Table 2 Benefits and challenges relating to telemedicine consultations as identified by interviewed clinicians and patients
From: Benefits and challenges of telemedicine for heart failure consultations: a qualitative study
Benefits | Challenges | |
|---|---|---|
Face-to-face | • Better rapport • Physical examination • Easy access to same-day investigations | • Long travel times (and environmental impact of travelling) • Long waiting times • Longer consultations • Dedicated physical consultation space required |
Telemedicine | • No travel necessary • Flexibility • Shorter consultations • Shorter wait for patients • Some visual assessment possible by video • No dedicated physical clinic rooms required | • More administrative time • Less rapport (particularly telephone) • Limited examination – more reliant on history • No access to same-day investigations • Need for personal computers for clinicians and high-quality internet • Need for private spaces |