Learning from patients about their experiences with early adoption of virtual care appointments in primary care in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine patient experiences with virtual (telephone and video) encounters in primary care and make recommendations to inform the broader adoption of virtual care.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews for data collection.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Fifty-five primary care patients across Ontario, Canada, who had experienced at least one virtual (telephone or video) encounter with a healthcare provider in primary care, participated in semi-structured individual interviews conducted between 15 January 2021 and 22 March 2021.

Results

With respect to patients' experiences with virtual care appointments, we identified the following seven themes: (1) Enhancing access, (2)

SUBMITTER: Ashcroft R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12911758 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature