Perceived technology proficiency and acceptance of telehealth technology in optometry students
Jia Jia Lek1, Kwang Meng Cham1, Mark Merolli2,3 1University Of Melbourne, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Austraila2University Of Melbourne, Department of Physiotherapy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia3University Of Melbourne, Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Introduction
The inclusion of technology and telehealth literacy within curricula to keep up with digital technology changes requires careful consideration. To gain insights on optometry students’ digital literacy and acceptance of telehealth, we evaluated their technology proficiency and telehealth acceptance.
Methods
Final year optometry students at the University of Melbourne were invited to participate in an online telehealth course. A 23-item online survey adapted from the Technology Proficiency Self-Assessment for 21st Century Learning was used to evaluate technology proficiency pre- and post-learning. Telehealth acceptance was evaluated using a 34-item survey according to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used to analyse demographic variables and relationship between technology proficiency and acceptance scores.
Results
58(68%) and 49(58%) students participated in the pre- and post-learning surveys. Students typically used between two to four devices for regular online activities, with 62% being online at least hourly. Technology proficiency scores (averageSD) pre- and post-learning were 80%8 and 84%7. Students attaining 80-100% increased from 57% to 73% post-learning. Telehealth acceptance scores pre- and post-learning were 66%9 and 74%10. 25% of students scored 50-64%, with 33% of students scoring 80-100% post-learning. There was no association with gender, number of devices and frequency of online use for all scores. Correlation between technology proficiency and telehealth acceptance was insignificant pre-learning (p=0.3) but was significant post-learning (p=0.04).
Discussion
Optometry students demonstrated a high level of technology proficiency but scored poorer in telehealth acceptance. Training resulted in improved telehealth acceptance.
Biography
Dr Jia Jia Lek is an optometrist and a lecturer at the University of Melbourne. Her scientific interests include identifying early changes in glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Her true passion lies in teaching and her experience include teaching Opticianry and Optometry across Diploma, Bachelor, and Postgraduate levels. She’s actively involved in educational research for which she has received research grants and presented at local and international conferences. Her educational scholarship interests include student well-being, innovative teaching and learning methods and cultural competency.