PUBLIC ATTITUDE DYNAMICS OF USING HEALTH DIGITAL SERVICES DURING PANDEMIC

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused changes in all walks of life. Although most of these changes are
negative, accelerated digitalization is one of the positive consequences. The transition from physical to digital
services has not only provided convenience, but also has supported the measures against spread of the new virus. In
Bulgarian healthcare, digitalization has implemented at a slower pace, but medical institutions increasingly have
offered health electronic services such as booking an appointment and consultation online. A number of free mobile
applications have been developed to fight Covid-19 - to track the spread of the virus and to monitor the symptoms.
National Health-Information System has implemented digital COVID-19 certificate platform in accordance with
European Union requirements. The first purpose of the present study is to compare public attitudes towards the use
of digital health technologies since the beginning of the pandemic with the results of the period in which the
pandemic situation is significantly more acute. In the second place is to find out the information channels on existing
COVID-19-related applications would reach the public most rapidly. The third aim of the study is to explore public
attitudes towards seeking online access to health services in the healthcare facilities that offer such. Methodology:
An online survey of public attitudes towards the use of digital health technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic,
was conducted through Google Forms during the period from Nov 2020 to Oct 2021 (Study 2) with 147 responses
received (N = 147, with mean age of 31 ±1.081). Some of the results on the set indicators have been compared with
a previous survey on the topic (N = 162, with mean age of 39.9 ±1.179) conducted during the period from Apr 2020
to Oct 2020 (Survey 1). Software product SPSSv.19, descriptive statistics and chi-square criterion have been used
for statistical processing of the results. The results have shown a positive attitude of using digital health technologies
during the observed periods of pandemic (66.70% vs 67.30%). There was an increased interest in online treatment
(44.90% vs 29.00%) with a statistically significant difference between the two studies (P = 0.04). The most
preferred reliable way for information on existing COVID-19-related applications to reach users is through online
information media (63.30%). There was a statistically significant difference and a tendency to reduce the fear of
contagion (P = 0.03), as well as the fear of inability to access testing (P = 0.006). Conclusion: Digital health
technologies are useful tools that continue to prove their effectiveness in emergencies such as the current one. Public
interest in them is rising, but awareness is still insufficient and requires more effort on the part of health authorities.
Positive attitudes towards online hospital services reveal the potential for development of this innovative sector.