Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Teleconsultation in France Among General Population and Physicians: A National Survey.

Abstract

Introduction: The utilization of teleconsultation (TC) via synchronous video calls has surged globally and in France since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The objective was to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TC among the general population and physicians in France. Methods: We conducted two national voluntary anonymous online surveys for the general population and for physicians. The sample size, calculated for a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error, was determined to be 2,001 participants for the general population and was estimated with the quota method to ensure representativeness. The survey for physicians was sent from April 27 to June 2, 2023. Results: Among the population, 32% were TC users primarily conducted for themselves (83%) or their children (28%), as a replacement for a physical consultation (75%) and not with their treating physician (56%), while considering the physician location as not relevant (68%). The satisfaction among TC users was 88%. They experienced quicker access to care (54%) and similar or better experience (74%), and 84% agreed that TC improved access to care. If TC had not been available, 28% would have gone to the emergency department (ED). The main reasons cited for consulting remotely were to obtain a medical opinion related to new symptoms (38%) and to acquire a medical certificate or sick leave (35%). Among non-TC users, 53% were considering using it. Among physicians, 83.6% used TC for 1-4 years (68%), with 32% practicing for at least 3 years. Discussion: Thirty-two percent of the French population practiced TCs in France in 2023 with a very high satisfaction rate of 88%. Almost one-third of patients would visit the ED if they could not do a TC.