Integrating Telemedicine Services in Ophthalmology: Evaluating Patient Interest and Perceived Benefits

Autor: Rony Rachmiel, Adam Kurnick, Michael Waisbourd, Yehuda Fox, Eric Shiuey, Shimon Kurtz
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Patient preference and adherence
ISSN: 1177-889X
DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s330682
Popis: Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess patient interest and willingness to pay (WTP) for teleophthalmology services, whose benefits include improved healthcare access and potential cost savings. Patients and Methods Cross-sectional study of 215 patients attending a single tertiary center to assess their interest in teleophthalmology. Comparisons between those interested and those not interested were conducted; logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of price on interest. Results Two thirds (66.5%) of patients were interested in teleophthalmology instead of in-person clinic visits. Those interested were significantly younger than uninterested patients (48.8±22.7 vs 62.4±18.3 years) and were more likely to miss work to attend clinic, own both a computer and smartphone, have experience with video conferencing, and use the internet frequently (all P$28) price points. Higher level of education was associated with WTP (OR=2.31, 95% CI 1.05–5.06; P=0.037). Conclusion Most patients were interested in teleophthalmology services, especially if they were young, would otherwise miss work, and were familiar with electronics, video conferencing, and internet use. Most interested patients expressed WTP out-of-pocket. Targeting factors related to teleophthalmology interest may increase patient use and enhance communication, thereby improving healthcare access and follow-up.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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