E-appointments at primary care physicians during Covid-19 pandemic: viewpoint and satisfaction of medical consumers

Viktor Denkovski; Goce Gavrilov

doi:10.4108/eetpht.v8i31.1129

Authors

Viktor Denkovski School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University American College Skopje, Macedonia
Goce Gavrilov School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University American College Skopje, Macedonia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4108/eetpht.v8i31.1129

Keywords:

e-appointments, eHealth systems, primary health care, walk-in method, Covid-19 pandemic, medical consumer satisfaction

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Use of e-appointment systems in primary care (EASPC) is a common practice in western countries, however, there is no evidence of implementation in R. N. Macedonia and other similar countries in development.

OBJECTIVES: This study explores the viewpoints and satisfaction of medical consumers (MC) on EASPC, and the impact of Covid-19 global pandemic concerning their appointments at primary care physicians.

METHODS: A survey on MC above the age of 15 years was conducted in July 2020. The results were analysed in SPSS 23.

RESULTS: The majority of participants were in favour on implementing an EASPC despite their neutral satisfaction with the walk-in method. Furthermore, they were confident in its effectiveness in the fight against spreading of Covid-19.

CONCLUSION: The MC opinion and satisfaction is crucial when developing health care systems and their implementation as a mix of services. For the system to succeed, it must be financed and supported adequately and as such, further research is necessary to explore a real-time EASPC usage.

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