Psychological Factors That Contribute to the Use of Video Consultations in Health Care: Systematic Review
Authors: Haydon Helen M , Fowler James A , Taylor Monica L , Smith Anthony C , Caffery Liam J 
Published: September 2024

Background

There are numerous benefits to delivering care via video consultations (VCs). Yet, the willingness of health care professionals (HCPs) to use video as a modality of care is one of the greatest barriers to its adoption. Decisions regarding whether to use video may be based on assumptions and concerns that are not necessarily borne of evidence. To effectively address psychological barriers to VC, it is essential to gain a better understanding of specific factors (eg, attitudes, beliefs, and emotions) that influence HCPs’ VC use.

Objective

This study’s aim was to conduct a systematic literature review of psychological factors in HCPs that impair or promote VC use.

Methods

Databases were searched in February 2023 for peer-reviewed primary research papers on VCs that discussed psychological factors of health professionals affecting the use of video to deliver health services. A psychological factor was defined as an intraindividual influence related to, or in reaction to, VC use—in this case, the individual being an HCP. Search terms included variations on “telehealth,” “clinician,” and psychological factors (eg, attitude and beliefs) in combination. Peer-reviewed papers of all methodological approaches were included if they were in an Australian setting and the full text was available in English. Studies where the main intervention was another digital health modality (eg, remote monitoring and telephone) were excluded. Studies were also excluded if they only reported on extrinsic factors (eg, environmental or economic). Information extracted included author, year, medical specialty, psychological component mentioned, explanation as to why the psychological factor was related to VC use, and exemplar quotes from the paper that correspond to a psychological component. Each extracted psychological factor was classified as a positive, negative, ambivalent, or neutral perspective on VC, and a thematic analysis then generated the factors and themes. Theories of behavior were considered and discussed to help frame the interaction between themes.

Results

From 4592 studies, data were extracted from 90 peer-reviewed papers. Cognitive and emotional motivators and inhibitors, such as emotional responses, self-efficacy, attitudes, and perceived impact on the clinician as a professional, all interact to influence HCP engagement in VCs. These factors were complex and impacted upon one another. A cyclical relationship between these factors and intention to engage in VCs and actual use of VCs was found. These findings were used to form the psychological attributes of VC engagement (PAVE) model. Evidence suggests that HCPs fall within 4 key user categories based on the amount of cognitive and practical effort needed to deliver VCs.

Conclusions

Although further research is needed to validate the current findings, this study provides opportunity for more targeted interventions that address psychological factors impeding effective use of VCs.