Attitudes and Perceptions of Telemedicine in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Naïve Healthcare Providers

• DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.647937
• Publication Date: 2021-04-07T05:04:15Z
• Authors: Dana A. Schinasi; Carolyn C. Foster; M. Katie Bohling; Leonardo Barrera; Michelle L. Macy
• Keywords: Reimbursement; Pandemic; Telehealth

Introduction: Expansion of telemedicine enabled healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to in-person visit restrictions, our institution trained >1,000 clinicians in telemedicine. Little is known about telemedicine-naïve pediatric provider's perceptions as they adopted practice. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey after expanding practice at an independent children's hospital. The assessed experience with, concerns about, and intentions continue Outpatient providers were included if first for least one video visit, 3/21/2020–6/30/2020. Descriptive statistics calculated; compared across activity level quartiles (based on proportions visits delivered by June 2020) using Fisher's exact tests. Results: Of 609 responses, 305 (50.1%) met inclusion criteria, representing various roles disciplines. Over half (54.1%) >20 More than 75% found easy learn. Providers with greater typical week reported ease incorporating into clinical intention 6 months. Nearly all endorsed concerns. Patient care experiences reinforced technology-related alleviated liability privacy Payer reimbursement was leading influencer anticipated future use Discussion: who more encounters Provider influenced patient experiences. Targeted training quality improvement strategies are needed sustain robust post-pandemic program.