Telemedicine perceptions and experiences of socially vulnerable households during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to decrease risk of viral transmission triggered an abrupt shift from ambulatory health care delivery toward telemedicine. In this study, we explore the perceptions and experiences of telemedicine among socially vulnerable households and suggest strategies to increase equity in telemedicine access.

Methods

Conducted between August 2020 and February 2021, this exploratory qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with members of socially vulnerable households needing health care. Participants were recruited from a food bank and primary care practice in Montréal. Digitally recorded telephone interviews focused on experiences and perceptions related to telemedicine access and use. In our thematic analysis, we employed the

SUBMITTER: Adams AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10000894 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature