A Cross-Sectional Survey on Telemedicine Use for Doctor-Patient Communication

Abstract

Introduction Use of computers for doctor-patient communication is increasing. Considering effective doctor-patient communication is important for good health outcomes. This study helps to determine the level of acceptance of telemedicine in general public and factors associated with it. Methods: This survey with cross-sectional analysis comprised a brief survey with 15 questions. The survey was distributed in public places to determine the opinions of the general public. Results Randomly selected 125 participants completed the questionnaire. Synchronous telemedicine was favored by young people (82% in the 18-34 age group vs 37.5% of participants aged >55 years; p<0.01), those with a higher education level (46.7% of non-college-educated persons vs 80.6% of college-educated persons; p<0.01), and frequent computer users (67% who used a computer for less than two hours a month vs 86.5% of those who used a computer more than hours a month; p=0.03). Asynchronous communication, like sending health information to doctors via a safe portal was acknowledged mostly by people who had used patient portals in the past (84.1% vs 65.4%; p=0.02). Use of patient portals was less among older users and senior citizens (20.8% use in the age group >55 vs. 51.3% in the age group 35-53 years vs. 71% in age group 18-34 years). Receiving video education for specific health concerns was favored by those who used a computer frequently (94.6% who used a computer more than two hours a month vs 77% who used a computer less than two hours a month; p =0.02). Conclusion Telemedicine is generally favored, but physicians should be mindful about older people as they may not feel comfortable. Step by step guidance should be provided especially to senior citizens for telemedicine and portal use.

Keywords: patient portal; patient-doctor communication; patient-doctor relation; telehealth; telemedicine.

Figure 1. Percentage of survey participants in favor of synchronous communication according to age groups.

Figure 2. Percentage of survey participants who responded ‘yes’ to “have you ever used patient portal before” according to age groups.

Figure 3. Percentage of survey participants who responded ‘yes’ to asynchronous telemedicine questions according to prior use of patient portal.

Q1: Would you be open to receiving health information from your doctor on a cellphone or computer? Q2: Would you be open to receiving appointment reminders from your doctor on your cellphone? Q3: Would you be comfortable sending your health information to your doctor through a safe portal? Q4: Would you like some of your health questions be answered before your visit to the doctor? Q5: Would you be open to receiving wellness reminders from your doctor through computer? Q6: Do you think it would be helpful if your doctor send you video education regarding your specific health concerns? Q7: Do you think it would be helpful if your doctor could see and professionally evaluate the information on a health app?