Clients' views on a piloted telemedicine sexual health service for rural youth

Sex Health. 2012 May;9(2):192-3. doi: 10.1071/SH11022.

Abstract

Background: Given the high rate of sexually transmissible infections among young people and limited rural access to specialist healthcare, an Australian telemedicine service was piloted. Clients' views were investigated.

Methods: All clients aged 15-24 were given a questionnaire. A sub-sample was interviewed.

Results: The service was used by 25 rural youths aged 15-24; 18 returned the questionnaire, 4 were interviewed. All had a telephone consultation. They reported being satisfied with the service; most preferred the telemedicine service to consulting a doctor in person.

Conclusions: Online video consultations for sexual health may not yet be acceptable to young people in Australia.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Health Services / organization & administration
  • Australia
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Education / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Telemedicine / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult