Clinical Experience of Patients in Participating in Medical Research: A Phenomenological Exploration of Emotional Dimensions in the Process, Benefits, and Challenges of Clinical-Based Medical Research
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Abstract
In recent years, the integration of digital health technologies in healthcare systems has emerged as a critical area of research, particularly in understanding the experiences of both healthcare practitioners and patients. Despite significant advancements in telemedicine and digital health platforms, the subjective experiences and underlying meanings of these technologies remain underexplored. This study addresses the gap by investigating the lived experiences of healthcare practitioners and patients in using telemedicine platforms for healthcare communication. Using a phenomenological approach, we explore how these individuals interpret and engage with digital health tools in their daily practices. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 25 participants, including healthcare professionals and patients, and analyzed thematically to identify core themes. The findings emphasize key themes such as emotional challenges faced by patients during remote consultations, concerns about the lack of personal connection, and the anxiety stemming from technological barriers. Simultaneously, positive themes such as improved accessibility and convenience were also identified. These insights offer valuable implications for improving user-centered design in telemedicine systems and inform future research on digital health adoption in various healthcare contexts.
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