Orly Toren

Ono Academic College, Israel

Abstract Title: Use and efficacy of online health services among different population groups

Biography:

Prof. Orly Toren, RN, Graduated from the management school in the Tel Aviv University, and finished her PhD in Nursing studies at the Pittsburgh University in 1998. She served as a Director of Nursing and the paramedical Professions at the Sheba Medical Center for a decade, and than as a director of Safety and Risk Management at the Hadassah Medical Organization. Prof. Toren is the Head of the Nursing Department at the Ono Academic College since she established it on 2020. She is a Specialist in Management and Nursing Policy. Her main areas of research: nursing manpower, management, health policy and nursing ethics.

Research Interest:

Scientific Background:
Online Health Services (OHS) have emerged as a solution to modern healthcare challenges, offering a more streamlined and efficient system. Despite their benefits, studies have reported mixed results on OHS efficacy, especially across different population groups.

Research Objectives:
This study aims to describe OHS usage in Israel, examining knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and usage patterns among various population groups. Additionally, it explores the relationship between OHS consumption and patient-reported outcome and experience measures (PROMs and PREMs) and presents a predictive model for OHS usage.

Methodology:
A cross-sectional national study was conducted with a random, representative sample of 2,001 participants from both Jewish and Arab populations. The sample was stratified by gender, ethnicity, age, and religious affiliation, ensuring representation across different regions. Data were collected via an online questionnaire administered through iPanel’s database.

Key Findings:
The average age of participants was 47, with half identifying as female. Online health services (OHS) were categorized into two levels: low-level and high-level services. Most participants were familiar with and frequently used low-level services, reporting minimal technological or emotional barriers. While the perceived efficacy of OHS was generally high, many still preferred face-to-face care. Key factors predicting high-level OHS usage included being male, Arab, insured by Clalit HMO, having prior familiarity with OHS, and possessing high levels of health literacy, perceived efficacy, and safety.

Conclusions:
OHS and traditional face-to-face care complement each other. High- and low-level OHS represent distinct services, with opportunities to expand OHS given the low technological barriers. Efforts to increase OHS adoption should focus on improving online health literacy and addressing the needs of older populations.

Policy Implications:
Policymakers should prioritize enhancing digital health literacy, particularly in high-level OHS. Personalized service frameworks for elderly patients and health perception measures can further promote OHS use.

Key words:
On-oline healthcare services, Attitudes, On-line health literacy, Face-to-face care.