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Rural Arkansas physicians and telemedicine technology: attitudes in communities receiving equipment
J M Tilford1, W E Garner, S W Strode
1Center for Applied Research and Evaluation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Summary
Physicians see telemedicine as useful for patient care quality but not for hospital finances. There is significant interest in learning more about telemedicine, though barriers to adoption may persist.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Rural Health
- Telemedicine
Background:
- Telemedicine offers potential benefits for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural settings.
- Understanding physician perspectives is crucial for successful technology adoption.
- Previous research highlights varied physician attitudes toward new healthcare technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate physician attitudes regarding telemedicine's usefulness and effectiveness.
- To gauge physician interest in learning about telemedicine applications.
- To assess expected physician utilization of telemedicine in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 46 physicians across six rural hospitals.
- The survey assessed attitudes toward telemedicine's usefulness, effectiveness, and expected use.
- Responses were analyzed using binomial probability methods.
Main Results:
- A 59% response rate was achieved (27/46 physicians).
- Physicians believed telemedicine would improve patient care quality but not hospital finances or patient costs.
- Physician opinions were divided on telemedicine's effectiveness and expected utilization for consults.
Conclusions:
- Physician interest in learning about telemedicine is high.
- Barriers to telemedicine adoption may persist without clear evidence of community and clinical benefits.
- Convincing referring physicians of telemedicine's value is essential for widespread utilization.