A nationwide survey regarding physicians’ awareness, attitudes, practices, and challenges to providing telemedicine services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of telemedicine, yet the long-term role of telemedicine remains unclear. This study aimed to understand the awareness, attitudes, practices, and other related challenges in providing telemedicine services in Taiwan during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted of a convenience sample of physicians connected via Line Messaging Groups with an embedded survey link to REDCap from November 2022 to January 2023. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, and multivariable logistic regression analysis to delineate the factors affecting the provision of physicians’ telemedicine services before and during COVID-19. A total of 520 physicians participated (mean age: 52.5 ± 11.1 years; 77.3% male; 41.0% family medicine specialists). While only 120 physicians (23.1%) had used telemedicine services before the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure surged to 428 physicians (82.3%) using the services during the pandemic. Regarding awareness, those who never provided telemedicine services before or during the pandemic were less aware of the regulations compared to those who had used the service before or during the pandemic.( p < 0.05) With regards to attitudes toward providing telemedicine services, all seven (7) items on physicians’ attitudes were statistically significant across the three groups (i.e., used telemedicine before the pandemic, during the pandemic, or never used). ( p < 0.05) Multivariable analysis revealed that the factors most significantly associated with increased odds of willingness to provide telemedicine services were higher positive attitude scores (OR: 3.20, 95% CI 2.15–4.78) compared to low positive attitude scores, and supervisors (OR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.08–2.51) compared to employee physicians. Key factors identified for future telemedicine implementation included a need for clearer service policies (72.5%), adequate health insurance reimbursement regulations (65.2%), and defined medical-legal responsibilities (40.6%). We recommend that authorities could promote physicians’ awareness and enhance positive attitudes through peer influence, especially supervisors, as well as solidify the telemedicine services system with clearer regulatory frameworks and financial incentives.