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Original Article
Online Published: 22 Jan 2026
 


Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study

Rehab Mohammed, Intessar Sultan, Ghosoun Habib, Afnan Ahmed Jarwali, Bushra Salman Alharbi, Omar Adnan Issa, Manar Mohammed Bin Asslah, Deema Mohammed Taweel, Amani Khalid Alrefaei.


Abstract
Background: Saudi Arabia has accelerated its comprehensive digital health transformation plan since 2021. Understanding physicians' exposure to telemedicine and their experiences is crucial.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, perception, and satisfaction of physicians who have participated in telemedicine versus those without experience.
Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study included physicians from both governmental and private healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia, with and without previous exposure to telemedicine. Data was collected through a self-administered, electronically distributed coded questionnaire.
Results: Among 402 physicians, only 150 [37.3%] were engaged in virtual care, predominantly from the government sector [76% vs. 24%, p < 0.001]. Physicians with virtual clinic experience demonstrated greater knowledge [70% vs. 41.23%; p < 0.001], a more positive attitude [57.33% vs. 35.71%; p < 0.001], a stronger inclination to recommend telemedicine [70.6% vs. 0%; p < 0.001], and fewer concerns about challenges and social unacceptability [72% vs. 60.32%; p = 0.002]. However, they expressed increased concerns regarding reduced personal interaction [36% vs. 26.2%; p = 0.038] and session recordings [36% vs. 26.2%; p = 0.038]. Overall, 65.33% of physicians were satisfied with virtual clinic services.
Conclusion: Physician participation in virtual care in Saudi Arabia is limited, especially in the private sector. While exposure to telemedicine enhances confidence and acceptance, it does not fully alleviate concerns about confidentiality. Our findings suggest that further education and practice in telemedicine can improve acceptance and address challenges. More research is needed to explore long-term benefits and optimize telemedicine in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Keywords: virtual clinics, Saudi Arabia, digital health, telemedicine, eHealth.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Mohammed R, Sultan I, Habib G, Jarwali AA, Alharbi BS, Issa OA, Asslah MMB, Taweel DM, Alrefaei AK. Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. IJMDC. 2026; 10(3): 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515

Web Style

Mohammed R, Sultan I, Habib G, Jarwali AA, Alharbi BS, Issa OA, Asslah MMB, Taweel DM, Alrefaei AK. Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=301772 [Access: February 23, 2026]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Mohammed R, Sultan I, Habib G, Jarwali AA, Alharbi BS, Issa OA, Asslah MMB, Taweel DM, Alrefaei AK. Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. IJMDC. 2026; 10(3): 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Mohammed R, Sultan I, Habib G, Jarwali AA, Alharbi BS, Issa OA, Asslah MMB, Taweel DM, Alrefaei AK. Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. IJMDC. (2026), [cited February 23, 2026]; 10(3): 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515


Harvard Style

Mohammed, R., Sultan, . I., Habib, . G., Jarwali, . A. A., Alharbi, . B. S., Issa, . O. A., Asslah, . M. M. B., Taweel, . D. M. & Alrefaei, . A. K. (2026) Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. IJMDC, 10 (3), 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515


Turabian Style

Mohammed, Rehab, Intessar Sultan, Ghosoun Habib, Afnan Ahmed Jarwali, Bushra Salman Alharbi, Omar Adnan Issa, Manar Mohammed Bin Asslah, Deema Mohammed Taweel, and Amani Khalid Alrefaei. 2026. Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 10 (3), 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515


Chicago Style

Mohammed, Rehab, Intessar Sultan, Ghosoun Habib, Afnan Ahmed Jarwali, Bushra Salman Alharbi, Omar Adnan Issa, Manar Mohammed Bin Asslah, Deema Mohammed Taweel, and Amani Khalid Alrefaei. "Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 10 (2026), 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Mohammed, Rehab, Intessar Sultan, Ghosoun Habib, Afnan Ahmed Jarwali, Bushra Salman Alharbi, Omar Adnan Issa, Manar Mohammed Bin Asslah, Deema Mohammed Taweel, and Amani Khalid Alrefaei. "Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 10.3 (2026), 898-906. Print. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Mohammed, R., Sultan, . I., Habib, . G., Jarwali, . A. A., Alharbi, . B. S., Issa, . O. A., Asslah, . M. M. B., Taweel, . D. M. & Alrefaei, . A. K. (2026) Physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, perception, and satisfaction regarding telemedicine in Saudi Arabia: a comparative study. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 10 (3), 898-906. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1765024515




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