Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare最新文献

{"title":"National emergency medical teleconsultation: A novel system applied during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan.","authors":"Kai-Wen Cheng, Hong-Mo Shih, Chip-Jin Ng, Chung-Liang Shih, Wei-Kung Chen","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231217326","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231217326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTelemedicine can facilitate social distancing during an infectious disease pandemic and reduce the burden on health-care resources. Moreover, telemedicine can be utilized for medical care in remote island regions, in home health care, and during isolated major disasters such as regional earthquakes. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine for emergency consultation remains unclear. This study introduced and analyzed the national emergency medical teleconsultation (NEMTC) established in Taiwan in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control established a temporary 24-h NEMTC contingency system. Patient information was collected from consultations through the NEMTC from April 28 to June 28, 2022. After successful consultation, physicians made recommendations for home observation, emergency department (ED) visit, or outpatient follow-up. ED visits were divided into two categories, namely self-transport and transport, by the emergency medical service system (EMSS).ResultsDuring the aforementioned period, 20,902 consultation requests were made through the NEMTC, and 11,804 consultations (56.5% of 20,902) were successful. Consultation success rates were significantly higher for those who had a consultation between 08:00 and 16:00, had a waiting time of less than 10 min, and were not aged between 18 and 45 years. Moreover, 8.2% of the analyzed patients were advised to visit the ED, and only 0.4% required ambulance transportation. Children and older individuals and patients with cardiovascular symptoms, shortness of breath, or neurological or abdominal symptoms had a significantly higher chance of being referred to the ED than did other individuals.ConclusionsThe NEMTC response system can enhance the efficiency of the EMSS and can reduce the burden of patients with mild conditions overloading the EMSS and EDs. The NEMTC could serve as an effective rapid response system during future pandemics.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"732-741"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138832734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The physical and psychological effectiveness of mHealth-based physiotherapy for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Weihong Shi, Lixia Chen, Yuhang Zhang, Wangshu Yuan, Qing Li, Zhengwei Chen, Houqiang Zhang, Qiyang Feng, Yingshan Gan, Huiling Zhang, Di Liu, Ye Lin","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251340037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251340037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTo determine (a) the effect of mHealth-based physiotherapy for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) on fear, anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy; (b) which is the most effective on improving individuals' pain intensity and physical disability through the comparison of the efficacy of mHealth-based physiotherapy with outpatient-based physiotherapy, home-based physiotherapy with simple supervision or unsupervision, and waiting-list group.MethodsThe systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE (via Ovid), Scopus, Embase, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) until September 20, 2024. Two independent reviewers (LQ and CZW) extracted information about origin, characteristics of study participants, eligibility criteria, characteristics of interventions, outcome measures and main results.ResultsA total of 37 RCTs involving 5832 participants were included. The risk of bias was generally low in the included studies. The results indicated that mHealth-based physiotherapy for individuals' CNLBP was more effective in reducing pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.32, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.17; <i>P</i> < 0.001), improving physical disability (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.18; <i>P</i> < 0.001), and decreasing fear-avoidance (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.09; <i>P</i> = 0.004). However, the mHealth-based physiotherapy was less effective on decreasing anxiety (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.06-0.52; <i>P</i> = 0.01) and remained unclear in decreasing depression (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.31; <i>P</i> = 0.16) and improving self-efficacy (SMD 0.14, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.34; <i>P</i> = 0.18). In subgroup analyses of pain intensity and physical disability, mHealth-based physiotherapy for individual with CNLBP was more effective than outpatient-based physiotherapy, home-based physiotherapy with simple supervision or unsupervision and waiting-list groups.ConclusionOur meta-analysis suggested that mHealth-based physiotherapy holds significant potential for reducing pain intensity and fear-avoidance, and improving physical disability in individuals with CNLBP compared to traditional physiotherapy model. However, its effect was less on reducing anxiety and depression, and improving self-efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251340037"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telephone versus video consultations: A systematic review of consumer and provider preferences.","authors":"Centaine L Snoswell, Helen M Haydon, Soraia de Camargo Catapan, Jaimon T Kelly, Emma E Thomas, Laura J Neil, Monica L Taylor, Anthony C Smith, Liam J Caffery","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251341199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251341199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionAs telehealth services are increasingly utilised and mature, it is important to continue to assess the preferences of both consumers and providers to ensure that these services are being used in the most acceptable and effective manner. This review aims to analyse both consumer and provider preferences for telephone and video consultations.