Determinants of telephone- and video-based telemedicine uptake in primary care: a cross-sectional survey

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of primary care, yet willingness to use telephone and video consultations may differ across population groups. Evidence on modality-specific determinants from the patient perspective remains limited, particularly in Austria. This study assessed patients´ intention to use telephone- and video-based telemedicine more often in the future among primary care patients in Styria, Austria, and examined sociodemographic determinants. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 15 primary care units in September 2025. Patients ( N = 1404) completed a self-administered questionnaire during routine care. Intention to use telephone- and video-based telemedicine more often was assessed using binary items. Separate binary logistic regression models were performed for telephone- and video-based telemedicine. Predictors included gender, age, educational attainment, and degree of urbanization. Intention to use telephone-based telemedicine (N = 1178) more frequently was associated with age ( p < .001): compared with 18–29 years, older age groups showed progressively lower odds (45–59 years: OR = 0.599, 95% CI [0.414–0.868], p = .007; 60–74 years: OR = 0.244, 95% CI [0.167–0.359], p < .001; ≥ 75 years: OR = 0.101, 95% CI [0.057–0.177], p < .001). Compared with female participants, men had lower odds of intending to use telephone consultations more often (OR = 0.699, 95% CI [0.545–0.898], p = .005). Intention to use video-based telemedicine (N = 1078) more often was likewise associated with age ( p < .001), with lower odds among older adults (60–74 years: OR = 0.435, 95% CI [0.254–0.745], p = .002; ≥ 75 years: OR = 0.128, 95% CI [0.039–0.422], p < .001). Higher educational attainment ( p < .001) and residence in densely populated areas ( p = .009) were also associated with the intention to use of video consultations more often. Patients’ intention to use telemedicine more often in Austrian primary care differs by modality: intention declines with age for both telephone and video, while women show higher intention for telephone. Higher education and urban residence are specifically associated with video, demonstrating stronger sociodemographic gradients and potentially reflecting higher digital and infrastructural demands. These findings highlight the importance of hybrid care models that combine in-person, telephone-, and video-based consultations according to patient preferences, digital readiness, and clinical context. Not applicable.