Identifying the Potentials, Challenges, and Barriers to the Application of New Communication Technologies in the Field of Health with a Focus on Rare Patients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Advances in new communication technologies have created a good environment for the provision of various services. Due to the importance of using new communication technologies in health care, this study was conducted to identify opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses of these technologies in the field of health with a focus on rare patients. Method: This qualitative study was conducted with the participation of 40 experts and specialists in the field of communication and health, and a number of rare patients. The sampling method was snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews continued to the point of data saturation. To collect data, notes were taken and the interviews were recorded and transcribed. For accurate data analysis, MAXQDA (version 12) was used. Results: The results of this study on opportunities, challenges, threatening factors, and strategies of using new communication technologies in the field of health led to the formation and identification of 379 initial codes, including 45 categories, which finally 4 themes of opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses were extracted. Conclusion: New communication technologies, regarding their potentials, could facilitate the advancement of health communication and provide better digital solutions for rare patients, who face various challenges in their treatment period and social life, as well as mental and psychological concerns and the need for information. It is recommended to determine the potentials, difficulties, and barriers associated with employing new communication technologies and then, plan, establish standards and rules, and employ these technologies accordingly