Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: May 30, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 24, 2025
Gender Concordance and Patient Outcomes in Indian Telemedicine: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of 286,000 Consultations
ABSTRACT
Background:
Gender concordance (GC) between patients and physicians has been linked to trust and satisfaction in traditional healthcare. However, its role in telemedicine, especially in culturally complex settings like India, is underexplored
Objective:
To examine whether gender concordance (GC) significantly influences patient satisfaction and self-reported recovery in teleconsultations across India, with a focus on culturally sensitive specialties.
Methods:
This study analysed 286,196 anonymized teleconsultations across various medical specialties. Binary logistic regressions and subgroup analysis assessed the impact of GC on satisfaction and recovery, considering variables such as physician experience, consultation timing, and duration.
Results:
While GC showed minimal impact on self-reported recovery rates, it influenced satisfaction, with gender-discordant dyads (notably male patient–female doctor) often reporting higher satisfaction. In gynaecology and paediatrics, GC correlated positively with recovery. Consultation timing and satisfaction were stronger predictors of recovery than GC.
Conclusions:
GC plays a nuanced role in virtual care. While not a direct predictor of recovery, it affects patient perception, especially in culturally sensitive contexts. Telemedicine platforms should emphasize communication training and patient-provider alignment over rigid demographic matching.
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