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL and Embase databases was conducted in April 2023 to identify studies that investigated consumer or provider preferences for either telephone or video consultations. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively with the main reported findings from each article categorised in regard to modality preference (i.e. preference for either telephone or video; no preference between modality, equivalency, or mixed preference statements).ResultsA total of 78 articles were included in the analysis. Studies were published between 2003 and 2023, with the majority (86%) published after 2020. While most studies used quantitative survey methods (69.2%), five used qualitative (6.4%) and 19 used a mixed methods approach (24.4%). The majority of included studies (54% of consumer studies and 76% of provider studies) reported video as the preferred telehealth modality over telephone.DiscussionAlthough video is mostly preferred over telephone, a number of consumer studies reported equivalent preference for telephone and video consultations and highlighted the benefits of each modality for different purposes.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251341199"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telemedicine and digital health for chronic conditions in pediatrics: A systematic review.","authors":"Britta Exner, Isabel V Frielitz-Wagner, Fabian-S Frielitz","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251334423","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251334423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe prevalence of chronic diseases in children and adolescents has significantly increased. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, leading to improved healthcare access and outcomes. Despite its benefits, telemedicine is still not fully integrated into standard care. Previous reviews have been limited in scope. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent trials on web or app-based telemedicine for chronically ill children and adolescents, identifying interventions and outcomes for future healthcare strategies.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed on November 21, 2023, and updated on January 9, 2025. Results were filtered to include prospective intervention studies involving children and adolescents with chronic conditions and limited to publications from 2017 onwards. A total of 8699 results were retrieved, and 1506 titles were screened for eligibility, resulting in 116 studies included in the review.ResultsThese studies covered 45 different conditions, with the highest numbers for diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Telemedicine interventions varied, including gamification, video meetings, integrated devices, psychological components, symptom tracking, and educational content. Most studies reported high feasibility and patient satisfaction. Clinical outcomes improved in some cases, and none were worse than standard care. The heterogeneity limited direct comparisons and meta-analysis, and small sample sizes in many studies affected the generalizability and statistical significance of the findings.ConclusionsOur study highlights the potential of telemedicine in managing chronic illnesses among children, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies, larger sample sizes, and continued investment in infrastructure and equitable policies to fully realize its benefits in improving accessibility, convenience, cost savings, and overall health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251334423"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of telerehabilitation on post-COVID-19 individuals with long-term dyspnea: A randomized controlled study.","authors":"Canan Demir, Cihan Caner Aksoy, Gulhan Yilmaz Gokmen, Dilber Durmaz","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251333903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251333903","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in managing ongoing dyspnea and associated issues following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and observe changes over time.DesignThe study included 36 participants who previously had COVID-19 but continued to experience dyspnea (mean age, 42.44 ± 15.51 years). The participants were randomly allocated into three groups: telerehabilitation (TRG), home exercise (HEG), and control (CG). Dyspnea level, exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, respiratory function, and fatigue were evaluated at baseline, at 6th, and at 12th weeks. Telerehabilitation was performed supervised and synchronously via video-calls.ResultsAt the 6-week assessment, TRG showed significant improvements in dyspnea, fatigue (p < 0.001), exercise capacity (p = 0.001), and respiratory muscle strength (p < 0.001). By the 12th week, these gains were maintained, with no further changes from week 6. In HEG, dyspnea and fatigue improved at weeks 6 and 12 (p < 0.001), with no additional changes between these time points. In CG, only dyspnea improved at both assessments (p < 0.001); other parameters remained unchanged. TRG achieved greater benefits compared to CG in reducing dyspnea and fatigue at week 6 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), but no group differences were found at week 12 (p > 0.05). No changes in muscle oxygenation were observed in any groups or evaluation points (p > 0.05).ConclusionsTelerehabilitation effectively improved and sustained dyspnea, fatigue, respiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity in patients with post-COVID, while home-based exercises only reduced dyspnea and fatigue. Supervised and structured telerehabilitation may be a viable approach to managing post-COVID-19 symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251333903"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the use of telemedicine across different opioid use disorder treatment models: A scoping review.","authors":"Joseph Tay Wee Teck, Jenna L Butner, Alex Baldacchino","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231195607","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231195607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has instigated the development of telemedicine-mediated provision of medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone, referred to as TMOUD in this study. As services start to return to pre-pandemic norms, there is a debate around the role of TMOUD as addition to or replacement of the conventional cascade of care for people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD). This scoping review is designed to characterize existing TMOUD services and provide insights to enable a more nuanced discussion on the role of telemedicine in the care of PWOUD.MethodsThe literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception up to and including April 2023, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The review considered any study design that detailed sufficient descriptive information on a given TMOUD service. A data extraction form was developed to collect and categorize a range of descriptive characteristics of each discrete TMOUD model identified from the obtained articles.ResultsA total of 45 articles met the inclusion criteria, and from this, 40 discrete TMOUD services were identified. In total, 33 services were US-based, three from Canada, and one each from India, Ireland, the UK, and Norway. Through a detailed analysis of TMOUD service characteristics, four models of care were identified. These were TMOUD to facilitate inclusion health, to facilitate transitions in care, to meet complex healthcare needs, and to maintain opioid use disorder (OUD) service resilience.ConclusionsCharacterizing TMOUD according to its functional benefits to PWOUD and OUD services will help support evidence-based policy and practice. Additionally, particular attention is given to how digital exclusion of PWOUD can be mitigated against.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"500-514"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12044217/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10519393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Measuring disparities in virtual healthcare and outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Medha R Cherabuddi, Al Muthanna Shadid, Liyan Obeidat, Michelle Jesse, Patrick Bradley","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231202283","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231202283","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionThe use of virtual healthcare increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, even among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. We measured disparities in virtual compared to traditional healthcare and outcomes in COPD patients during the pandemic.MethodsThis study retrospectively identified adult patients with virtual or in-person primary care encounters at a large, Midwestern hospital system between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Data regarding age, sex, race, smoking, area deprivation index (ADI), COPD diagnosis, visit type (office, telephone, video, E-visit, virtual, or hybrid of office and virtual), and time to hospital admission in the following 12 months were collected. Analysis was performed using chi-square, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum, and Cox proportional modeling.ResultsThis study identified 86,715 patients. Of those, 4702 had COPD and were more likely to be 65 years or older, White, have higher ADI, use telephone or hybrid visits compared to the rest of the study population and majority had smoking history. Office, telephone, and hybrid visits were used frequently, consistently seen across sex, race, ADI, and smoking categories. Increasing age was associated with increased use of office and telephone visits, and decreased use of video visits. Higher ADI was associated with telephone visits, and lower ADI was associated with video visits. There were no significant differences in overall, COPD, or COVID-19 hospital admission rates across visit types.DiscussionComplex disparities in utilizing traditional healthcare are also reflected in virtual healthcare in COPD patients, and do not significantly affect hospital admissions.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"558-562"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41158161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation and early outcomes of a telehealth visit model to deliver tecovirimat for mpox infection in New York City.","authors":"Justin Chan, David J DiTullio, Patricia Pagan Pirallo, Mary Foote, Dorothy Knutsen, Angelica Cifuentes Kottkamp, Tristan D McPherson, Vikramjit Mukherjee, Robert Pitts, Andrew Wallach, Marcia Wong, Dana Mazo, Ofole Mgbako","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231194796","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231194796","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The 2022 mpox outbreak in New York City posed challenges to rapidly scaling up treatment capacity. We describe a telehealth treatment model launched during this outbreak that facilitated healthcare provider