Perception Disparity of Telemedicine Use between Outpatients and Medical Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

We assessed the characteristics and perception of telephone appointments among outpatients and medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Our survey was performed by giving self-administered questionnaires to the enrollees. Basic socioeconomic status data were collected. We used a valid and reliable telehealth usability questionnaire (TUQ) to assess the telemedicine experience among outpatients and medical staff. Only outpatients with chronic illness and who had regular visits before the pandemic were enrolled. We delivered the questionnaire survey to participants who used telephone appointments from 20 May 2021 to 31 July 2021 in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. A total of 471 outpatients and 203 medical staff completed the survey. Most of the respondents were aged 30–69, college-educated, women, and married. Outpatients have higher scores in all dimensions of TUQ than medical staff, especially in the dimensions of ease of use and effectiveness. Age, gender, education, and marriage have no significant associations in the medical staff group. In the outpatient group, gender is the only significant factor in the six dimensions of TUQ. We found a significant disparity in the perception gap of telemedicine among outpatient and medical staff. Outpatients are satisfied with telephone appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, but medical staff are concerned about the ease of use and effectiveness.

Digital Health Innovations in the Battle against COVID-19: A Global Perspective

“…Hsieh et al [ 12 ] analyze factors influencing the continuance intention of using telehealth systems. Wu et al [ 13 ] compare the perception of telemedicine between outpatients and medical staff. Al-Rayes et al [ 14 ] assess the awareness and use of virtual clinics in Saudi Arabia.…”

Patient’s and Practionner’s Experiences of a First Face-to-Face vs. Remote Orthodontic Consultation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Remote management of orthodontic treatment has also been introduced and is known as “teleorthodontics ” [ 10 ]. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted remote medical care [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], including orthodontics. In a study published by Saccomanno et al [ 24 ], teleorthodontics are shown to be a valuable tool for orthodontic care follow-up, in the context of an emergency as well as in normal circumstances, to save time and money without unduly reducing quality of care.…”