Publication date: Sep 30, 2024

Introduction: The role of telemedicine should be reassessed in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. This study aimed to evaluate the perception and satisfaction of medical staff with telemedicine after the COVID-19 pandemic and compare these findings with those during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Between January and February 2023, a questionnaire regarding the utilization, safety, and satisfaction with telemedicine was administered to 200 medical staff members (100 doctors and 100 nurses). Additionally, open-ended questions were included to gather insights on the strengths, weaknesses, and prerequisites of telemedicine. The satisfaction levels of the medical staff were compared with those from a previous study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The response rate among medical staff was 60. 0% (50 doctors and 70 nurses). Concerning patient safety, 83. 3% of respondents indicated a risk of worsening symptoms in chronic patients, and 68. 3% expressed concerns about emergencies related to patient safety. Eighty-two percent of doctors preferred in-person visits over telemedicine, while 48. 6% of nurses reported equal or greater satisfaction with telemedicine (p = 0. 003). The reported strengths of telemedicine included the convenience of outpatient clinics (67%), while its primary weakness was the incomplete assessment of patient conditions (73%). The likelihood of partial substitution of telemedicine for in-person visits was significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period compared to during the pandemic (71. 7% vs. 49. 0%, p < 0. 001). Conclusion: In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, telemedicine continues to offer significant benefits in enhancing patient access to medical care. However, medical staff remain concerned about its safety and show lower satisfaction compared to in-person visits. In response to these concerns, an effective telemedicine platform and legal standards, including practical guidelines, should be developed.

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