*Corresponding Author: Debjani Mukherjee, PhD Scholar, Department of Commerce & Management, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam & Assistant Professor, Siliguri Institute of Technology, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
Background: Telehealth has become an essential strategy for improving healthcare access in geographically challenging and resource-limited settings. However, empirical evidence on the adaptability of healthcare providers, particularly in hilly districts such as Darjeeling, West Bengal, remains limited.
Objectives: This study examined the multidimensional adaptability of healthcare providers to telehealth services in Darjeeling district and assessed its association with age, education, service experience, and job role.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 120 healthcare providers (N = 120) involved in telehealth delivery across public and private facilities in Darjeeling district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring 11 adaptability dimensions, including organizational, operational, and technical aspects. Associations between provider characteristics and adaptability dimensions were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Significant associations were observed between provider characteristics and multiple adaptability dimensions. Younger providers were more sensitive to technical quality and training needs, while higher educational attainment was associated with more critical evaluations of system performance and scheduling efficiency. Greater service experience was linked to increased operational confidence, communication clarity, and perceived learning benefits. Job role significantly influenced preferences for leadership, training structure, autonomy, and communication practices. Teamwork and work culture change showed consistent perceptions across all groups.
Conclusion: Healthcare providers in Darjeeling district demonstrate significant adaptation to telehealth services, with adaptability varying across demographic and professional groups. Provider-responsive and role-specific implementation strategies are essential for sustaining telehealth in geographically constrained settings.
Keywords: Telehealth adaptability, Healthcare providers, Digital health, Darjeeling, India.
How to cite this article: Mukherjee D, Kumar P. Multidimensional adaptability of healthcare providers to telehealth services in a hilly district of India: evidence from Darjeeling, West Bengal. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 452-455; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.48
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None