Experiences and opinion of medical professionals regarding the use of telemedicine tools in management of patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional survey

Telemedicine has rapidly become a vital tool in managing chronic diseases, yet its effective integration relies on the acceptance and preparedness of healthcare professionals. This study aimed to assess the experiences, opinions, and expectations of medical professionals regarding telemedicine tools in patient care. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2024 among 237 employees of the 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland. Respondents completed an online questionnaire assessing telemedicine experiences, expectations, and barriers. This study used the "Expectations of Telemedicine" (ET-14) and "Benefits and Requirements of Telemedicine" (BRT-10). Over half of the respondents (54%) reported experience with telemedicine, especially paramedics (91.7%) and general practitioners (71.4%). Healthcare professionals identified improved patient access and optimized resource utilization as primary expectations, while significant barriers included difficulty performing physical examinations (73.8%) and technological limitations (50.6%). Although paramedics exhibited greater skepticism about telemedicine's usefulness compared to other professions, most participants acknowledged its potential benefits for chronic disease management. The instruments used demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.95). In conclusion, telemedicine offers significant benefits for chronic disease management but requires addressing barriers such as training gaps, technological infrastructure, and regulatory adjustments. Tailored interventions and enhanced integration with existing healthcare systems are essential for broader adoption.