A recent analysis of survey data has shown that virtual care is well-received by older Australians living in rural areas, especially those with chronic conditions.
The study analysed feedback taken between 2020 and 2022 from 264 patients aged 65 and above to understand their experiences with virtual healthcare. The retrospective, descriptive study has now been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The analysis was undertaken by a group of UCRH researchers and included Ellie Price, who was at the time a third-year medical student from the University of Sydney. She contributed significantly to the data analysis while on a rural placement with UCRH and wrote her MD research report on the findings.
The analysis found that most virtual care appointments were for consultations, check-ups, or reviewing test results. Patients with multiple chronic conditions were more likely to have frequent virtual appointments. Perhaps not surprisingly, the oldest patients (80 years and above) preferred using the telephone over online platforms like Skype or Zoom.
Overall, patient satisfaction with virtual care was high, with 65.8% of participants expressing positive experiences and 60.9% finding it comparable to in-person visits. However, technological issues did lead to some negative experiences, highlighting the need for better tech support.
Key themes from the study included the enhanced accessibility and convenience of virtual care, the quality and safety of the services provided, and the need for equitable access to these services. The findings suggest that while virtual care is a valuable tool for older rural Australians, addressing technological challenges is crucial for its continued success.
