*3.3. Subgroup Analysis*

A subgroup analysis was also conducted to focus on the subgroup of nurses and physicians (44 in total). The results (not shown) for the satisfaction analysis were similar except that the change in telehealth usage was no longer significant. The results for the overall TUQ score showed there were no significant predictors. Both were possibly due to the reduction in sample size.

**Figure 1.** Least square mean estimates and 95% confidence interval for Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) scores.

#### **4. Discussion**

To answer our research question, which is to understand how healthcare providers, telehealth utilization, and interprofessional interactions were impacted during COIVD-19, we found that both interprofessional satisfaction on frequency and quality were positively correlated with the frequency of interactions. Research has shown that incorporating interprofessional education can help improve both telehealth utilization and satisfy the need for and increase interprofessional interactions [19]. We also found that healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia were more likely to use telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to our study's findings. For telehealth to be effective during the current COVID-19 pandemic and future healthcare crises, we must understand how it is being utilized and integrated into evolving models of care, and examine the ability of health providers to use these technologies to improve the care delivery framework. This change not only creates an excellent opportunity for providers to demonstrate the value of telehealth, but also points to considerable education gaps that must be rapidly filled to take full advantage of the opportunity [20].

An array of free and commercial telemedicine applications (apps) has been created in Saudi Arabia in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. To ensure long-term viability of these services after the pandemic, it is vital to conduct usability testing of these apps. The healthcare organizations that provide telemedicine services in Saudi Arabia must be aware of the existing governing legislation and the accrediting authorities when developing telemedicine apps. During the pandemic, these organizations made several efforts to build and update their regulations to serve as a reference for healthcare providers and developers. Additionally, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties has just launched a national online training course for healthcare providers to ensure a uniform approach to delivering telemedicine care. By making use of these tools, we can guarantee a high level of quality in telemedicine care as well as a satisfying user experience.

From a public health and health capacity standpoint, in Saudi Arabia, health authorities have been prepared to tackle any potential spread of infectious diseases associated with mass gatherings (e.g., the Hajj season). Currently, they implement the Ministry of Health (MOH) strategy for handling the disease. This strategy follows the Saudi Vision 2030 plan that stresses the importance of adopting and developing a national telehealth network to

improve healthcare services accessibility across the kingdom. To screen suspected cases, provide long-distance care, and track COVID-19 patients, the Saudi MOH provided many telehealth mobile applications (e.g., Seha, Mawid, Tawakklna, Tabaud, and Tetamman) to be used instead of visiting primary care clinics. These telehealth tools were found effective in facilitating healthcare delivery, control the spread of COVID-19, and flatten the growth curve [21].
