Homebound patients' perspectives on technology and telemedicine: A qualitative analysis. Issue 3 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Kristin T. L.; Lu, Tracy J.; Alizadeh, Forootan; Mostaghimi, Arash
• Is Part Of: Home health care services quarterly. Volume 35:Issue 3/4(2016)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 181
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Community and home care -- engaged technology -- home health care -- literacy technology -- service delivery/utilization -- technology; Home care services -- Periodicals; Home care services -- United States -- Periodicals; Home Care Services -- Periodicals; 362.14
• DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2016.1264341
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-1424

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Telemedicine holds promise in bridging the gap between homebound patients and high quality health care, but uptake of such technology remains limited. Qualitative interviews conducted with 17 homebound patients found two major barriers to telemedicine. First, participants who lack familiarity with technology are hesitant about telemedicine, as baseline use of technology in the home is limited, participants did not feel capable of learning, and the advantages of telemedicine were unclear. Second, homebound patients place a high value on in-office visits due to therapeutic benefit, face-to-face communication, and the social aspect of medical appointments.