Open AccessStrategies to Ensure Continuity of Care Using Telemedicine with Older Adults during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Physicians in Primary Care and Geriatrics
Author(s) -
Kevin Chen,
Natalie M. Davoodi,
Daniel H. Strauss,
Melinda Li,
Frances Jiménez,
Kate M. Guthrie,
Elizabeth M. Goldberg
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of applied gerontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.857
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1552-4523
pISSN - 0733-4648
DOI - 10.1177/07334648221109728
Subject(s) - geriatrics , covid-19 , telemedicine , primary care , medicine , qualitative research , gerontology , pandemic , geriatric care , family medicine , nursing , health care , virology , disease , sociology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , psychiatry , social science , economics , economic growth , outbreak
Objectives: Our objective was to interview primary care physicians (PCPs) and geriatricians on their experiences using telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine strategies used to maintain continuity of care with their patients, ages 65 and older. Methods: Using purposive sampling, we selected physicians based on community size (metro/suburban/rural) and practice setting (academic/community) and conducted semi-structured interviews via Zoom (mean: 30 minutes). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using framework analysis. Results: We enrolled 33 physicians (15 PCPs and 18 geriatricians) from July to November 2020. Findings indicate that many physicians successfully bridged the digital divide by: assessing patients' technological readiness in advance, being flexible with telehealth modes, using available home or facility-based staff, educating patients on telehealth privacy and usefulness, making accommodations for disabilities, and involving caregivers. Discussion: These findings can inform future policy and practice and assist physicians in resolving addressable barriers to telehealth use among older patients.