Perspectives of Patients and Providers on the Use of Telemedicine for Chronic Disease Specialty Care in the Alaska Tribal Health System

Background:There are disparities in access to specialty care for chronic diseases in rural populations. Telemedicine has been proposed to improve access.

Introduction:The objective of this study was to identify predictors of telemedicine use for chronic disease specialty care in the Alaska Tribal Health System.

Materials and Methods:We collected data from patients and providers about benefits, barriers, and deciding factors for or against telemedicine use. Participants were recruited from three regional tribal health organizations in Alaska during 2019. Data were collected using a patient survey, a provider survey, and patient focus groups.

Results:Of the 153 patients surveyed, 104 had never used telemedicine, and 71 (68% of never users) were open to it if offered. Of the 29 providers surveyed, 27 (93%) stated a preference for using telemedicine in the follow-up phase of care. In the focus groups conducted with telemedicine ever users (n = 23) and never users (n = 14), the identified barriers and benefits were similar, but never users were more likely to emphasize patient preference as a deciding factor, whereas ever users described clinic-related deciding factors more commonly. Relationship building before telemedicine visits was identified as important by some focus group participants.

Discussion:This study adds to the literature on patient and provider views of benefits, barriers, and deciding factors for or against the use of telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic. These views may evolve over time.

Conclusions:Patients and providers identify benefits of telemedicine that may outweigh the barriers in many settings.