Understanding Preferences Toward Virtual Care: A Pre-COVID Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Perspectives of Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.
Telemed J E Health
; 28(3): 407-414, 2022 03.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1254371
ABSTRACT
Background:
Traditionally, outpatient visits for those with chronic liver disease (CLD) have been delivered in-person with the patient traveling to a centralized location to see the health care provider. The use of virtual care in health care delivery has been gaining popularity across a variety of patient populations, especially within the COVID-19 context. Performed before COVID-19, the aim of the present study was to explore the perspectives of patients with CLD toward the use of virtual care with their liver specialists.Methods:
A cross-sectional, mixed methods study was used to conduct this work.Results:
A total of 101 patients with CLD participated in this study. Participants had a mean age of 54.5 years (range 19-87 years). Quantitative analysis revealed that 86% were willing to attend a virtual visit with their liver specialist in the future. There was a significant relationship between both age and income level and acceptance of virtual care. The themes emerging from the qualitative analysis included (1) past experiences attending in-person visits, (2) perspectives on the use of virtual visits, and (3) perceived challenges of virtual visits.Conclusions:
Although there are many potential benefits of virtual care to both the patient and the health care system, there are instances (older age, low income level) when in-person care may be preferred by patients. A tailored approach that is mindful of the individual patient's health status, ease of access to technology, and preferences must be considered when offering virtual care. These findings are of particular relevance during COVID-19, an era that has forced us into the virtual space.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Telemedicine
/
COVID-19
/
Liver Diseases
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
/
Young adult
Language:
English
Journal:
Telemed J E Health
Journal subject:
Medical Informatics
/
Health Services
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Tmj.2021.0099
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