Patient’s experience of telemedicine during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care centre in North India: a telephonic survey

Abstract

Background: Unprecedented situation of COVID-19 pandemic and measures to contain spread of the disease has expanded the horizon of health care delivery utilizing the telemedicine into the clinical practice. To understand the patients’ preferences for future incorporation of telemedicine practice into the health care system, we conducted a survey via telephone/WhatsApp.Methods: A structured survey questionnaire was administered via telephone/WhatsApp to patients attending telemedicine consultation.Results: Total 463 patients participated in the survey. Participants having favorable attitude was 237 (51.3%) and not in favors were 225 (48.7%). Among the respondents, the most common reason to choose Telemedicine was due to COVID 19 risk (70%), whereas monetary benefits were reported by only 2% of respondents. 297 respondents were of the opinion that they will continue to use tele-consultation services even after the pandemic.Conclusions: Patients reported satisfactory response using telemedicine during COVID-19 pandemic, but felt the need of physical examination at least during first consultation. Telemedicine may be suitable for screening, medium-term and long -term follow up. Easy and cheap availability of internet is also an issue particularly in low income and rural population.