DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/25NM-EF17

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7051-4865

Defense Date

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Paul B. Perrin

Abstract

This study examined change in physicians’ use of telemedicine before, during, and expectations after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined the ability of personal and environmental variables to predict telemedicine adoption, and applied the theory of reasoned action and technology acceptance model to physicians’ adoption of telemedicine during the pandemic. A total of 230 licensed physicians currently practicing in the United States were recruited. Telemedicine accounted for 3.72% of physicians’ clinical work prior to the pandemic, 46.03% during the pandemic, and predicted 25.44% after the pandemic ends. Physicians within hospitals reported less telemedicine use during the pandemic (M = 31.72%) than within group practice (M = 53.42%, p = .016) and less change in use at hospitals (M = 28.02%) compared to academic medical centers (M = 43.22%, p = .027) and group practice (M = 51.09%, p = .008). Results indicate greater use of telemedicine was predicted by greater years in practice (β = .17, p = .009), supportive organizational policies (β = .26, p = .001), organizational encouragement (β = .28, p = .003), expectations of greater patient volume (β = .20, p = .003), and higher quality of patient care (β = .17, p = .032). Model testing indicated the TRA was an adequate to poor fit, while the TAM demonstrated better fit, although a slightly trimmed TAM was ultimately retained for parsimony. Implications of the results, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

4-13-2021

Download

Share

COinS