The Impact of Generational Cohorts and Visit Environment on Telemedicine Satisfaction: A Novel Investigation

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine has gained significant importance in recent years, but the impact of generational cohorts and visit environment on patient satisfaction remains unexplored. This study aims to fill this research gap by empirically investigating the influence of these factors on telemedicine satisfaction.

Methods: A survey was conducted with a sample size of 281 participants. Generational cohorts were categorized as Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965-1980), Millennials (born 1981-1996), and Generation Z (born 1997-2012). Visit environment was classified as office (1) or home (0). Locally Estimated Scatterplot Smoothing (LOESS) Regression, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), and Ridge Regression were employed for data analysis. Other variables, such as convenience, accessibility, shorter wait times, technical difficulties, limited physical examination, and type of healthcare service, were included to minimize omitted variable bias.

Results: The regression analysis revealed that Millennials and Generation Z had a positive effect on telemedicine satisfaction, while Generation X had a neutral effect. Younger generations, being digital natives, strongly preferred virtual visits and exhibited higher satisfaction levels. Home environment had a positive impact on satisfaction due to comfort, privacy, and reduced stress, while workplace/office environments had a negative effect due to distractions and reduced privacy. Convenience, accessibility, and shorter wait times positively influenced satisfaction, while technical difficulties and limited physical examination had negative effects.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of generational cohorts and visit environment on telemedicine satisfaction. Healthcare providers should consider these factors when designing and delivering telemedicine services to optimize patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of these findings and to develop targeted interventions for enhancing telemedicine experiences across different generations and visit environments.