Specialist Physicians' Knowledge and Beliefs about Telemedicine: A Comparison of Users and Nonusers of the Technology

Abstract

Telemedicine as a technology has been available for nearly 50 years, but its diffusion has been slower than many had anticipated. Even efforts to reimburse providers for interactive video (IAV) telemedicine services have had a limited effect on rates of participation. The resulting low volume of services provided (and consequent paucity of research subjects) makes the phenomenon difficult to study. This paper, part of a larger study that also explores telemedicine utilization from the perspectives of referring primary care physicians and telemedicine system administrators, reports the results of a survey of specialist and subspecialist physicians who are users and nonusers of telemedicine. The survey examined self-assessed knowledge and beliefs about telemedicine among users and nonusers, examining also the demographic characteristics of both groups. Statistically significant differences were found in attitudes toward telemedicine between users and nonusers, but in many respects the views of the two groups were rather similar. Physicians who used telemedicine were aware of the limitations of the technology, but also recognized its potential as a means of providing consultation. Demographic differences did not explain the differences in the knowledge and beliefs of user and nonuser consultant physicians, although some of the differences may be explained by other aspects of the professional environment.

Online genetic counseling from the providers’ perspective: counselors’ evaluations and a time and cost analysis

“…This is likely due to differences in expectations and requirements by the two groups: while patients are likely to see online counseling as an advantage beforehand (no need to travel, being in own environment), counselors are used to conventional counseling at the OPD, and to the generally accepted, and their own standards for and experiences with good quality of counseling. [20][21][22] The counselors also did multiple online sessions and were thus more vulnerable to repeated technical problems, whereas patients only had one session.…”

Telemedicine uptake among Genetics Professionals in Europe: room for expansion

“…Only then they will be inclined to implement it in daily practice. [23][24][25] We consider that the time has come to integrate telegenetics into patient care more routinely, thereby maintaining quality of care and effectiveness, increasing efficiency, and respecting the importance of patient centeredness. This survey, as well as the educational satellite meetings on telegenetics we organized during the 2013 and 2014 ESHG conferences in Paris and Milan respectively, are the first steps we took in this respect.…”

The Diffusion of Telehealth in Rural American Indian Communities: A Retrospective Survey of Key Stakeholders

“…Although there exists growing evidence regarding the validity and effectiveness of telemental health, 11,12 its acceptance and implementation in rural areas is still quite slow. [13][14][15] In its simplest form, Everett Roger's Diffusion Theory posits that multiple events interact to facilitate or impede the adoption of new technologies among a specific group. According to Rogers, the diffusion of new technologies occurs in five stages: (1) knowledge: learning about the existence and purpose of the innovation; (2) persuasion: forming an opinion about the utility of the innovation; (3) decision: adopting or rejecting the use of the innovation; (4) implementation: putting the innovation to use, and (5) confirmation: seeking support of the innovation or reversing a previous decision to adopt or reject the new technology.…”