Perceptions of telemedicine among medical students in Lima: a convergent mixed-methods study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21142/mecp.2026.1.3.e033Keywords:
Telemedicine, Digital health, Perception, Medical education, Health literacyAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the perceptions, knowledge and experiences related to telemedicine among medical students at the Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted. The quantitative phase, cross-sectional in design, included 302 students who completed a validated questionnaire assessing knowledge and self-perception regarding telemedicine. The qualitative phase consisted of in-depth interviews analysed through thematic analysis. Findings from both phases were integrated through a merging strategy to contextualise and strengthen interpretation. Results: Although 72.2% of students reported high self perceived technological capacity, specific knowledge about telemedicine was predominantly low. Prior extracurricular training was significantly associated with higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001; Cramér’s V = 0.30), albeit with a moderate effect size. Among students with prior telemedicine experience (72.8%), most of whom were occasional users, 53.6% reported technical difficulties and 45.9% experienced discomfort during virtual consultations. Qualitative analysis identified four main themes: understanding and perceived benefits, barriers, facilitators, and recommendations. Integrated findings revealed that limited digital clinical knowledge is associated with privacy concerns and operational barriers perceived as depersonalising. Conclusion: In the post-COVID-19 context, a gap is observed between students’ everyday digital literacy and their self-perceived clinical digital competence in telemedicine. Technical barriers and prior experiences are associated with their confidence and acceptance of this modality. The integration of digital clinical simulation, reinforcement of ethical legal frameworks, and promotion of strategies that humanise virtual care are recommended.
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Copyright (c) 2026 María Alejandra S. Andrade-Pfoccori, Miriam I. Díaz-Bravo, Gireth M. Veliz-Liendo, Victor M. Gallegos-Rejas
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