Telehealth: misconceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals in England.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to look at telehealth awareness and experiences among healthcare professionals (HCPs) from different disciplines, in addition to factors impeding its adoption in healthcare delivery.

METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 HCPs from different disciplines such as pharmacists, nurses and doctors in South London. A convenience sampling technique was used whereby HCPs working in local trusts, community pharmacies and general practitioners surgeries were approached for participation. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes using the NVIVO 10 software.

KEY FINDINGS: The four main themes that emerged were awareness and understanding of telehealth, experiences and benefits of telehealth, barriers and facilitators of telehealth and misconceptions about telehealth. The study showed mixed response regarding telehealth awareness. Lack of telehealth experience was reported mainly among HCPs working in primary care. The barriers identified were cost and lack of funding and resources, whereas facilitators were raising awareness among staff and the public and investment in resources. Misconceptions identified were fear of losing face-to-face contact with patients and vital care information, patients' beliefs and confidence in using technology.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed experience and awareness level to be still low especially among HCPs working in primary care. Barriers and misconceptions identified are still the same as those reported in the literature which highlights that they have not yet been addressed to facilitate telehealth implementation in the UK.