Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Perceptions of telemedicine in specialist outpatient services
Respirology ; 28(Supplement 2):168, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2319108
ABSTRACT
Introduction/

Aim:

COVID-19 has fast-tracked changes to healthcare delivery, including the introduction of a broad range of telehealth services. Work is needed to assess the ongoing suitability of telemedicine for the post-pandemic era. We sought to explore perceptions of telemedicine amongst patients and providers (clinicians and health administrators) who had appointments in cardiology, respiratory, neurology, rheumatology and gastroenterology services in hospital specialist outpatient clinics in Sydney Local Health District. Method(s) Semi-structured interviews explored perceptions of consultations undertaken virtually compared to in-person, seeking perspectives on the benefits, limitations and risks of outpatient telemedicine consultations. The 37 participants comprised 16 patients, 14 specialists, 3 Clinical Nurse Consultants and 4 administrators. Result(s) Patients indicated satisfaction with telemedicine consultations, especially during the pandemic. They valued saving on travel time and costs, and being able to access care from their homes, thereby minimising risk of COVID exposure. The chief disadvantage perceived by patients was inability to receive a physical examination. They noted greater challenges for people with hearing and visual impairments, limited digital skills and/or computer access. Providers' perceptions were more ambivalent. Although telehealth was understood to help meet demands during the pandemic, mis- and under-diagnoses were considered major concerns arising from the inability to perform physical examination. Most regarded telemedicine as an effective tool for review appointments but mentioned an associated increased workload. All participants mentioned the need for relevant education and training, better integration of telemedicine platforms into existing infrastructure and the need for a hybrid model of care. Conclusion(s) Telemedicine played a unique role in meeting patients' needs during the pandemic and its convenience was valued by patients. Clinicians expressed concerns about missed diagnoses, uncertain clinical outcomes, lack of administrative and technological infrastructure. The ultimate test of telemedicine will be its impact on clinical outcomes versus longstanding models of in person care.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Respirology Year: 2023 Document Type: Article

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Respirology Year: 2023 Document Type: Article