Telemedicine in Primary Care Yielded Mostly Positive Experiences for Older Adults

For older adults, telemedicine in primary care led to a satisfactory experience and created an interest in alternative healthcare delivery models, according to a study published in BMC Primary Care. Vladimir Khanassov, MSc, PhD, and colleagues, sought to examine the effects of telemedicine and its use in older adults in primary care. In a systematic, mixed studies literature review, Chang’s framework was used to interpret use determinant. A total of 20 studies were included. “Location and travel time” was the most cited facilitator among studies reporting positive outcomes in telemedicine, whereas “user habit or preferences” was the most reported barrier to use. Negative outcomes were cited in only one study and reported “user interface, intended use or usability” and “comfort with patient communication” as barriers, and “location and travel time” and “technology skills and knowledge” as facilitators. No barrier or facilitator was cited more than once among studies reporting positive outcomes in service use and usability. A positive outcome in health-related and behavioral outcomes was revealed in only one study.