Opinions and Acceptance of Virtual Hospitals Among Hospital Service Users in Southern Thailand

Abstract

     This study investigates the opinions and acceptance of virtual hospitals as an alternative healthcare service among service users in Southern Thailand in the digital era. The study employed a survey research methodology; data were collected from a purposive sample of 400 hospital users across 13 hospitals in four southern provinces of Thailand, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that overall opinions regarding the use of hospital services are at a moderate level. Negative perceptions regarding crowding and the waiting time for services were at a high level. While the most positive opinions were expressed regarding the safety and comfort of the service venue. Regarding the acceptance of virtual hospitals, the public placed the highest level of importance on perceived benefits, namely the elimination of travel time and the reduction of infection risk. The primary disadvantages are the limited capacity to assess complex symptoms that require direct physical examination and the inability to manage emergency conditions. However, 80% of service users recognize the benefits of virtual hospitals and accept their use, as they can effectively reduce hospital overcrowding. The system should be developed to include populations with limited access to technology, and an appropriate patient triage process should be implemented to identify those suitable for virtual hospital services, taking symptom urgency into account, while expanding the availability of communication technologies to ensure broad coverage. However, they perceive drawbacks in the limitations for examining complex symptoms that require physical contact and the inability to handle emergencies. Crucially, 80% of service users acknowledged the benefits and expressed acceptance of virtual hospitals, believing they can effectively reduce crowding in physical hospitals. The research suggests that future development of virtual hospital systems should focus on inclusive access for populations with technological limitations, establish appropriate patient triage based on symptom urgency, and enhance the readiness and coverage of communication technology.