Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis

Background: Telemedicine lets people choose physicians according to several criteria, including gender. Few studies, however, investigate how doctor gender affects patient comfort, trust, and preferences. Objectives: This paper investigates the impact of doctor gender on patient preferences in te...

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Main Authors: Muhammad Rio Fariza, Tita Melia Milyane, Muhammad Al Assad Rohimakumullah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria 2025-06-01
Series:Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://iannajournalofinterdisciplinarystudies.com/index.php/1/article/view/774
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author Muhammad Rio Fariza
Tita Melia Milyane
Muhammad Al Assad Rohimakumullah
author_facet Muhammad Rio Fariza
Tita Melia Milyane
Muhammad Al Assad Rohimakumullah
author_sort Muhammad Rio Fariza
collection DOAJ
description Background: Telemedicine lets people choose physicians according to several criteria, including gender. Few studies, however, investigate how doctor gender affects patient comfort, trust, and preferences. Objectives: This paper investigates the impact of doctor gender on patient preferences in telemedicine and important elements influencing confidence and comfort. Method: This research employed a qualitative method, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 participants who had prior experience using telemedicine services. The interviews were conducted online, lasting 30–60 minutes each, and focused on patient experiences, gender preferences, and perceptions of doctor credibility. The data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results: The results suggest that, particularly in sensitive medical environments, doctor gender affects patient preferences. While male patients give professionalism and trustworthiness top priority, female patients choose female physicians for mental health and reproductive issues because of comfort. Experience, patient evaluations, and communication approaches shape patient trust. Conclusion: While gender affects patient preferences, credibility, professionalism, and effective communication are crucial in building trust and comfort in telemedicine. Unique contribution: This study provides new insights into gender's role in doctor selection and emphasizes the importance of communication and credibility in telemedicine. Key recommendation: Telemedicine platforms should offer gender-inclusive options, increase transparency, and improve doctor-patient communication to enhance patient trust and comfort.
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spelling doaj-art-5e4a51efaa9c4bbfbc6c3fe858dbfbef2025-08-20T02:03:27ZengDepartment of Mass Communication, University of NigeriaIanna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies2735-98832735-98912025-06-0172Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort AnalysisMuhammad Rio Fariza0https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8707-6703Tita Melia Milyane1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1723-3014Muhammad Al Assad Rohimakumullah2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2245-4025Telkom UniversityTelkom UniversityTelkom University Background: Telemedicine lets people choose physicians according to several criteria, including gender. Few studies, however, investigate how doctor gender affects patient comfort, trust, and preferences. Objectives: This paper investigates the impact of doctor gender on patient preferences in telemedicine and important elements influencing confidence and comfort. Method: This research employed a qualitative method, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 participants who had prior experience using telemedicine services. The interviews were conducted online, lasting 30–60 minutes each, and focused on patient experiences, gender preferences, and perceptions of doctor credibility. The data were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results: The results suggest that, particularly in sensitive medical environments, doctor gender affects patient preferences. While male patients give professionalism and trustworthiness top priority, female patients choose female physicians for mental health and reproductive issues because of comfort. Experience, patient evaluations, and communication approaches shape patient trust. Conclusion: While gender affects patient preferences, credibility, professionalism, and effective communication are crucial in building trust and comfort in telemedicine. Unique contribution: This study provides new insights into gender's role in doctor selection and emphasizes the importance of communication and credibility in telemedicine. Key recommendation: Telemedicine platforms should offer gender-inclusive options, increase transparency, and improve doctor-patient communication to enhance patient trust and comfort. https://iannajournalofinterdisciplinarystudies.com/index.php/1/article/view/774TelemedicineGenderinterpersonal communicationsource credibility
spellingShingle Muhammad Rio Fariza
Tita Melia Milyane
Muhammad Al Assad Rohimakumullah
Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis
Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
Telemedicine
Gender
interpersonal communication
source credibility
title Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis
title_full Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis
title_fullStr Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis
title_full_unstemmed Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis
title_short Gender Preference in Doctor Selection on Telemedicine: Patient Trust and Comfort Analysis
title_sort gender preference in doctor selection on telemedicine patient trust and comfort analysis
topic Telemedicine
Gender
interpersonal communication
source credibility
url https://iannajournalofinterdisciplinarystudies.com/index.php/1/article/view/774
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AT titameliamilyane genderpreferenceindoctorselectionontelemedicinepatienttrustandcomfortanalysis
AT muhammadalassadrohimakumullah genderpreferenceindoctorselectionontelemedicinepatienttrustandcomfortanalysis