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Physician attitudes regarding telephone medicine
M D Hannis1, R L Hazard, M Rothschild
1University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Physician attitudes toward telephone medicine are measurable. Improving call management systems and residency training enhances physician confidence and satisfaction in telephone medicine practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical practice
- Physician training
- Telehealth
Background:
- Physician attitudes towards telephone medicine are crucial for effective telehealth implementation.
- Understanding the factors influencing these attitudes is essential for improving patient care delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure physicians' attitudes regarding telephone medicine.
- To identify determinants influencing these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 356 graduates from ten US internal medicine residency programs (1988-1992).
- Factor analysis identified six reliable attitude scales (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70).
- Regression analysis examined demographic, training, and system variables predicting attitudes.
Main Results:
- Six distinct physician attitude scales toward telephone medicine were identified, demonstrating reliable measurement.
- Physician satisfaction and confidence in managing patient calls were predicted by chart availability, residency preparedness, and comfort with telephone prescribing (R² = 0.25).
Conclusions:
- Physician attitudes towards telephone medicine can be reliably quantified.
- Enhancing telephone medicine training and optimizing patient call management systems are key to improving physician satisfaction and confidence.