Qualitative exploration of chronic kidney disease patients’ attitudes, perceptions and satisfaction on medical care via video conferencing in Bangladesh

Purpose Video conferencing has become a widely used method for providing medical care and conducting routine checkups. In Bangladesh, the Kidney Foundation Hospital and Research Institute has embraced the use of video conferencing to administer treatment of chronic kidney diseases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this approach continues to be implemented to this day. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions, attitudes and satisfaction of kidney disease patients regarding video conferencing consultations. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative exploration of the perceptions, attitudes and satisfaction of patients with video conferencing in the context of chronic kidney disease. Kidney Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, one of the leading kidney disease research institutes, has been selected for this study. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews were conducted with ten patients receiving medical care through video conferencing using open-ended questions. Findings The patients trusted the physician and were satisfied with their video consultation experience, with the majority believing that they were being correctly evaluated through video conferencing. They reported that video consultation was convenient, safe, secure, less costly and time-saving for them. Few of the patients expressed apprehensions regarding incorrect treatment. However, most of the patients were satisfied, had a positive attitude toward video conferencing for their medical care and intended to continue using video conferencing for this purpose in the future. Practical implications The insights obtained from this study can be effectively used by health-care providers, top managers of e-health organizations, policymakers and hospital administrators. Originality/value This study provides insights into understanding the perceptions, attitudes, opinions and satisfaction with video conferencing platform by chronic kidney patients. Only a limited number of qualitative studies were conducted for medical care via video conferencing with chronic kidney diseases in the context of Bangladesh.