Patients’ suggestions for improvements to text-based e-consultations. An online survey of users of the national health portal in Norway
2024

Improving Text-Based E-Consultations in Norway

Sample size: 2954 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Eli Kristiansen, Helen Atherton, Trine Strand Bergmo, Paolo Zanaboni

Primary Institution: Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway

Hypothesis

What suggestions do users have for improving the text-based e-consultation service provided by the national health portal in Norway?

Conclusion

Users emphasized the need for a more customized e-consultation service that addresses individual patient needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Supporting Evidence

  • Users suggested improvements in how the e-consultation service is set up to allow clearer formulation of health problems.
  • Many respondents felt the service should not cost as much as a face-to-face appointment.
  • Users expressed a desire for faster response times and better predictability regarding the status of their e-consultations.
  • Technical issues were reported, including difficulties in navigating the health portal.
  • Patients expressed a need for more dialogue-based services to complement e-consultations.

Takeaway

Patients want e-consultations to be easier and faster, with better communication and more personalized options.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted among users of text-based e-consultations, focusing on free-text answers for thematic analysis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the higher education level of respondents who provided free-text answers.

Limitations

The study sample may be biased as free-text respondents were less satisfied and had a higher education level than the overall survey respondents.

Participant Demographics

{"gender":{"female":70.5,"male":28.3,"other":1.2},"age":{"16-25":6.9,"26-40":30.6,"41-55":38.3,"56-70":19.6,"over 71":4.6}}

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fdgth.2024.1459684

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