Willingness to Pay for Telehealth in Malaysia: Double-Bounded Method

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Telehealth Consultation for Malaysian Citizens’ Willingness to Pay Assessed by the Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choice Method
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Tan Mey Mey, Katsuhiko Ogasawara


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Telehealth Consultation for Malaysian Citizens’ Willingness to Pay Assessed by the Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choice Method

Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.1.8

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The increasing demand for improved healthcare accessibility and efficiency has led to the exploration of telehealth as an innovative solution. In Malaysia, the potential of telehealth is significant, particularly for rural populations with limited access to healthcare facilities. The implementation of the Telemedicine Act since 1997 reflects the Malaysian government's commitment to integrating technology into healthcare services. However, the growth of telehealth adoption had been slow prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting challenges related to accessibility, affordability, and technological readiness across different demographic groups.

Willingness to Pay for Telehealth Services

A key focus of the study is the willingness to pay (WTP) for telehealth services among Malaysian citizens. The research surveyed 220 individuals to assess their WTP for a 30-minute telehealth consultation using a Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choice model. Results indicated a median WTP of RM58 (approximately JPY 2,198) for those willing to use telehealth. The study identified various factors that influenced WTP, including sociodemographic characteristics, perceived value of telehealth services, and individual income levels. Higher WTP was particularly associated with younger individuals and those with better education and financial status, while older participants showed reluctance due to a preference for in-person consultations.

Conclusion

The findings from this study emphasize that while there is a notable willingness among Malaysians to engage with telehealth services, various factors, particularly affordability and sociodemographic characteristics, significantly impact their decision-making processes. This insight presents a crucial opportunity for policymakers in Malaysia to shape strategies that broaden access to telehealth, ensuring that services are economically viable and equitable for all population segments. By addressing the barriers identified, including costs and the digital divide, the government and private sector can work collaboratively to promote telehealth as a sustainable component of the healthcare system in Malaysia, ultimately improving health outcomes and accessibility throughout the nation.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of this study on telehealth?

The study aims to estimate Malaysian citizens' willingness to pay (WTP) for telehealth consultations, identifying factors influencing WTP to inform decision-making about pricing strategies and expansion of telehealth services.

How was the data for the study collected?

Data was collected via an online survey distributed among a random sample of 220 adult Malaysians through social network services, employing a Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choice survey design to measure WTP.

What were the findings regarding willingness to pay?

The median willingness to pay for telehealth consultations was estimated at RM58 for those willing to use the service, while those unwilling had a median WTP of RM26, indicating affordability and sociodemographic factors influence decision-making.

What implications do the study’s conclusions hold for telehealth?

The findings suggest that while many Malaysians are open to telehealth, affordability issues and sociodemographic factors need to be considered for effective pricing and broadening access to telehealth services in Malaysia.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Willingness to Pay for Telehealth in Malaysia: Double-Bounded Method”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
In the context of research, a 'Table' serves as a visual representation of data, allowing readers to interpret and compare information succinctly. Tables are essential for organizing results from surveys, experiments, or studies, facilitating quick assessments of trends, relationships, or findings that support the main claims of a paper or analysis.

2) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' refers to a systematic investigation aimed at discovering new information, testing hypotheses, or analyzing existing knowledge. In academic and professional contexts, studies provide evidence or insights around a specific issue, contributing to the overall understanding of the subject matter and informing decisions, policies, and practices.

3) Education:
Education encompasses the processes of imparting knowledge, skills, and values through various means such as schooling, training programs, and self-directed learning. It plays a crucial role in personal and societal development, shaping one's ability to engage critically with the world while influencing economic and social policies in a given context.

4) Quality:
Quality signifies the standard of excellence or the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfills requirements. In healthcare, the quality of services impacts patient outcomes, satisfaction, and overall system effectiveness. Ensuring high quality is vital to improving care delivery, reinforcing trust within the healthcare system, and promoting health equity.

5) Perception:
Perception refers to the process of interpreting sensory information to form an understanding of the environment. It is influenced by individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and cognitive biases. In healthcare, patient perceptions regarding telehealth services, for instance, can greatly affect their willingness to use technology-based consultations and their health outcomes.

