title: Preference and awareness of telemedicine in primary care patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The telemedicine services in Korea are expected to rapidly expand its use to the general population due to the development of digital networking, and its recent revision of related law and regulations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of telemedicine in primary care patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled a total 243 participants, visited Family Medicine clinics and health promotion centers of university hospital in Seoul metrocity and Chungju city from April 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010. Data was collected by questionnaire, including demographic variables, knowledge and attitude of telemedicine.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the total of 243 participants, 117 (49.8%) respondents were aware of telemedicine, and 178 (73.3%) respondents preferred telemedicine. The awareness showed differences according to the residence (P = 0.007), education (P = 0.03), and occupation (P = 0.02) of the respondents. The patient preference showed the differences at 50 years of age (P = 0.01) and in income of the participants (P = 0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Awareness of telemedicine in primary care patients was low. As for the patients more than 50 years of age who will be having difficulty manipulating the instruments, more education is crucial. Establishment of appropriate plans to increase patient preference is needed, especially for patients with low-incomes.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Sung-Gwon
authors: SG
authors: Jung
authors: Hyuk-Jung
authors: HJ
authors: Kweon
authors: Eun-Tae
authors: ET
authors: Kim
authors: Seun-Ah
authors: SA
authors: Kim
authors: Jae-Kyung
authors: JK
authors: Choi
authors: Dong-Yung
authors: DY
authors: Cho