Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41511016›Full record

ArticleFamily practice2025

Choosing between virtual and in-person family physician care: a qualitative study.

Bridget L Ryan, Judith Belle Brown, Thomas R Freeman, Madelyn daSilva, Hazel Wilson, Rachelle Ashcroft, Amanda L Terry

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Family practice, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Bridget L RyanCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7.ORCID 0000-0001-9080-5635
Judith Belle BrownCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7.ORCID 0000-0002-3661-9361
Thomas R FreemanCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7.
Madelyn daSilvaCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7.
Hazel WilsonCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7.
Rachelle AshcroftFactor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1V4.ORCID 0000-0002-5666-1946
Amanda L TerryCentre for Studies in Family Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7.

Funding

CMA Foundation
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundVirtual care accelerated to the forefront of family physician (FP) care following the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to play a significant role in patient care. The choice between virtual and in-person primary care must be sensitive to patients' contexts particularly for those with multi-morbidity.

objectivesThis study explored how to make the choice between virtual and in-person FP care for persons living with multi-morbidity that is acceptable to patients and FPs.

methodsWe conducted a constructivist grounded theory study to understand the processes patients and FPs employ when deciding on the mode of primary care delivery. We used individual interviews to understand the perspectives and expectations of patients with multi-morbidity (2+ chronic conditions) and FPs.

resultsThere were two main themes revealed in data analysis: Considerations in choosing mode of delivery (including reason for visit, impact on access, technological logistics, and reimbursement for virtual care) and Process for choosing mode of delivery (including endorsing the patient choice when possible and scheduling visits).

conclusionThis paper integrated the experience of both patients and FPs to understand how to make the choice between virtual and in-person care. This understanding can support the future of FP care where diverse modes of delivery are employed, but currently technological barriers remain. Clinical scheduling systems that depend on telephone interactions between clinic staff and patients do not always support the process patients and FPs indicated they prefer; that is, one that respects patient preference and FP clinical expertise.

Indexed as

Choice BehaviorCOVID-19Family PracticePhysicians, FamilyPrimary Health CareTelemedicineAdultAgedFemaleGrounded TheoryHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchSARS-CoV-2family medicinemulti-morbidityprimary carequalitative researchtelemedicine

Identifiers

PMID41511016
PMCPMC12784358

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.