Table 3.

Practitioner Attitudes and Perceptions Toward the Use of Telehealth

Attitude or perception	Mean scorea (n = 4)
The use of telemedicine technology can allow for a more timely diagnosis and treatment of my patients.	2.8
Telemedicine will be an added burden in my practice, creating more work and training for my staff and me.	3.3
Telemedicine provides access to specialized care that otherwise would be unavailable to rural patients in a timely fashion.	4.0
I am knowledgeable about the uses of telemedicine technology.	3.5
I have used telemedicine technology in my practice.	2.8
I feel that the personal health information of my patients is respected through the use of telemedicine.	3.8
I am able to communicate with my patients as effectively through telemedicine as in face-to-face visits in my office.	2.5
Telemedicine equipment is relatively easy to use and maintain.	3.5
Telemedicine technology offers a more cost-effective way for me to treat my patients.	2.5
I feel that patients receive the same level of care in a telemedicine setting.	2.8
I am concerned that learning how to setup and use the telemedicine equipment will be difficult.	2.3
The telemedicine technology is reliable.	3.0
The technological costs associated with telemedicine are prohibitive.	2.3
Patients are more likely to be compliant if they are cared for using both telemedicine and face-to-face interactions.	3.3
I am comfortable referring a patient for evaluation via telemedicine.	3.3
I am concerned that patients will not travel to see a physician in person.	3.0
The physician can effectively communicate with the patient through telemedicine.	2.8
Telemedicine is a needed service.	3.5
Adequate telemedicine training is available.	3.5
I am aware of telemedicine vendors in my area.	2.0
I am familiar with the rules and regulations concerning telemedicine.	2.8

^aScores range from 1, indicating disagree, to 4, indicating strongly agree.