Table 2.

Attitudes and perceived self-efficacy towards telemedicine

Illustrative quotes	Participant ID
(A) Telemedicine is convenient
‘It’s nice to have a [telemedicine visit], talk about things and not have to worry about showing up somewhere…100-and-some miles away. I think (telemedicine is very) darn convenient.’	Participant 7
‘I think [telemedicine] is a good idea. Some people…come in-person to see an actual physician, but if they can see [the physician] on the phone, talk to [him or her remotely], I think it works out great.’	Participant 2
‘Some appointments…have to be physical, but unless [the doctor’s] physical presence is required, I’m going to, as much as possible, work on video appointments.’	Participant 12
‘I think [telemedicine] is a great idea…it keeps everybody safer [because] people aren’t driving to the hospital sick…to go in for a meeting [with a clinician].’	Participant 18
‘I think [telemedicine] would be a lot more convenient, rather than having to go to a building [for in-person visits].’	Participant 13
(B) Telemedicine is impersonal
‘Depending on the [health] issues…you have to (be in person) to see what’s going on. You can’t listen to breathing over [the] internet [or] phone…I’d rather have a one-to-one in-person appointment.’	Participant 2
‘I like the face-to-face [visits]. When it comes to issues like what I have, I want face-to-face [visits]. I want to feel comfortable with who I’m talking to…[telemedicine] is too cold and sterile.’	Participant 17
‘[I’ve had experience with telemedicine (video and telephone)], and I think that the video takes away [the hands-on interaction]. In-person visits [are] better.’	Participant 16
‘I’d rather go physically [for my appointments] and have them talk to my face.’	Participant 20
‘I’ve talked to my heart doctor now and again about changing my medicine [over the phone]. But that’s about it [regarding my experience with telemedicine]. Otherwise, I go to the VA [physically for my appointments]. I’m very happy with the VA. I’d rather [have my visits] in-person.’	Participant 15
‘[I am hesitant to use telemedicine]. I like the one-on-one health experiences.’	Participant 10
(C) Telemedicine is technologically challenging
‘[I’ve had experience with remote care] a couple of times…with video, and as far as the technology, I had a (heck) of a time with it. I had to actually go into the VA and have the nurse show me how to do it because I’m not really [technical].’	Participant 7
‘[I’ve received care remotely], via video…[but at times needed] to use the telephone]. I’m just not computer literate […]. I did get a tablet from the VA [for remote care]…but now I don’t know my password. I forgot it.’	Participant 3
‘[I’ve not received remote care via video because] I’m not too computer savvy.’	Participant 9
‘My computer skills are limited…I would have to have hands-on teaching [to have video visits].’	Participant 8
‘[I anticipate that with video visits, I would have] my standard problems (with the software) and beat[ing] my head against the wall trying to get it going, but I’ll get it going if I need to.’	Participant 11
‘I don’t know how to use the computers. I’m challenged with the computer …[I would be more comfortable with video visits if] somebody [could] walk [me] through it, like over the phone.’	Participant 5
‘[I’ve received care remotely], over the phone…I’m probably not as versed as most people [with video visits]. [For video visits], I [would] get my daughter over here and help me, maybe.’	Participant 10

VA, Veterans Affairs.