Genetics providers' experiences using telehealth: A grounded theory approach

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Telehealth
• Healthcare Provider Experience

Background:

• Limited research existed on clinical genetics providers' telehealth experiences before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Existing literature primarily focused on provider satisfaction, not the nuances of their telehealth work.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the telehealth process from the perspective of genetics providers.
• To explore the efficacy, patient outcomes, and personal fulfillment associated with telehealth in genetics practice.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory approach with constant comparative method for data analysis.
• Phone interviews with ten genetics providers about their telehealth experiences.

Main Results:

• Six key themes emerged: Professional Choices, Patient Access, Service Effectiveness, Telehealth Limits, Consultation Feelings, and Personal Fulfillment.
• A Theoretical Model of Telehealth Providers in Genetics was developed, linking fulfillment, service commitment, and public provision.
• Findings support the current and future growth of telehealth in genetics.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth enhances patient access and provider fulfillment in clinical genetics.
• The developed model can guide telehealth initiatives and program development.
• Further research is needed to refine telehealth processes and assessment tools in genetics.