CP17 - Provider Preferences Regarding the Benefits and Challenges of Utilizing Telemedicine

CP17 - Provider Preferences Regarding the Benefits and Challenges of Utilizing Telemedicine

Poster Type: Research

Track/Topic: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: The utilization of telemedicine in place of in-person appointments has become more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By assessing healthcare providers’ likes and dislikes of using telemedicine in the greater Portland, Oregon area, a better understanding may be developed to formulate recommendations aimed at improving the telemedicine experience.

Research Study Design/Methods: A survey was developed to assess provider preferences, likes and dislikes of utilizing telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey was sent out via email to providers (MD, DO, NP etc…) at thirty-one sites from three different organizations within the Northwest Regional Primary Care Community Health Centers network. Upon completion of the data collection period, survey responses will be analyzed to determine trends in the benefits, challenges, and effective uses of telemedicine among the participants. This information will then be shared with clinic administrators and participants with the intent of aiding improvement in telemedicine encounters.

Research Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: We have reached out to over 270 providers accessed through employee list-serves at each clinic. Responses will be collected from 3/15/2021 until 04/20/2021. We plan to compile the survey results to examine providers’ experiences with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we intend to identify the types of patient encounters (e.g. dermatologic) that providers have found to be the most effective through telemedicine. We will use this information to provide specific recommendations to the clinic administration in order to inform their decisions regarding the telemedicine process.

Research Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: With a high volume of patient visits occurring remotely, we wanted to assess providers’ satisfaction in providing effective patient-centered care through telemedicine. We will use our survey results to determine what aspects of telemedicine providers identify as effective and ineffective. We will then compile the results and distribute it to all participating clinics in the Northwest Regional Primary Care Community Health Centers with the hope of providing insight to help them make improvements to the telemedicine process.

Authors:

Theresa Chiappe, OMS-II, A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona