Examining the Telehealth Readiness Among Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Telehealth tools can enhance health-related information access and self-management for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, successful integration of telehealth services depends on acceptance by individuals with MS, which is influenced by their Technology Readiness Level. A 2-part questionnaire was administered: demographic information and the readiness level to use telehealth services based on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI 2.0) with 4 scales of optimism, innovativeness, insecurity, and discomfort. Data from 120 participants were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean readiness score was 3.266 (SD = 0.421, P < .01), optimism 3.633 (SD = 0.790, P < .01), and innovativeness 3.273 (SD = 0.699, P < .01), all significantly above the midpoint. However, insecurity (M = 3.031, SD = 0.608, P = .574) and discomfort (M = 3.127, SD = 0.773, P = .074) were not significant. No significant associations were found between readiness and demographic or disease-related factors (P > .05). Given the benefits of telehealth tools in MS care, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions to enhance readiness and engagement in telehealth adoption.