Telemedicine applications in primary care: a geriatric patient pilot project.

OBJECTIVE To determine patient satisfaction with telemedicine technology. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this pilot study, 20 generally healthy elderly residents (mean age, 77.3 years) of a Florida retirement community consulted weekly by "Electronic House Call" with a primary care physician to record their vital signs and discuss their condition. At the end of the 8-week study period, they were asked to complete a survey indicating their satisfaction with the telemedicine experience. RESULTS Eighteen of the 20 participants completed the survey. Eleven respondents (61%) reported they were comfortable using the computer system without assistance. Most (13/18; 72%) believed the computer system correctly recorded vital signs. Almost all (17/18; 94%) reported the computer system did not have a negative impact on their relationship with their primary health care provider, and 11 (61%) thought that the system had a positive effect. CONCLUSIONS The participants in this small pilot study were pleased with the experience they had with telemedicine. Large-scale studies are needed to determine the widespread utility of telemedicine technology.