Is Telemedicine in Primary Care a Good Option for Polish Patients with Visual Impairments Outside of a Pandemic?

Katarzyna Weronika Binder-Olibrowska, Magdalena Agnieszka Wrzesińska and Maciek Godycki-Ćwirko
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Katarzyna Weronika Binder-Olibrowska: Department of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lindleya 6, 90-131 Lodz, Poland
Magdalena Agnieszka Wrzesińska: Department of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lindleya 6, 90-131 Lodz, Poland
Maciek Godycki-Ćwirko: Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 20, 90-153 Lodz, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: With the proliferation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, attention began to turn to the risk of health disparities associated with its use among people with disabilities. Therefore, the present study investigates the level of interest in using teleconsultations (TCs) in primary healthcare among people with visual impairments (PVIs) and identifies their motivations and needs. A total of 219 Polish PVIs were surveyed using a combination of closed and open questions. About 50% of the respondents expressed interest in using TCs. The factor most closely related to the willingness to use TCs was age. The predominant reason for using TCs was to obtain a prescription or referral, and the most highlighted need was the possibility to choose between a TC and an in-person visit. The blind and poor-sighted participants differed in some regards. Our study indicates that TCs, under some conditions, may be a beneficial option for PVIs, and provides some directions for its effective implementation.

Keywords: blindness; digital literacy; general practice; health equity; healthcare needs; primary healthcare; teleconsultations; telemedicine; visual impairment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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