Familiarity and Trust Across Southeast Asia

In Singapore, an impressive 72% of respondents showed a high level of awareness and familiarity with Telehealth Services, reflecting the country's advanced healthcare infrastructure and promotion efforts. Thailand also demonstrated substantial awareness, with 61% of respondents already acquainted with Telehealth Services.

However, Malaysia exhibited a lower level of awareness, with only 44% of respondents having prior knowledge of Telehealth Services. The Philippines and Malaysia had even lower levels, with 33% and 30% awareness, respectively. These figures suggest the need for increased efforts to promote and educate the population about Telehealth's benefits in these countries.

It's worth noting that over half of the respondents (52%) indicated that the survey was their first exposure to Telehealth Services, highlighting a substantial segment of the population not yet familiar with this healthcare approach.

Embracing Telehealth: A Regional Trend

1 in 5 across Southeast Asia have previously used Telehealth Services, reflecting a regional trend towards embracing this innovative approach to healthcare. Remarkably, only a mere 14% of individuals in the region expressed reluctance to use the service, highlighting the overall receptivity to Telehealth Services.

General Practitioners at the Forefront

41% of those surveyed indicated that they are only comfortable consulting with General Practitioners via telehealth for simple health concerns such as coughs and colds. Notably, Singapore had the highest percentage (57%) of individuals comfortable with this option.

On the other hand, 28% of respondents expressed comfort in consulting with Specialists for more complex health concerns, including chronic pain, infections, and hypertension. Interestingly, Malaysia had the highest percentage (38%) of individuals comfortable with this choice. This indicates that a substantial portion of the population is open to utilising Telehealth for more serious medical issues. 

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Diverse Preferences in Telehealth Usage

The survey findings also shed light on the varied Telehealth preferences among Southeast Asians. Nearly half, 48%, indicated a preference for online consultations tailored for check-ups and diagnoses, underscoring their inclination toward remote diagnosis services. Additionally, a substantial 45% expressed a strong preference for telemedicine services focused on medication and prescription needs, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of obtaining prescriptions through Telehealth.

Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages

When asked about the advantages of Telehealth services, 63% of respondents cited convenience as a significant benefit. This underscores the appeal of accessing healthcare from the comfort of their homes and the time-saving aspect of Telehealth consultations. Moreover, about 1 in 4 (26%) emphasised the reasonable rates of fees as a notable advantage, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of Telehealth Services.

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However, on the flip side, 47% expressed concerns about the quality of care in Telehealth. This points to the pressing need for healthcare providers to address and enhance quality assurance in Telehealth services, as building patient confidence is paramount. Furthermore, 14% of respondents cited long patient queues as a drawback, signalling an area for improvement in the efficiency of Telehealth services.

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As the region continues to embrace Telehealth Services, it is evident that understanding and addressing these preferences and concerns will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Southeast Asia. The insights from this survey have illuminated the path forward, revealing that Telehealth is not just a trend but a transformative force in the region's healthcare landscape.