Virtual Visits in Pediatrics-Readiness, Barriers and Perceptions Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Digital health implementation
• Telemedicine adoption

Background:

• Virtual visits (VVs) are increasingly relevant in pediatric care.
• Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives is crucial for successful VV implementation.
• Existing research often overlooks the specific challenges in pediatric settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore pediatric healthcare professionals' perceptions, experiences, and expectations regarding virtual visit implementation.
• To identify factors influencing the adoption of VVs in routine pediatric practice.
• To assess the perceived utility and barriers of VVs in different pediatric care settings.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted nationwide among pediatricians, nurses, and residents.
• The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used for analysis.
• 308 Spanish healthcare professionals completed the survey via REDCap.

Main Results:

• Most professionals see VVs as useful for follow-ups, results communication, and chronic care, particularly for older children.
• Key concerns include poor internet connectivity (52.6%) and data security (37.4%).
• Older professionals reported lower confidence in digital tools; hospital-based clinicians showed more interest and better tech access than primary care providers.

Conclusions:

• High acceptance of VVs exists, but infrastructure and digital literacy pose significant barriers, especially for infants.
• Targeted training, improved equipment, and clear clinical protocols are essential for effective pediatric VV programs.
• Addressing age-related digital literacy gaps and workplace disparities is vital for equitable VV integration.