Study Shows Majority of Physicians and Patients Support Permanent Role for Telehealth in Healthcare
A recent report from Doximity, a leading telemedicine platform for healthcare providers, revealed that 83% of physician telemedicine users expressed a strong preference for virtual care to remain a permanent fixture in their clinical practice. The study also highlighted the positive experiences of telehealth patients, with 96% reporting equivalent or superior overall medical care and 78% indicating improved access to healthcare services through telehealth visits.
Key Findings and Implications
The research delved into how telemedicine tools impacted patient outcomes and physician workflows, showing that 84% of respondents acknowledged the value of telemedicine in enhancing continuity of care for patients with chronic or complex conditions. Additionally, doctors credited virtual care for reducing patient wait times, decreasing missed appointments, and addressing social determinants of health.
Physicians of all age groups embraced telehealth, with those under 50 comprising 74% of Doximity’s telemedicine users in the past year. A survey of 1,171 physicians and 131 nurse practitioners across 10 specialties further reinforced the positive sentiment towards telemedicine, with 77% of physician users utilizing it at least weekly and over a third using it daily.
Physician and Patient Perspectives
Both healthcare providers and patients emphasized the role of telemedicine in increasing access to healthcare services and enhancing communication between physicians and patients. Patients viewed telehealth as a valuable complement to, or at times a replacement for, in-person care, with 82% believing that telemedicine helps them stay updated on their healthcare needs.
Physicians reported that telemedicine contributed to better disease management, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced overall patient outcomes in their practices. By utilizing virtual visits, physicians can maintain regular contact with their patients, particularly in specialties like endocrinology, urology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and neurology.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Nate Gross, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Doximity, emphasized that telemedicine and in-person care are not competitors but allies in providing comprehensive and patient-focused healthcare. The study’s findings underscored the desire of both physicians and patients to continue accessing telemedicine services, supporting the call for a permanent role for telehealth in healthcare delivery.
Future Trends and Considerations
As digital innovation reshapes healthcare delivery, the integration of telehealth services has become essential in achieving the quadruple aim of healthcare, which now includes provider experience alongside the traditional triple aim. Advocates for telehealth stress the need to democratize access to care and urge policymakers to extend virtual care flexibilities beyond the pandemic era to promote health equity.
Ultimately, the evolving landscape of healthcare highlights the symbiotic relationship between telemedicine and traditional care, with both modalities playing crucial roles in meeting the diverse needs of patients and providers.
