ArticleJMIR formative research2024
Factors Explaining the Use of Web-Based Consultations With Physicians by Young and Middle-Aged Individuals in China: Qualitative Comparative Analysis.
Article in JMIR formative research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Differences in healthcare institution choice among elderly cancer patients: evidence from a cross-sectional study in Shandong Province, China.BMC cancer · 2026Article
- Factors Influencing Physicians' Perceived Compensation Satisfaction in China: Cross-Sectional Study.JMIR formative research · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundIt was only upon the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic that the demand for web-based consultations with physicians grew at unprecedented rates. To meet the demand, the service environment developed rapidly during the pandemic.
objectiveThis study aimed to identify the current status of the use of web-based consultations with physicians among young and middle-aged Chinese individuals and explore users' perspectives on key factors that influence its use in terms of optimizing benefits and compensating for disadvantages.
methodsWe conducted semistructured interviews with 65 individuals (aged 18 to 60 years) across China between September and October 2022. The interviewees were selected through snowball sampling. They described their experiences of using web-based physician consultations and the reasons for using or not using the service. Based on the Andersen Behavioral Model, a qualitative comparative analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with the use of web-based physician consultations and explore the combinations of these factors.
resultsIn all, 31 (48%) of the 65 interviewees used web-based consultation services. The singular necessary condition analysis revealed that the complementary role of the service and perceived convenience are necessary conditions for the use of web-based consultation services, and user's confidence in the service was a sufficient condition. Based on the Andersen Behavioral Model, the configuration analysis uncovered 2 interpretation models: an enabling-oriented model and a need-oriented model. The basic combination of the enabling-oriented model included income and perceived convenience. The basic combination of the need-oriented model included complementary role and user's confidence.
conclusionsAmong the factors associated with the use of web-based consultations, perceived convenience, complementary role, and user's confidence were essential factors. Clear instructions on the conduct of the service, cost regulations, provider qualifications guarantee, privacy and safety supervision, the consultations' application in chronic disease management settings, and subsequent visits can promote the positive development of web-based consultations.
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