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Virtual Care Appointments and Experience Among Older Rural Patients with Chronic Conditions in New South Wales: An Analysis of Existing Survey Data

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Listed:
  • Eloise A. B. Price

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Mohammad Hamiduzzaman

    (University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

  • Vanette McLennan

    (University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

  • Christopher Williams

    (University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

  • Victoria Flood

    (University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

Abstract

This retrospective, descriptive study, conducted in 2024, analysed Virtual Care Survey (2020–2022) data of patients’ self-reported reflections on use and experiences to investigate relationships between demographics, the number of chronic conditions, and virtual care use among older rural patients (≥65 years with at least one chronic condition) living in New South Wales, and their satisfaction with virtual care. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using chi-squared tests, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for continuous variables. Qualitative feedback was analysed thematically. The study included 264 patients (median age 74 years; 51.1% women). Most virtual care appointments (65.3%) were for consultations, check-ups, or review of test results. Over one-third (38.3%) of the patients had multimorbidity and were 1.8 times more likely to have five or more virtual care appointments compared to the patients with one chronic condition. The oldest age group (≥80 years) preferred telephone over online mediums (Skype or Zoom) ( p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was high (65.8%), with 60.9% finding virtual care comparable to in-person consultations. Technological issues correlated with more negative experiences ( p < 0.05). Key themes were enhanced accessibility and convenience, quality and safety of virtual care, and recommendations for equitable access. Despite positive responses, addressing technological complexities is important for optimising virtual care models for older rural Australians with chronic conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Eloise A. B. Price & Mohammad Hamiduzzaman & Vanette McLennan & Christopher Williams & Victoria Flood, 2024. "Virtual Care Appointments and Experience Among Older Rural Patients with Chronic Conditions in New South Wales: An Analysis of Existing Survey Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:12:p:1678-:d:1545467
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Siqin Wang & Yan Liu & Jack Lam & Zhe Gao, 2021. "Chronic Illness, Subjective Wellbeing, and Health Services Availability: A Study of Older Adults in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Catherine Cosgrave & Christina Malatzky & Judy Gillespie, 2019. "Social Determinants of Rural Health Workforce Retention: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-19, January.
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