The Factor That Can Make or BREAK Your Telehealth Experience | Dear e-Alert Reader, Over the past four years, telehealth video visits have become an increasingly common way for Americans to connect with their healthcare providers. For seniors, this technology has been a game-changer, offering a convenient and safe way to access care without leaving home. But have you ever stopped to consider what's behind your doctor during these virtual appointments? Interestingly enough, the findings of a new study uncovered some interesting data. (Article continues below.) |
|
|
A new study from the University of Michigan's academic medical center, Michigan Medicine, and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System suggests that the background setting a doctor uses during a telehealth visit can significantly influence how patients perceive their care provider and overall experience. The researchers surveyed more than 1,200 patients who had seen providers at one of the two health systems and asked them to react to seven different backgrounds behind a model physician. Patients were asked to rate how knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, approachable, and professional the physician appeared in each setting, and how comfortable they would feel with that provider. The results were eye-opening. Patients overwhelmingly preferred professional settings, like an office with diplomas hanging behind the doctor or an exam room. These backgrounds were especially important for first-time appointments and visits with specialty providers. A home office with a bookshelf or a plain solid-color background were also acceptable to patients. However, providers who conducted visits in a home environment with a kitchen or a bed visible in the background were viewed much less favorably. In fact, only 2 percent of patients preferred a kitchen background, and just 3.5 percent liked a bedroom setting. Lead researcher Nathan Houchens, M.D., suggests that patients have certain expectations when it comes to their healthcare providers. "Diplomas and credentials remind patients of the expertise they expect a physician to have, and conversely, something is lost when the background conveys a relaxed, informal home environment," he explains. For seniors, who may be more accustomed to traditional in-person visits, these visual cues can be especially important in building trust and confidence in their care provider. A professional background can help bridge the gap between the familiar and the new, making the telehealth experience feel more like a typical doctor's visit. Of course, not all providers have access to a dedicated office space for conducting telehealth visits. In these cases, the study suggests that using a blurred or virtual background can be an effective way to create a more professional setting. While the background behind your doctor may seem like a small detail, this study underscores the importance of considering the patient experience in all aspects of telehealth care. As virtual visits become an increasingly common part of healthcare delivery, providers and health systems should take steps to ensure that patients feel comfortable, confident, and well-cared-for in these new settings. For seniors navigating the world of telehealth, don't be afraid to speak up if something about your virtual visit doesn't feel quite right. Your care provider wants to create the best possible experience for you, and your feedback can help shape the future of telehealth for everyone. In the end, the most important factor in any healthcare encounter—whether in-person or virtual—is the quality of the relationship between patient and provider. To your health, in every setting, Rachel Mace Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert with contributions from the research team Sources: Houchens et al. (2024). Patient Preferences for Telemedicine Video Backgrounds. JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11512 Not yet a Health Sciences Institute’s monthly newsletter subscriber? |
|
|