Telemedicine readiness and its associated factors among healthcare professionals in primary hospitals of Southern Ethiopia

Telemedicine and other digital health technologies are being rapidly adopted, which could enhance healthcare delivery, especially in environments with limited resources. Health professionals’ telemedicine readiness is crucial for the successful deployment of telemedicine. Yet, the level of telemedicine readiness and its associated factors among healthcare professionals working in primary hospitals in this setting remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess readiness for telemedicine and to identify factors associated with telemedicine readiness among healthcare professionals working in primary hospitals of the Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional design was employed from November 2025 to December 2025. A systematic random sampling technique was used with 413 health professionals. The data were coded and entered into Epidata 4.2.0.0, and analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were used to assess associations, and the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare a significant association. inferences. Telemedicine readiness was found to be 69.5% (95% CI 65.0–74.0%). Digital training (AOR = 2.56, CI (1.54–4.26)), organizational support (AOR = 2.14, CI (1.29–3.56)), and higher digital health literacy (AOR = 2.21, CI (1.29–3.78)), having computer access (AOR: 4.39 (2.45–7.24)), and smartphone access (AOR: 5.21 (2.78–9.63)) were associated with telemedicine readiness. Telemedicine readiness was moderate, primarily affected by organizational and material issues. To enhance telemedicine preparedness, policymakers and healthcare organizations should give top priority to training on digital health tools and supportive supervision.