Attitudes of physicians from the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation toward the use of telemedicine technologies in clinical practice: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Interest in the use of telemedicine technologies is characteristic of healthcare systems worldwide. Studying physicians’ attitudes in different countries toward the prospects and risks associated with telemedicine allows healthcare administrators to make timely decisions aimed at increasing its positive perception among medical professionals and minimizing negative factors. AIM: To assess the perceived prospects and risks of using telemedicine technologies in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan according to physicians’ opinions. METHODS: The study was conducted in medical institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent) and the Russian Federation (Nizhny Novgorod) using a questionnaire-based survey of physicians (focus groups) based on author-designed questionnaires. A total of 60 physicians participated in the study. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that physicians in both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan generally have a positive perception of telemedicine in improving accessibility and continuity of medical care. In both countries, physicians noted a favorable public attitude toward remote consultations, associated with time and financial savings for patients. At the same time, persistent technical limitations, communication difficulties during remote interactions, and a perceived decrease in empathy between physician and patient were identified as negative factors. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine technologies have become part of routine clinical practice in both countries; however, the physician–patient interaction format continues to raise certain concerns among clinicians. Nevertheless, the accumulated positive experience in overcoming technical and communication challenges improves physicians’ perception of telemedicine and facilitates its further implementation and sustainable development.