Perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of telemedicine adoption among physicians in Palestinian primary care: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is widely adopted in developed countries, but it remains a relatively novel concept in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the willingness of physicians to adopt telemedicine in governmental primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Palestine and identify key influencing factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at PHC centers between May and July 2024 using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp. Descriptive statistics were calculated, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation assessed variable relationships, and a multivariate linear regression model identified factors influencing telemedicine adoption. RESULTS: Among 273 participating physicians, most had limited prior experience with telemedicine but held positive perceptions of its potential to save time and reduce costs, particularly for real-time procedural observation. The most frequently cited barrier was inadequate and inconsistent training. Multivariate analysis identified several factors significantly associated with higher willingness to adopt telemedicine, including perceived usefulness (B = 0.206, 95% CI: 0.059–0.352, β = 0.126, aP = 0.006), behavioral intention to use telemedicine (B = 0.181, 95% CI: 0.079–0.273, β = 0.215, aP < 0.001), and a positive general perception of telemedicine (B = 0.348, 95% CI: 0.269– 0.441, β = 0.450, aP < 0.001). Demographic factors such as older age (B = 0.639, 95% CI: 0.133–1.16, β = 0.138. aP = 0.014), and female gender (B = 0.714, 95% CI: 0.134–1.30, β = 0.105, aP = 0.016) were also positively associated. CONCLUSION: Physician willingness is essential for the successful integration of telemedicine into Palestinian primary care. To promote adoption, policymakers and healthcare managers should develop targeted interventions that address critical barriers, particularly the lack of capacity building related to telemedicine, while highlighting the perceived benefits of telemedicine. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.