Satisfaction with telemedicine interventions and barriers to utilization among emerging adults with chronic pain: A mixed methods needs assessment

ABSTRACT

Background: Telemedicine has been increasingly embraced by the healthcare system in recent years, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adult views of telemedicine interventions are largely favorable, particularly after adults receive these interventions. However, the attitudes and perceptions that emerging adults (EAs) with chronic pain have about telemedicine remain understudied. In addition, barriers to accessing telemedicine among this population are unclear. The transition from adolescent-oriented to adult-oriented healthcare can interfere with patients' engagement in their healthcare, and patient opinions are an important aspect of successful transitions. This is particularly true for EAs with chronic health conditions, and it is important to identify ways to support their self-reliance and autonomy in managing their healthcare needs as they undergo this transition. The current study aimed to determine the barriers to and perceptions of telemedicine utilization among EAs with chronic pain.Methods: Participants in the quantitative phase were 59 EAs with chronic pain who completed the Patient Assessment of Communication during Telemedicine (PACT) and Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). The qualitative phase utilized individual interviews of eight EAs with chronic pain to further characterize the barriers identified in the quantitative phase and assess how these barriers can be addressed in acceptable ways. We utilized thematic analysis from a phenomenological lens to code qualitative data.Results: Descriptive analyses of quantitative surveys revealed patient-level barriers to telemedicine utilization and satisfaction, including feeling unsatisfied with the patient-provider relationship and poor communication during telemedicine interventions. Results of the qualitative interviews revealed four major themes (1) Relationship and communication with provider, (2) Provider competence, (3) Logistical aspects of telehealth, and (4) Technology concerns.Discussion: This study elucidated several barriers to telemedicine utilization and satisfaction among EAs with chronic pain. We provide guidelines about how providers can improve the aspects of telemedicine that our study participants indicated concern about. We also discuss provider burnout and its implications in patient satisfaction with telemedicine. The guidelines provided by this study may be useful in helping to decrease the number of patients lost to follow-up when transitioning from adolescent healthcare to adult healthcare. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)