6) Citizen:
A 'Citizen' is a legally recognized subject or national of a state, entitled to rights and privileges associated with that status. Citizens play a fundamental role in shaping societal norms, laws, and policies. Their engagement in health-related decision-making, particularly regarding telehealth, is crucial for addressing community health needs effectively.

7) Life:
Life encompasses the classification and study of living organisms, including aspects such as health, wellness, and quality of existence. In healthcare discussions, life impacts, such as access to services and patient outcomes, are fundamental. Efforts to improve life quality through health interventions underscore the importance of equitable healthcare access.

8) Rules:
Rules are established guidelines or principles governing conduct within a specific context or organization. In healthcare, rules may refer to regulations ensuring health standards, patient safety, and ethical practices. Compliance with rules is vital for maintaining integrity within healthcare systems and fostering confidence among stakeholders.

9) Visit:
In a healthcare context, a 'Visit' usually refers to an appointment where a patient interacts with a healthcare provider for consultations, evaluations, or treatment. The format may vary—for instance, in-person visits versus telehealth visits—affecting patient access, comfort, and the overall quality of care received during the interaction.

10) Babu:
In the context of the text, 'Babu' could refer to an author or contributor involved in research or discussion about topics related to health or economics. Recognizing contributors adds credibility to the information presented and allows readers to explore further insights or studies related to their findings.

11) Male:
The term 'Male' pertains to the gender classification of individuals characterized by biological traits associated with masculinity. In healthcare research, examining male patients’ experiences, health issues, and perceptions is crucial for understanding gender-specific health needs and preferences, thereby informing treatment approaches and public health initiatives.

12) Evolution:
Evolution refers to the gradual development and changes observed within biological species or systems over time. In the healthcare field, evolution could pertain to advancements in medical practices, technologies like telehealth, or shifts in patient behavior and expectations, reflecting changing socio-economic contexts and healthcare needs.

13) Disease:
A 'Disease' is a pathological condition marked by specific symptoms resulting from factors like infection, genetic predispositions, environmental influences, or lifestyle choices. Understanding diseases is crucial for healthcare research, as it forms the base for developing effective treatments, preventive measures, and public health policies aimed at improving community health.

14) Kecavan:
In the context provided, 'Kesavan' refers to an individual author possibly contributing to a body of research on health or economics. Citing specific individuals is essential as it lends authority to the work presented and encourages readers to seek further validation or information on the discussed subject matter.

15) Farmer:
A 'Farmer' is an individual engaged in agriculture, producing crops or livestock. In health discussions, farmers may face unique health challenges due to occupational hazards, environmental conditions, and limited access to healthcare services. Addressing these factors is crucial for promoting agricultural health and ensuring farmers' well-being.

16) Street:
The term 'Street' can signify both a physical thoroughfare for transport and a metaphorical representation of the socio-economic conditions of urban environments. In health research, exploring street-level issues might highlight disparities in healthcare access, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and community-based health initiatives addressing urban health inequities.

17) Malani:
Malani likely refers to an author or researcher whose work informs health-related discussions or studies. Acknowledging contributions of recognized figures establishes credibility in research and provides a point of reference for understanding specific findings within the context of healthcare policies and practices.

18) Thong:
In the document context, 'Thong' could signify an author who offers insights relevant to healthcare or technology. Highlighting various contributors enriches the discourse and offers a broader perspective on the research outcomes, allowing readers to explore diverse viewpoints and methodologies surrounding the subject.

19) Money:
Money represents a medium of exchange used for transactions, including those in healthcare. Understanding the role of money in patient willingness to pay for services is essential for policymakers and providers, shaping pricing strategies, affordability measures, and overall access to health resources within different communities.

20) Tapa:
Thapa can refer to a researcher involved in studying health interventions. Naming contributors fosters accountability and trust in findings, encouraging further exploration of their work and its implications for advancements in telehealth and healthcare accessibility, particularly in diverse population settings.

