Patients’ attitudes towards remote primary healthcare services in Lithuania

BACKGROUND: One of the largest changes that had to be implemented in the healthcare system worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the introduction and expansion of remote healthcare services. The aim of this study is to evaluate attitudes of patients of primary healthcare institutions to the remote healthcare services in Lithuania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February - March 2023. A total of 313 patients of primary healthcare facilities in Vilnius city (Lithuania) aged 18-75 years were anonymously surveyed (response rate 78.3%). Chi-square and z tests were used to determine a relationship between two categorical variables (α = 0.05). RESULTS: 78.8% of respondents report satisfaction with the quality of remote healthcare services. 74% of did not experience any technical difficulties during their most recent consultation. Most of patients agree that remote healthcare services save time (85.9%) and money (60.7%), as well as reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases (62%). However, 61.9% of patients believe that remote services may increase the risk of medical errors. 53% believe that the accessibility of healthcare has improved with the introduction of remote services, and 82% of patients think that such services should constitute up to 50% of all healthcare services. Patients believe that the quality of remote healthcare services would improve with the advent of video consultations. Patients’ opinions about remote healthcare services significantly depend on their gender, employment status, and education (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients are satisfied with the quality of remote healthcare services. They have already discovered the benefits of remote healthcare, however, this requires changes to the existing legal framework. KEY MESSAGES: • Attitudes of patients towards the integration and quality of remote primary healthcare services are positive. • According to many respondents, remote healthcare services should make up to 50% of all services provided.