Telemedicine and eHealth Literacy in the Era of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Peripheral Clinic in Israel

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic mandating isolation, quarantine, and social distancing has accelerated and expanded the use of telemedicine. This study examines the extent of the use of telemedicine and the relationship between eHealth literacy and satisfaction with using telemedicine during the pandemic. A total of 156 participants from a clinic in a peripheral community in southern Israel completed an online questionnaire. We found that 85% knew how to use the internet for health information, but only one third felt safe using it to make health decisions. Furthermore, 93% used the internet for technical needs, such as renewing prescriptions or making a doctor’s appointment. Even lower use for telemedicine was found (38%) for consultation or treatment sessions. A positive association was found between eHealth literacy and satisfaction variables with using telemedicine (rp = 0.39, p < 0.001). Although respondents understood the benefits of telemedicine, they were not satisfied nor interested in online sessions after the epidemic’s end, preferring a meeting involving personal interaction. Young people and academics benefit more from telemedicine, thereby creating usage gaps and potentially increasing existing inequality. We recommend developing intervention programs, especially among vulnerable populations, to strengthen eHealth literacy and remove barriers causing skepticism about the use of telemedicine during and after the pandemic.

The Perceptions of Telehealth Physiotherapy for People with Bronchiectasis during a Global Pandemic—A Qualitative Study

“…A range of factors appeared to influence the acceptance of telehealth physiotherapy as an alternative option in selected participants. That it was considered to be a necessary adaption to ensure a continued service of delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stay-at-home orders were stipulated, has been similarly reported in other populations [ 25 , 27 , 30 ]. The reduced burden of travel with telehealth services compared to in-person consultation has also been observed for those with chronic conditions [ 25 , 34 ], with lower reports of physical exhaustion in those with chronic respiratory conditions undertaking telehealth [ 30 , 35 , 36 ].…”

“…That it was considered to be a necessary adaption to ensure a continued service of delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stay-at-home orders were stipulated, has been similarly reported in other populations [ 25 , 27 , 30 ]. The reduced burden of travel with telehealth services compared to in-person consultation has also been observed for those with chronic conditions [ 25 , 34 ], with lower reports of physical exhaustion in those with chronic respiratory conditions undertaking telehealth [ 30 , 35 , 36 ]. Reducing the risk of viral transmission during a pandemic [ 37 ] or the risk of infection linked to attending a healthcare facility [ 30 ], a particular concern for those with bronchiectasis, was also a perceived benefit of engaging with telehealth.…”

“…Scepticism towards telehealth services have been previously reported, with consumers cancelling, postponing consultations, or not adhering to the intervention when clinical interactions were pivoted to a telehealth format during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Professional acceptance of telehealth by patients and health care professionals has been noted to be challenging [ 28 ].…”

Opportunities and Challenges in Delivering Remote Primary Care During the Coronavirus Outbreak

“…The review concluded that telephone consultations were used more by younger working-age people, the very old, and non-immigrants, with internet-based consultations more likely to be used by younger people ( 26). An additional survey from Israel reported a positive association between younger age and higher eHealth literacy and satisfaction and usage of telemedicine (27).Efforts should be made to prevent inequalities in delivering primary care due to structural differences. Despite relatively high patient comfort to receive remote care, some prevalent di culties were reported.…”

Questionnaire-Based Assessment of the Masticatory Function and Facial Nerve Recovery Post Pterional Approach in Brain Tumors Surgery

“…The use of telemedicine significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, which during a lock down period is the only means of contacting, monitoring, and advising patients with chronic diseases or those in postoperative care [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The need of maintaining social distancing to reduce infection risks, while also avoiding deterioration to patients’ medical conditions and providing them with an adequate healthcare was the main reason to develop a standardized questionnaire, destined for patient undergoing pterional and other neurosurgical approaches, requiring an incision of the temporal muscle, for different cranial pathologies.…”