Family Caregivers’ Experiences With Telehealth During COVID-19: Insights From Michigan

Abstract

Telehealth can benefit older adults during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to understand benefits and barriers to telemedicine visits for older adults from the perspectives of family caregivers. A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted across the state of Michigan with family caregivers (n = 90) who responded to open- and closed-ended questions. Perceived benefits of telemedicine included access and rapport; barriers included the appropriateness of telemedicine for certain health care needs. Telemedicine is a likely to remain beyond COVID-19 and can facilitate access to and continuity of care. There are barriers, however, that must be addressed, especially among older patients.