Long-Term Care Residents' Experiences of Telemedicine - Video Consultations With Their Regular Physician in Rural...

IntroductionDemand for long-term care is increasing globally due to ageing populations and workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas. Video consultations (VC) may support interactions between residents and healthcare professionals and gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, research on long-term care residents' experiences of VC remains limited, and ethical challenges have been highlighted. This study aims to explore residents' experiences of VC.MethodsA qualitative study with an inductive approach was conducted. Interviews (n=10) were carried out with long-term care residents aged 59-96 who had used VC with their designated physician, across three rural municipalities in northern Sweden. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsTwo themes and six subthemes were identified: (1) Emotional Experience of being Connected yet Apart, and (2) Conditions that Enable, Shape, and Separate.ConclusionExperiences were shaped by individual preferences and contextual factors rather than age, with physician behaviour playing a central role. Although attitudes towards VC are becoming more positive, it should remain a complement to face-to-face consultations. Risks such as reduced autonomy, privacy concerns and technical limitations must be addressed. Familiar providers and tailored solutions may enhance autonomy, while VC may also foster courage and empowerment.