Perceptions of virtual primary care physicians: A focus group study of medical and data science graduate students.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Artificial and virtual technologies in healthcare have advanced rapidly, and healthcare systems have been adapting care accordingly. An intriguing new development is the virtual physician, which can diagnose and treat patients independently.

Methods and findings

This qualitative study of advanced degree students aimed to assess their perceptions of using a virtual primary care physician as a patient. Four focus groups were held: first year medical students, fourth year medical students, first year engineering/data science graduate students, and fourth year engineering/data science graduate students. The focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and content analyses of the transcripts was performed using a data-driven inductive approach. Themes identified

SUBMITTER: Goetz CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7745971 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature