On June 23, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine at Universiti Malaya witnessed a significant academic milestone as Kalaivane a/p Kannadasan successfully defended her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) dissertation titled “Assessing the Impact on Patient Experience and Out-of-Pocket Expenditure of a Virtual COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Hulu Langat, Selangor.”
A Visionary Study on Telehealth in the COVID-19 Era
In the wake of a global health crisis, Kalaivane’s research addressed one of the most pressing public health challenges: equitable access to healthcare through digital platforms. Her study meticulously evaluated Malaysia’s innovative telehealth response—the SELANGKAH Virtual COVID-19 Assessment Centre (CAC), with a dual focus on patient experience and financial burden.
Utilising a robust three-phase methodology, she developed and validated a novel tool, the SELANGKAH Telehealth Usability, Acceptability, and Satisfaction Questionnaire (STUASQ), confirmed through advanced statistical methods including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Her findings revealed key demographic predictors of telehealth acceptance and shed light on substantial out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures faced by COVID-19 patients, with a troubling 12% encountering catastrophic health expenses. These insights are instrumental in shaping equitable digital health strategies for future pandemics.
Kalaivane’s work stands as a pioneering contribution to digital health research in Malaysia. Her success not only lies in her academic rigour but also in her commitment to addressing real-world healthcare challenges. By capturing the voices of over 800 participants, her research ensures that policy-making in telehealth is grounded in user experience and socioeconomic realities.
Advancing Public Health Equity
The implications of her work extend far beyond academic circles. Her findings advocate for a more inclusive digital health future—one that incorporates user-friendly design, financial safeguards, and improved digital literacy. This is particularly crucial for low-income communities, often left behind in the digital transformation of healthcare. Her policy recommendations call for investment in telehealth infrastructure and the development of training programmes that enhance digital engagement across all societal sectors.
Acknowledgement
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Dr. Mohd Rizal Haji Abdul Manaf (Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre) as External Examiner, and Professor Dr. Mas Ayu Said as Internal Examiner.
We wish to acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by Kalaivane’s supervisors, Professor Dr. Maznah Dahlui, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farizah Mohd Hairi, and Dr. Amirah Azzeri, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the completion of her thesis.
We would also like to thank the Committee of Examiners for their thorough evaluation and insightful feedback, including Professor Dr. Tay Sun Tee, the Chairperson of the viva voce session; Professor Dr. Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya; and Professor Dr. Victor Hoe Chee Wai Abdullah, Head of Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Congratulations and Looking Ahead
We wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Kalaivane a/p Kannadasan on this well-deserved achievement. Her dedication, critical thinking, and vision for a more inclusive healthcare system serve as an inspiration to future public health professionals. As she steps into the next chapter of her career, we look forward to witnessing her continued contributions to health policy, digital innovation, and community empowerment.
Here’s to shaping a healthier, more equitable world—one study at a time.
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