A Cross-Sectional Survey on Telemedicine Use for Doctor-Patient Communication

Abstract

Introduction Use of computers for doctor-patient communication is increasing. Considering effective doctor-patient communication is important for good health outcomes. This study helps to determine the level of acceptance of telemedicine in general public and factors associated with it. Methods: This survey with cross-sectional analysis comprised a brief survey with 15 questions. The survey was distributed in public places to determine the opinions of the general public. Results Randomly selected 125 participants completed the questionnaire. Synchronous telemedicine was favored by young people (82% in the 18-34 age group vs 37.5% of participants aged >55 years; p<0.01), those with a higher education level (46.7% of non-college-educated persons vs 80.6% of college-educated persons; p<0.01), and frequent computer users (67% who used a computer for less than two hours a month vs 86.5% of those who used a computer more than hours a month; p=0.03). Asynchronous communication, like sending health information to doctors via a safe portal was acknowledged mostly by people who had used patient portals in the past (84.1% vs 65.4%; p=0.02). Use of patient portals was less among older users and senior citizens (20.8% use in the age group >55 vs. 51.3% in the age group 35-53 years vs. 71% in age group 18-34 years). Receiving video education for specific health concerns was favored by those who used a computer frequently (94.6% who used a computer more than two hours a month vs 77% who used a computer less than two hours a month; p =0.02). Conclusion Telemedicine is generally favored, but physicians should be mindful about older people as they may not feel comfortable. Step by step guidance should be provided especially to senior citizens for telemedicine and portal use.

Patients’ Perception of Telemedicine in a Large Urban Inner-City Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…For the Latino population, who present as the majority of the participants in this study and the surrounding region, the ownership and use of mobile technology generally reflect a similar upwards trend [26]. While there may be a variation in each individual's proficiency in using technology, the wide ownership of mobile technology may have led to participants' readiness to utilize telemedicine [28].…”

Telemedicine allows for effective communication between a medically complex cancer patient and his virtual hospital medical team

“…Engaging in care from both virtual physicians and in‐home providers while also trying to make complex medical decisions on essential aspects of the care plan can be overwhelming for some patients. Telemedicine is often preferred, especially in young patients, with high education and that often use computers; however, medical personnel should keep in mind that senior patients may not feel at ease 15 . Additionally, a set of categories has been described in the literature which provides a valuable framework for considering how telemedicine might influence communication and doctor–patient interaction.…”

“…Telemedicine is often preferred, especially in young patients, with high education and that often use computers; however, medical personnel should keep in mind that senior patients may not feel at ease. 15 Additionally, a set of categories has been described in the literature which provides a valuable framework for considering how telemedicine might influence communication and doctor-patient interaction. These categories are not mutually exclusive and consist of technical components and interpersonal components.…”

Bridging the Telemedicine Gap Among Seniors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…While some preferred telephone appointments to video-conferencing, the latter has been shown to improve quality of life, physical and mental health, and self-efficacy among seniors, underscoring the importance of advocating for video-enabled telemedicine (6). Patients expressed that they increasingly required the assistance of family members and caregivers to access health care, reflecting the limited past experience that this patient population had using computers for telehealth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (7).…”