Evaluation of behavioral change intentions among primary healthcare physicians with the use of telemedicine.

Abstract

In primary health care (PHC), telemedicine consultations ensure access to current treatments and provide real-time feedback, promoting continuous education and training for future scenarios. This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral change intentions of PHC physicians regarding the application of knowledge gained from teleconsultations in their clinical practice. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving PHC physicians from northeastern Brazil who engaged in telemedicine consultations with specialists. Data were collected between May and December 2023. The continuing professional development-Reaction questionnaire was used to assess behavior change intentions among the physicians. According to median responses, PHC physicians demonstrated high individual motivation to apply the information discussed. Their positive perception of facilitators and barriers, along with the perceived approval or disapproval from key individuals, influenced their adoption of knowledge from the teleconsultations. Univariate linear modeling, used to assess the impact of demographic and professional variables, identified female physicians as statistically significant (P = .030) in Factor 1. Participating physicians showed a strong intention to apply knowledge acquired through teleconsultations in their clinical practice, regardless of their academic background, professional experience, age, workload, or demographic characteristics. Telemedicine consultations offer valuable learning opportunities by providing access to standardized information, facilitating the adoption of evidence-based practices, and enhancing physicians' confidence in applying new knowledge.