Table 3 Inductive category formation regarding the advantages and disadvantages of telemedical treatment
Category | Absolute mentions in the interviews, N = 16 | Relative mentions in the interviews in % | |
|---|---|---|---|
Benefits | |||
Advantages for the patient | |||
L2 | Telemedicine saves time | 7 | 43.8 |
L1 | Telemedicine is practical for long journeys and patients with low mobility | 8 | 50 |
L4 | Telemedicine offers intensive and better care | 4 | 25 |
L8 | Telemedicine enables quick action in emergencies | 3 | 18.8 |
L5 | Telemedicine is compatible with work | 3 | 18.8 |
L7 | Telemedicine is practical for chronic illnesses | 2 | 12.5 |
L6 | Telemedicine offers treatment options that can be varied over time | 1 | 6.3 |
L9 | Telemedicine is practical for getting a second opinion | 1 | 6.3 |
L11 | Telemedicine is practical for avoiding full waiting rooms | 1 | 6.3 |
Positive aspects for the physician–patient relationship | |||
L10 | Telemedicine is practical for improving the trust between physician and patient | 1 | 6.3 |
Advantages for the physician | |||
L3 | Telemedicine saves time | 1 | 6.3 |
Situations where the use of telemedicine makes sense | |||
N3 | Discussion of results | 8 | 50 |
N1 | Routine checks for chronic diseases | 3 | 18.8 |
N5 | Planning therapy | 2 | 12.5 |
N4 | Anamnese | 1 | 6.3 |
Challenges | |||
Reasons why patients are skeptical about telemedicine | |||
M7 | Telemedicine is too impersonal | 7 | 43.8 |
M4 | The patients feel better with doctors they know | 3 | 18.8 |
M9 | Telemedicine depends on technical requirements | 2 | 12.5 |
M10 | The patients are afraid of deception | 2 | 12.5 |
M14 | Telemedicine can’t inspire trust between doctor and patient | 1 | 6.3 |
M12 | Telemedicine uses too many technical vocabulary | 1 | 6.3 |
Reasons why telemedicine isn’t helpful in general | |||
M5 | Telemedicine doesn’t offer optimal care of the patient | 6 | 37.5 |
M16 | While using telemedicine there’s no possibility for physical examination or invasive diagnostics | 4 | 25 |
M8 | In personal contact the patient can focus better on his/her illness | 2 | 12.5 |
M13 | Telemedicine can lead to misunderstandings between physician and patient | 1 | 6.3 |
Illnesses and situations in which telemedicine isn’t helpful | |||
M2 | Telemedicine isn’t helpful for finding the correct diagnosis | 6 | 37.5 |
M3 | Telemedicine isn’t helpful for complex illnesses | 4 | 25 |
M6 | Telemedicine isn’t helpful for psychiatric illnesses | 2 | 12.5 |
M11 | Telemedicine isn’t helpful for acute illnesses | 1 | 6.3 |
M15 | Telemedicine isn’t helpful for palliative illnesses | 1 | 6.3 |