Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jun 17, 2023
Date Accepted: Mar 7, 2024
Factors Explaining the Use of Online Consultations with Physicians by Young and Middle-aged Individuals in China: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
It was only upon the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic that the demand for online consultations with physicians grew at unprecedented rates. To meet the demand, the service environment developed rapidly during the pandemic.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the usage status of online consultations with physicians among young and middle-aged Chinese individuals and explore users’ perspectives on key factors that influence its use in terms of optimizing benefits and compensating for disadvantages.
Methods:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals (aged 18 to 60 years) across China between September and October 2022. The interviewees were selected through snowball sampling and they described their experiences of online consultation utilization. Based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, we analyzed the factors associated with the use of the service through qualitative comparative analysis.
Results:
Approximately half of the residents aged 18–60 years utilized online consultation services. The most essential factors associated with online consultation utilization are perceived convenience, complementary role of the service, and user’s confidence in the service.
Conclusions:
Clear instructions on the conduct of the service, cost regulations, provider qualifications guarantee, privacy and safety supervision, the consultations’ application in chronic disease management settings, and subsequent visits can promote the positive development of online consultations.
Citation
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