Pediatric virtual visits: experiences, preferences, and expectations of patients and caregivers

Virtual visits (VVs) were used during the pandemic as an alternative to face-to-face visits. Following this experience, the implementation of this type of telemedicine in pediatric care may offer clear advantages and benefits, but it is important to understand the perspectives of both patients and caregivers.

Cross-sectional descriptive with data collection through an online questionnaire distributed via QR code and hosted on REDCap completed anonymously by parents/legal guardians and adolescents (n = 426). We obtained data on sociodemographic characteristics, previous experience with telemedicine and the perceived usefulness of VVs from 316 caregivers and 110 adolescents. We analyzed the associations with demographic variables and performed comparative analyses.

Both groups considered VVs a useful alternative, particularly when it came to primary care and hospital-based follow-up. Caregivers highlighted saving time (53%) and reducing school absenteeism (40%) as the main advantages, whereas adolescents emphasized reducing the environmental impact associated with the visit (48%). The ideal duration was estimated at 5-15 min, and more than 95% agreed that VVs should be offered as a voluntary option. We found a higher level of acceptance among caregivers who were younger, with higher educational attainment, who did not have a private vehicle or who had greater difficulty accessing the hospital. The main concern did not involve data breaches or aspects related to confidentiality (10%), but the possibility of missing the call and therefore the appointment (33%).

Both patients and caregivers support the integration of VVs in pediatric care, provided they remain a voluntary and complementary alternative to in-person care. Future programs should consider user preferences, suggestions and the actual barriers they perceive.