Extending Healthcare Access via Telemedicine in Public Libraries: A Mixed Methods Study

BackgroundDespite the potential for telemedicine in public libraries to expand healthcare access to those living a long distance from care and in broadband poor areas, there are few collaborations between libraries and healthcare providers offering these programs. PurposeTo explore licensed independent providers perspectives (LIPs) on telemedicine in public libraries as a method of improving equitable access to care for populations lacking the ability to connect to a telemedicine video visit from home. MethodsWe used a two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods design with a quantitative strand followed by a qualitative strand to explore LIPs perspective on telemedicine in public libraries. Surveys were analyzed descriptively and to determine group differences. Survey respondents were recruited to participate in interviews, which were analyzed thematically using descriptive content analysis. FindingsFifty LIPs responded to the survey, and 12 were interviewed. Respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of telemedicine in public libraires, describing how video visits could help multiple vulnerable populations connect to providers when travel was cost prohibitive. They emphasized how connecting at-risk populations to a video visit instead of a telephone call allowed for a more thorough and accurate assessment. While several LIPs were concerned with privacy, others considered a library to be more private than the home. Interviews revealed how chronic illness management may be the ideal visit type for public library-based telemedicine. ConclusionsGiven the importance of expanding access sites for telemedicine, providers should consider partnering with libraries in their catchment areas where broadband access is sparse, and patients must travel long distances to care. Managing chronic illnesses using telemedicine in public libraries may be an important approach toward reducing health disparities in populations who live long distances from care and do not have home-based internet access.