Preference-Based Implementation of Video Consultations in Urban and Rural Regions in Outpatient Care in Germany: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

• DOI: 10.2196/50932
• Publication Date: 2024-04-11T12:30:26Z
• Authors: Lara Kleinschmidt; Anke Walendzik; Jürgen Wasem; Klemens Höfer; Beatrice Nauendorf; Matthias Brittner; Paul Brandenburg; André Aeustergerling; Udo Schneider; Anja Wadeck; Stephanie Sehlen; Sebastian Liersch; Katharina Schwarze; Carsten Schwenke; Theresa Hüer
• Keywords: 330; ddc:330; Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics; R; R858-859.7; study protocol -- video consultation -- preference elicitation -- discrete choice experiment -- implementation -- telemedicine -- teleconsultation -- e-consultation -- outpatient -- rural area -- remote -- preferences -- strategy; Wirtschaftswissenschaften; Fakultät für Wirtschaftswissenschaften » Fachgebiet Betriebswirtschaftslehre » Medizinmanagement; 300; 0302 clinical medicine; ddc:330; Protocol; Medicine; 0305 other medical science; ScholarlyArticle

Background Particularly in rural regions, factors such as lower physician density and long travel distances complicate adequate outpatient care. However, urban regions can also be affected by deficits care, for example, waiting times. One model of care intending to improve the situation is implementation video consultations. The study protocol presents methodology research project titled “Preference-based consultation regions” funded German Federal Joint Committee (funding number 01VSF20011). Objective This aims identify existing barriers use preferences insured individuals physicians well psychotherapists order optimize its design thus increase acceptance consultations regions. Methods Built on a mixed methods approach, this first assesses status quo through claims data analysis carries out systematic literature review promoting Based preliminary work, focus groups are conducted prepare surveys with insureds second phase. central element survey discrete choice experiments elicit relevant (potential) user service providers. summarized findings discussed stakeholder workshop translated into health policy recommendations. Results methodological approach used paper. still ongoing will continue until March 2024. phase has already been completed, which work done potential applications hurdles Currently, being analyses prepared. Conclusions intended develop targeted strategy makers based actual perceived obstacles results contribute further user-oriented development statutory insurance. Furthermore, iterative suitable variety other projects. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/50932