing specialized human resources, establishing a coherent structure, and focusing on service quality are essential requirements for expanding virtual clinics. Further studies in other healthcare centers are recommended to validate and generalize these findings.
type of study: Qualitative Study |
Subject:
Helath Services Management
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/11/30 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/10/26
Received: 2025/08/16 | Accepted: 2025/11/30 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/10/26
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