Perceptions of Experienced Primary Care Physicians on Telemedicine: Treatment Convenience affects more than Treatment Quality - A Questionnaire-based Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Telemedicine can potentially enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Previous studies have highlighted the crucial relationship between physicians’ attitudes and the extent of telemedicine implementation. However, despite significant efforts, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the implementation of telemedicine in primary care systems has not met expectations. Objective: This study aimed to investigate how primary care physicians’ attitudes toward telemedicine are influenced by the perceived opportunities and risks associated with its use after gaining firsthand experience with the service. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated online self-reported questionnaires, distributed to all primary care physicians providing telemedicine consultations for at least three months in a large health maintenance organization (HMO) in Israel. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the study variables. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess associations between continuous variables. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare continuous variables across different categories. All statistical analyses were two-sided; a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 128 (20%) physicians completed the questionnaire. The perceived strength of the identified opportunities outweighed that of the risks. Furthermore, the importance assigned to issues related to enhancing patient service was greater than that given to aspects associated with improving treatment. Conclusion: Primary care physicians recognize telemedicine’s potential opportunities, particularly in enhancing patient service. Policymakers aiming to expand the utilization of telemedicine should adopt a comprehensive approach and implement changes that address the needs and concerns of physicians and patients alike.