Virtual Visits in Pediatrics—Readiness, Barriers and Perceptions Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Survey

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study explores the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of pediatric healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of virtual visits (VVs) in routine pediatric practice. <b>Methods</b>: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to analyze individual, organizational, and contextual factors influencing the adoption of pediatric virtual visits, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey distributed nationwide among pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and residents. <b>Results</b>: A total of 308 Spanish healthcare professionals correctly completed the REDCap survey and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 44.3 years, and respondents represented both hospital-based (55.8%) and primary care professionals (44.2%). Overall, 74.8% had previous experience with telephone consultations, while only 11% had performed virtual visits. Most professionals believed VVs could be useful in primary care (81.3%) and hospital out-patient settings (73.9%), especially for follow-up appointments, communication of test results, and chronic-care monitoring. VVs were perceived as more appropriate for older children and adolescents than for infants. Major concerns included poor internet connection (52.6%), and data security (37.4%); however, a particularly relevant finding was the low confidence in using digital tools, particularly among older professionals. Comparative analyses by age and workplace setting identified differences in interest, perceived barriers, and access to technical resources. Hospital-based clinicians reported greater interest in adopting VVs and better access to technological resources compared with primary care professionals. The professionals' age was inversely associated with interest in VVs. Notably, 72.6% of respondents expressed interest in receiving specific VV training, and nearly 90% believed virtual visits should be offered in their workplace. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings show a high overall acceptance of VVs but also underline persistent barriers related to infrastructure, digital literacy, and clinical applicability in younger children. Addressing these obstacles through training, improved equipment, and clear clinical protocols will be essential for the successful implementation of pediatric VV programs.

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Publication Details

Journal
Children
Published
2025-12-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010031
Primary Topic
Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Virtual Visits in Pediatrics—Readiness, Barriers and Perceptions Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Tregony Simoneau, Jonathan M. Gaffin, Alejandro Fernández-Montero, Claudia María Chaverri Repáraz et al.
Children
Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
article

Virtual Visits in Pediatrics—Readiness, Barriers and Perceptions Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Tregony Simoneau, Jonathan M. Gaffin, Alejandro Fernández-Montero, Claudia María Chaverri Repáraz, Miren Ibarzabal Arregi, Isabel Castro Garrido, Laura Moreno-Galarraga, María Gimeno Castillo
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study explores the perceptions, experiences, and expectations of pediatric healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of virtual visits (VVs) in routine pediatric practice. <b>Methods</b>: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to analyze individual, organizational, and contextual factors influencing the adoption of pediatric virtual visits, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey distributed nationwide among pediatricians, pediatric nurses, and residents. <b>Results</b>: A total of 308 Spanish healthcare professionals correctly completed the REDCap survey and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 44.3 years, and respondents represented both hospital-based (55.8%) and primary care professionals (44.2%). Overall, 74.8% had previous experience with telephone consultations, while only 11% had performed virtual visits. Most professionals believed VVs could be useful in primary care (81.3%) and hospital out-patient settings (73.9%), especially for follow-up appointments, communication of test results, and chronic-care monitoring. VVs were perceived as more appropriate for older children and adolescents than for infants. Major concerns included poor internet connection (52.6%), and data security (37.4%); however, a particularly relevant finding was the low confidence in using digital tools, particularly among older professionals. Comparative analyses by age and workplace setting identified differences in interest, perceived barriers, and access to technical resources. Hospital-based clinicians reported greater interest in adopting VVs and better access to technological resources compared with primary care professionals. The professionals' age was inversely associated with interest in VVs. Notably, 72.6% of respondents expressed interest in receiving specific VV training, and nearly 90% believed virtual visits should be offered in their workplace. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings show a high overall acceptance of VVs but also underline persistent barriers related to infrastructure, digital literacy, and clinical applicability in younger children. Addressing these obstacles through training, improved equipment, and clear clinical protocols will be essential for the successful implementation of pediatric VV programs.

ChildrenVol. 13(1)
Boston Children's Hospital (US), Harvard University (US), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) (ES), Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (ES), Navarre Institute of Health Research (ES), Universidad de Navarra (ES)
Fundación Ramón Areces, Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
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