21) Pain:
Pain serves as both a physical sensation and a significant aspect of many health conditions. It often shapes patient experiences, treatment decisions, and evaluations of healthcare services' effectiveness. Patient-reported pain levels and management are critical indicators for assessing healthcare quality and effectiveness across various medical fields.

22) Hand:
The term 'Hand' can refer to both the anatomical feature and serve as a metaphor for support and care. In health discussions, the hand may symbolize the role of healthcare providers in delivering services and facilitating patient interactions, emphasizing the personal and compassionate aspects of care delivery.

23) Observation:
Observation refers to the act of monitoring and documenting health phenomena, often used in research settings to gather data on patient behaviors, treatment responses, or outcomes. This method is fundamental to developing evidence-based practices and crafting policies rooted in empirical findings that address real-world health issues.

24) Discussion:
Discussion involves the exchange of ideas and information about specific topics, critical for deliberating on complex health issues or research findings. Engaging in meaningful discussions fosters collaboration, promotes diverse perspectives, and drives the advancement of knowledge and best practices in the healthcare arena.

25) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth, improvement, or expansion. In healthcare, developing new strategies, technologies, and policies is essential for enhancing service delivery, addressing health disparities, and embracing innovations in response to shifting needs and challenges experienced by various populations and systems.

26) Knowledge:
Knowledge constitutes the understanding, awareness, and information that individuals have acquired through experience, education, and engagement with the world. In the context of health, knowledge acquisition influences health literacy, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare options and encouraging proactive engagement in their health outcomes.

27) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transform indicates a significant change or alteration in character, function, or condition. Within healthcare, transformation can involve innovations in practice, shifts towards patient-centered care, and the adoption of technologies like telehealth, aiming to improve patient access and the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems.

28) Relative:
Relative involves assessing or comparing something concerning another. In health research, understanding relative disparities in access, treatment, or outcomes is vital for recognizing inequities, informing policy changes, and addressing the needs of underserved populations by ensuring fairness and equity in healthcare delivery.

29) Meeting:
Meeting signifies a gathering or assembly of individuals to discuss or address specific topics or concerns. In the healthcare context, meetings may involve stakeholders from various sectors collaborating to improve health policies, share insights from research findings, and focus on enhancing patient care initiatives and outcomes.

30) Science (Scientific):
Science represents a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation. In healthcare, scientific inquiry is crucial for deriving evidence-based practices, understanding health phenomena, and driving innovations aimed at improving health systems and addressing community health challenges effectively.

31) Family:
Family encompasses a fundamental social unit consisting of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption. In healthcare, family dynamics can significantly influence individual health behaviors, access to resources, and the social determinants of health, stressing the importance of considering familial contexts in health interventions and services.

32) Desire:
Desire conveys a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. In healthcare, understanding patient desires regarding treatment options, healthcare access, and service delivery informs providers and policymakers regarding consumer preferences and can guide the development of patient-centered care strategies.

33) Joshi (Josi):
Joshi is likely an author contributing to discussions around health or economics. Recognizing multiple contributors is essential in academic work, as it lends validity to the research and cultivates a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding healthcare policies and practices.

34) Trade:
Trade refers to the act of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services. In healthcare, trade can encompass the economic transactions involved in procuring health services, technology, medications, and how these economic factors influence patient access, behavior, and the sustainability of health systems.

35) Pose:
Pose signifies to present or constitute a question or situation, commonly in the context of challenges, opportunities, or risks. In healthcare, researchers may pose questions to investigate issues, evaluate outcomes, or address barriers in accessing or delivering health services effectively within various populations.

36) Line:
Line can pertain to a physical boundary or metaphorically indicate a series or continuum of thought. In healthcare, drawing a line may relate to distinguishing between various patient populations, understanding healthcare access disparities, or outlining services available, thereby elucidating the complexities of health delivery systems.

37) Post:
Post typically denotes content shared or disseminated via digital platforms. Within healthcare discussions, posts may relate to research findings, policy updates, or community health initiatives, facilitating information sharing and promoting collective awareness and engagement in health matters among diverse audiences.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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