Exploring the Adoption Challenges of Shlonik Application during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kuwait

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the telemedicine systems have emerged as one of the most useful and the safest systems to deliver high-quality care. Telemedicine systems offer some key advantages to combat the disease such as reducing the risks of exposing patients and clinicians to the virus by safely treating patients remotely. However, people face educational, technical, financial and ethical challenges while using such telemedicine systems. In this article, we investigate some essential challenges hindering the adoption of the telemedicine software application, such as the Shlonik app in Kuwait. Interviews and online surveys are conducted with doctors and patients to gauge their opinion about the Shlonik app. Then, data is analyzed based on the participants’ replies to highlight the key challenges and features missing in the application for further enhancement. Based on the study, age, education, and complexity of the application are the key factors hindering its usage. Three key missing features in the Sholink app include online chatting, tracking patient condition, and emergency call button. The acceptability of the Shlonik app can be enhanced in future by incorporating the missing features in its design and implementation.