Exploring the Determinants and Experiences of Senior Stroke Patients with Virtual Care

Abstract

Objective: The study sought to explore the experiences of participants affected by stroke with home video visit (HVV) for follow-up visits in order to understand the determinants, barriers, and benefits associated with HVVs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with (n = 23) participants to gather insight and descriptive information about patients’ experiences with HVV. Specifically, we sought to collect descriptions about the (1) costs and time associated with in-person visits, (2) facilitators and barriers to in-person and virtual visits, and (3) their values attached to traditional and virtual forms of patient care. Results: HVVs were perceived to be a mode of healthcare that is time-saving and convenient for both participants and physicians. However, our study also found some participants felt uncomfortable using technology to conduct medical visits while others still supported a positive view of traditional forms of in-person visits because they valued the in-person interactions and safe environment of the hospital. Conclusion: While HVVs were considered to be useful in addressing geographical barriers to health care, technological and digital health literacy may serve to impede seniors from using the service, with some of them opting to go to the hospital despite geographical barriers. Resultantly, HVVs may serve both to alleviate and exacerbate certain determinants to health care.

Patient perceptions of the benefits and barriers of virtual postnatal care: a qualitative study

“…In the context of being a new mother, participants felt that virtual visits were able to address many challenges unique to this population, such as scheduling difficulties, needing to arrange for childcare, and time constraints due to busier routines. These findings are consistent with previous literature, where patients found virtual care to be convenient, time-saving, and accessible for patients with unique physical impairments [ 15 , 26 ].…”

“…This was particularly relevant throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as patients were not permitted to bring other children to in-person visits in order to prevent unwanted exposure. These findings are also consistent with other studies exploring the use of virtual care in other patient populations, which support its use in alleviating the aforementioned barriers related to accessing in-person healthcare services [ 13 , 15 , 26 , 32 ].…”

“…This limitation can be exacerbated by various socioeconomic factors such as rurality or financial constraints. Patients who are unable to afford a high-speed internet connection or those who live in rural areas with poor connectivity may find themselves limited in their ability to access virtual care appointments [ 26 ]. This finding is consistent with previous literature indicating that virtual modalities for healthcare delivery in primary care can be limited when it comes to connection issues [ 38 – 42 ].…”

Bioethical Principles in Home-Based Virtual Care

“…Patients with cognitive impairment may require additional assistance in setting up physician consultations, while patients with limited dexterity may find physically operating these devices challenging. In our research, we have found that around 30% of our elderly patients that have conducted VC visits did not have an Internet-enabled device or required a caregiver to set up the program for them (12). Patients of a lower socioeconomic status or from developing nations may not have access to Internet-enabled devices.…”

Sociodemographic differences in patient experience with virtual care during COVID-19

“…Some note that the switch to virtual care may make care more accessible [5][6][7][8] , while others have highlighted barriers certain populations face in accessing virtual care [9][10][11][12] . Prior studies suggest patient characteristics including older age and lower income may limit one's ability to benefit from digital health and virtual care services [13][14] . In addition, patients may not have access to required technologies such as a phone or internet access [15][16] .…”