Healthc Inform Res.  2024 Jul;30(3):206-223. 10.4258/hir.2024.30.3.206.

Satisfaction of Patients and Physicians with Telehealth Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Fadaizadeh L
• Velayati F
• Arab-Zozani M

• KMID: 2558317
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2024.30.3.206

Abstract

Objectives
The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed significant challenges to healthcare systems, prompting the widespread adoption of telehealth to provide medical services while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction rates of both patients and physicians with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Searches were conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2023. We included studies that utilized telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported satisfaction data for both patients and physicians. Data extraction was performed using a form designed by the researchers. A meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models with the OpenMeta-Analyst software. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on the type of telehealth services used: telephone, video, and a combination of both.
Results
From an initial pool of 1,454 articles, 62 met the inclusion criteria for this study. The most commonly used methods were video and telephone calls. The overall satisfaction rate with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was 81%. Satisfaction rates were higher among patients at 83%, compared to 74% among physicians. Specifically, telephone consultations had a satisfaction rate of 77%, video consultations 86%, and a mix of both methods yielded a 77% satisfaction rate.
Conclusions
Overall, satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was considered satisfactory, with both patients and physicians reporting high levels of satisfaction. Telehealth has proven to be an effective alternative for delivering healthcare services during pandemics.

Keyword

Personal Satisfaction, Telemedicine, Patients, Physicians, COVID-19

Figure

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  Figure 1 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow chart.

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  Figure 2 Forest plot of the overall satisfaction with telehealth for all participants.

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  Figure 3 Forest plot of the overall satisfaction with telehealth for patients.

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  Figure 4 Forest plot of the overall satisfaction with telehealth for physicians.

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  Figure 5 Forest plot of the overall satisfaction with telehealth using telephones.

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  Figure 6 Forest plot of the overall satisfaction with telehealth using videos.

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  Figure 7 Forest plot of the overall satisfaction with telehealth using telephone and video.

Reference

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