Portal de investigação
Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on patient preferences towards virtual consultations
Data de publicação:
Data Ahead of Print:
Autores da FMUP
Participantes de fora da FMUP
- Lunova, Tetiana
- Hurndall, Katherine-Helen
- Crespo, Roberto
- Howitt, Peter
- Leis, Melanie
- Grailey, Kate
- Darzi, Ara
Unidades de investigação
Abstract
Introduction: Since 2021, the world has been facing a cost-of-living crisis which has negatively affected population health. Meanwhile, little is known about its impact on patients' preferences to access care. We aimed to analyse public preference for the modality of consultation (virtual vs face-to-face) before and after the onset of crisis and factors associated with these preferences. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was administered to the public in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Sweden. McNemar tests were conducted to analyse pre- and post-crisis differences in preferences; logistic regression was used to examine the demographic factors associated with public preferences. Results: Since the onset of crisis, the number of people choosing virtual consultations has increased in the United Kingdom (7.0% vs 9.5% P < 0.001), Germany (6.6% vs 8.6%, P < 0.008) and Italy (6.0% vs 9.8%, P < 0.001). Before the crisis, a stronger preference for virtual consultations was observed in people from urban areas (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.56), while increasing age was associated with a lower preference for virtual care (OR 0.966, 95% CI 0.961-0.972). Younger people were more likely to switch to virtual care, while change to face-to-face was associated with younger age and lower income (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.12-1.62). Older adults were less likely to change preference. Conclusions: Since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, public preference for virtual consultations has increased, particularly in younger population. This contrasts with older adults and people with lower-than-average incomes. The rationale behind patients' preferences should be investigated to ensure patients can access their preferred modality of care.
Dados da publicação
- ISSN/ISSNe:
- 1357-633X, 1758-1109
- Tipo:
- Article
- Páginas:
- -
- Link para outro recurso:
- www.scopus.com
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare SAGE Publications Ltd
Citações Recebidas na Scopus: 1
Documentos
- Não há documentos
Filiações
Keywords
- Virtual consultations; cost-of-living crisis; virtual care; patient preferences; teleconsulting; telehealth
Campos de estudo
Proyectos asociados
Digital maturity and its determinants in General Practice: a cross sectional study in 20 countries
Investigador Principal: Ana Luisa Fernandes Neves Soares
Estudo Clínico Académico . 2023
Citar a publicação
Lunova T,Hurndall K,Crespo R,Howitt P,Leis M,Grailey K,Darzi A,Neves AL. Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on patient preferences towards virtual consultations. J. Telemed. Telecare. 2024. IF:4,700. (1).
