Telemedicine for diseases between primary care physicians on remote islands and specialists in mainland in Japan: a questionnaire survey

Abstract

Objective: Primary care physicians on remote islands and specialists in mainland are expected to collaborate using telemedicine. This survey aimed to identify diseases for which primary care physicians on remote islands consider telemedicine necessary.

Materials and Methods: A mail survey was conducted at rural public clinics on remote islands. Participants were asked to select diseases for which telemedicine with mainland specialists was necessary.

Results: A total of 23 physicians participated in this survey. The most common disease category for telemedicine was psychiatric/psychosomatic diseases, followed by neurological and endocrine/nutrition/metabolic diseases.

Conclusion: These data may be useful for the future development of telemedicine involving primary care physicians on remote islands and mainland specialists.