Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of telemedicine at King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Maternity and Children Hospital, and Madinah Hospital by comparing patient outcomes and satisfaction with in-person visits.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted targeting patients aged >=18 years with follow-up care needs but without cognitive impairments or language barriers. Data were gathered via electronic questionnaires pre- and post-visits for patients (n=313 pre, n=302 post) and physicians (n=45). Attitudes were scored on a 19-68 scale (>=60% positive).
Results: Among physicians, 71.1% reported positive attitudes toward telemedicine; 55.5% were comfortable (ratings 4-5), but only 8.9% rated it very effective. Most (66.7%) agreed that this reduces clinic burden, but concerns included misdiagnosis (53.3%) and privacy risks (53.3%). No significant demographic associations with attitudes (p > 0.05). Pre-test patients (54.6% aged 18-28 years) reported 59.1%-time savings and 70.3% avoidance of overcrowding. Further, 45% of post-test patients rated satisfaction as very high, 49.3% rated quality excellent, and 45% rated it better than in-person. Positive attitudes included quicker responses (69.5%) and cost savings (53.6%), with low privacy concerns (51.3% disagreed).
Conclusion: Telemedicine improved healthcare access and satisfaction but was hindered by technical and diagnostic challenges. Enhanced infrastructure and training are essential for its effective integration.

Key words: Healthcare delivery, patient satisfaction, physician attitude, Saudi Arabia, technical barriers, telemedicine.