treatment capacity, and was able to adhere to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored expanded access investigational new drug (EA-IND) protocol for tecovirimat. Sixty-nine patients were evaluated and prescribed tecovirimat for mpox through telehealth visits at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and NYU Langone Health from June to August 2022. Thirty-two (46.4%) were previously diagnosed with HIV. Forty-four (63.8%) reported full recovery, with the remainder lost to follow-up. Most patients (<i>n</i> = 60, 87.0%) attended at least one follow-up visit (either in person or through telehealth) after starting treatment. We observed favorable treatment outcomes, with no serious adverse events, hospitalizations, or deaths related to mpox. While equitable access to telehealth remains a limitation that needs to be addressed, this telehealth model enabled a rapid scale-up of tecovirimat prescription during the mpox outbreak, and should be considered as an important tool used to respond to future infectious disease outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"534-539"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10073313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"iColon, a patient-focused mobile application for perioperative care in colorectal surgery: Results from 444 patients.","authors":"Elisa Bertocchi, Giuliano Barugola, Gaia Masini, Massimo Guerriero, Nicola Menestrina, Irene Gentile, Francesca Meoli, Lorenza Sanfilippo, Mario Lauria, Roberta Freoni, Giacomo Ruffo","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231203064","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231203064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimThe aim of this study is to assess if a patient-focused mobile application can increase compliance with active Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) items and thereby improve surgery-related outcomes and patient satisfaction.MethodThis is a prospective observational study of patients admitted for elective colorectal surgery, under the ERAS protocol, and having access to the mobile application iColon during all perioperative phases.ResultsThe 444 participants were included in the study. The overall adherence to the use of iColon was 62.4%. The overall adherence to active ERAS items was 74.1%. Adherence to the use of iColon significantly impacted adherence to active ERAS items. The use of the application was negatively related with factors such as age, type of disease, and postoperative complications. In the postdischarge phase, low adherence to active ERAS items typically indicates an increased likelihood of readmission; however, the use of iColon correlated significantly with a reduction in the 30-day readmission rate. A survey regarding patient satisfaction and confidence in using iColon resulted in positive feedback in more than 94% of cases, while 92.7% reported better quality of care.ConclusionOur findings suggest that digital health tools are beneficial and effective in the follow up of patients after early discharge. Our mobile application, iColon, represents user-friendly technology that is well-accepted. It has real-world implications in increasing adherence to active ERAS items, which results in an improvement in perceived quality of care by its users.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"585-591"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12044202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41218047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"To connect or not connect: long-term adoption of video consultations, and reasons for discontinuing use.","authors":"Irene Muli, Helena Hvitfeldt, Åsa Cajander, Lovisa Jäderlund Hagstedt, Nadia Davoody, Marina Taloyan, Maria Hägglund","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231203267","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231203267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionThis study investigates factors related to long-term and short-term adoption of video consultations (VCs) and reasons for discontinuing use among primary care patients.MethodsA sample of primary care patients using VCs with healthcare providers were invited to take a survey in a cross-sectional study. Participants were asked about their intention to continue to have video consultations in the future, and those indicating no intention to use VCs in the future (short-term adopters) were asked about their reasons for this. Prevalence and statistical differences between long-term and short-term adopters were investigated.ResultsThere were several statistically significant differences between long-term and short-term adopters (76% vs. 24%). Long-term adopters consisted of more middle-aged individuals (35-54 years) and the majority worked full-time (56%). They had more positive opinions of VCs and used VCs and video meetings for other purposes to a larger extent. They chose VCs because of the lack of time to go to the healthcare centre and because their provider offered them. The most common reason for discontinuing use was a preference for face-to-face consultations, with the youngest age group (16-34 years) reporting this to a larger extent.DiscussionYounger and older age groups may be less likely to continue the use of VCs, potentially preserving the digital divide. Additionally, disparities in using similar technologies might contribute to the digital divide. Moreover, convenience, positive opinions of VCs, and experience with VCs were related to long-term adoption. Further studies are needed to explore non-use, age's influence, and address usability issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"572-584"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12044205/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41155741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}