Factors Affecting Use of Telemedicine and Telesurgery in Cancer Care (TTCC) among Specialist Physicians

Background: Considering the increasing incidence of different cancers, use of modern technologies such as TTCC can make a dramatic change in treatment of these diseases. So, if the evolution strategy conflicts with the organizational culture, national culture, and organizational structure of experts in this field, resistance will rise. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effective factors on the use of TTCC in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences using the AHP model. Materials and Methods: This current descriptive study was carried out in 2018 on specialist physicians from five hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of two sections; demographic items and 27 effective factors influencing the implementation of TTCC technology, which was evaluated for validity and reliability. Data analysis was performed using analytical hierarchy process with expert choice and for empirical illustration are used to discuss the use of covariance-based SEM versus smart PLS software. Results: Based on AHP comparisons in the studied factors, the highest priority was the Cultural factor. In other words, commitment of senior executives to support the provision of a new technology with a weight of 0.327. The lowest priority, however, was related to support diverse approaches, innovation, creativeness, and acceptance of new ideas with a weight of 0.038. In regard with technical and organizational factors, out-of-hospital access to the intranet network and support provided by the doctors, with the weight of 0.221 and 0.205 in order, acquired the highest rates. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of cancer in Iran and the necessity of using new technologies in its treatment and by addressing the specialists’ views and opinions in this field, organizational and national culture in the application of TTCC technology should be promoted. This target can be hit through acceptance, change in attitude, and successful use of TTCC technology by medical professionals.