Perceptions of Telehealth Services Among Rural Lung Cancer Patients in China: A Qualitative Study Using the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

Objectives

To describe the perceptions of telehealth services among lung cancer patients in rural areas of China, as well as to explore the potential of telemedicine to improve long-term health recovery at home for rural lung cancer patients.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study design was used in this study and we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 rural Chinese lung cancer patients between December 2022 and March 2023. Interview content was analyzed using Nvivo software and a framework analysis was performed using the Technology Acceptance Model to identify meaningful themes.

Results

Participants identified perceptual and technical factors related to perceived ease of use, benefits and drawbacks related to perceived usefulness, and facilitators and barriers related to intention to use. However, regional and disease features including literacy barriers, medical insurance condition, symptom burden, and rural cultural health seeking behavior conduct must be taken into account.

Conclusions

Lung cancer patients in rural China believe that telehealth services could be an alternative solution for addressing health and care needs, but various aspects, such as user interface design, cost-effectiveness, and technological anxiety, need to be optimized.

Implications for Nursing Practice

More highly specialized nursing team, friendly telecare lung function modules, and media technology training courses should be developed for rural lung cancer patients to enhance the quality of their home care, meet their information needs and better control their disease progression.