Utilization, Demand, And Willingness to Pay for Telehealth Services: A Study of Patients in Selected Vietnamese Provinces

Objective: Telehealth has become essential in healthcare delivery, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides solutions to access disruptions and enhances healthcare accessibility and efficiency. This study aimed to describe the utilization, demand, and willingness to pay for Telehealth services in selected provinces in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 438 participants from three Vietnamese provinces was conducted between late 2021 and early 2022. The study assessed telehealth utilization, user preferences, and willingness to pay for different telehealth services. Results: The study revealed that 58.7% of participants had utilized telehealth services. For lower-cost services (100,000 VND to 500,000 VND), low-income households were 2.7 times more likely to pay (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.41-5.00, p<0.01); familiarity with telehealth services increased the likelihood of spending by 1.6 times (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.10-2.54, p<0.05); and those with less convenient access to healthcare were 1.79 times more likely to pay (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.00-3.13, p<0.05). For higher-cost services (500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND), wealthier households were 16.67 times more likely to invest (OR: 16.67, 95% CI: 2.04-100.00, p<0.01); insured individuals were 5.88 times more likely to pay (OR: 5.88, 95% CI: 1.92-16.67, p<0.01); and familiarity with telehealth increased the likelihood of payment by 2.3 times (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.20-4.46, p<0.05). Conclusion: Telehealth is a crucial component of healthcare in Vietnam, with substantial engagement and willingness to pay. The findings underscore the need for investment in telehealth infrastructure and supportive policies to integrate telehealth into the national healthcare system, particularly in underserved regions.