Perception on E-Health Readiness among Rural Health Workers: A Convergent Parallel Analysis

Abstract

This mixed-methods research utilized a convergent parallel design to assess e-Health readiness and explore perceptions related to digital health implementation among 198 healthcare workers and 12 qualitative participants in a municipality in Leyte during the second quarter of 2025. Quantitative results showed high overall e-Health readiness, with core readiness, technological readiness, learning readiness, societal readiness, and policy readiness all rated as high. Relationship testing revealed that age, sex, current position, years in service, type of facility, internet access, and training had no significant correlation with e-Health readiness, which indicated that digital preparedness was broadly consistent regardless of demographic differences. Qualitative findings provided depth and context, particularly regarding the perceived strengths of core, learning, societal, and policy readiness. Upon integration, the results for all dimensions converged; however, in technological readiness, the findings diverged. While the quantitative data suggested high scores, qualitative narratives highlighted persistent structural barriers such as limited ICT equipment, unstable internet connectivity in barangays, and a lack of dedicated IT support. Overall, the study revealed strong motivational readiness alongside persistent structural challenges. Based on these findings, the e-Health Readiness Enhancement and Adoption Plan was developed to address infrastructure, training, and policy support needs.