Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study
Objectives Asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinions, using a purely document-based and written procedure, offer an opportunity to support patients in their medical decision-making, particularly those who cannot secure a timely face-to-face appointment nearby. The aim of the study is to invest...
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| Format: | Article |
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BMJ Publishing Group
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMJ Open |
| Online Access: | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/7/e100287.full |
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| author | Edmund Neugebauer Felix Muehlensiepen Dunja Bruch Susann May Nadja Könsgen Jan-Christoph Loh Sebastian von Peter Johannes Maximilian Albes |
| author_facet | Edmund Neugebauer Felix Muehlensiepen Dunja Bruch Susann May Nadja Könsgen Jan-Christoph Loh Sebastian von Peter Johannes Maximilian Albes |
| author_sort | Edmund Neugebauer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objectives Asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinions, using a purely document-based and written procedure, offer an opportunity to support patients in their medical decision-making, particularly those who cannot secure a timely face-to-face appointment nearby. The aim of the study is to investigate the benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion and clarify for whom and under what conditions it is suitable.Design We conducted a qualitative interview study as part of a larger mixed-methods study. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Setting Germany.Participants The study involved 40 patients (20 women and 20 men) who sought an asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinion via an online platform, predominantly for orthopaedic issues.Results Asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinions offer advantages such as access to distant specialists, the ability to consult from home without waiting times, timeliness and a detailed, fact-based report. However, the absence of face-to-face contact presents challenges: it can feel impersonal, technical problems may arise, it can be difficult to articulate symptoms and medical history in writing, and spontaneous interaction or correction is limited.Conclusions Under certain conditions, telemedicine-based second opinions can be individualised without face-to-face interaction. Key factors for success include a clear medical question, a well-organised process with good customer support, comprehensive and individualised information, and patient readiness (technical skills, internet access and the ability to articulate symptoms in writing). Major challenges for the German healthcare system include overcoming a potential digital divide as certain patient groups may not be reached by digital services. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-bbd4bd0c3f0445bbab68c46def40eecc |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2044-6055 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMJ Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-bbd4bd0c3f0445bbab68c46def40eecc2025-08-20T03:35:32ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Open2044-60552025-07-0115710.1136/bmjopen-2025-100287Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview studyEdmund Neugebauer0Felix Muehlensiepen1Dunja Bruch2Susann May3Nadja Könsgen4Jan-Christoph Loh5Sebastian von Peter6Johannes Maximilian Albes7Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg, GermanyCenter for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg, GermanyDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center Brandenburg, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Bernau bei Berlin, Brandenburg, GermanyCenter for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg, GermanyInstitute for Research in Operative Medicine, University Witten Herdecke Faculty of Health, Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, GermanyMedexo GmbH, Berlin, GermanyDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Brandenburg, GermanyDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center Brandenburg, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Bernau bei Berlin, Brandenburg, GermanyObjectives Asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinions, using a purely document-based and written procedure, offer an opportunity to support patients in their medical decision-making, particularly those who cannot secure a timely face-to-face appointment nearby. The aim of the study is to investigate the benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion and clarify for whom and under what conditions it is suitable.Design We conducted a qualitative interview study as part of a larger mixed-methods study. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Setting Germany.Participants The study involved 40 patients (20 women and 20 men) who sought an asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinion via an online platform, predominantly for orthopaedic issues.Results Asynchronous telemedicine-based second opinions offer advantages such as access to distant specialists, the ability to consult from home without waiting times, timeliness and a detailed, fact-based report. However, the absence of face-to-face contact presents challenges: it can feel impersonal, technical problems may arise, it can be difficult to articulate symptoms and medical history in writing, and spontaneous interaction or correction is limited.Conclusions Under certain conditions, telemedicine-based second opinions can be individualised without face-to-face interaction. Key factors for success include a clear medical question, a well-organised process with good customer support, comprehensive and individualised information, and patient readiness (technical skills, internet access and the ability to articulate symptoms in writing). Major challenges for the German healthcare system include overcoming a potential digital divide as certain patient groups may not be reached by digital services.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/7/e100287.full |
| spellingShingle | Edmund Neugebauer Felix Muehlensiepen Dunja Bruch Susann May Nadja Könsgen Jan-Christoph Loh Sebastian von Peter Johannes Maximilian Albes Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study BMJ Open |
| title | Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study |
| title_full | Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study |
| title_fullStr | Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study |
| title_short | Benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion: a qualitative interview study |
| title_sort | benefits and challenges of asynchronous telemedicine in obtaining a second opinion a qualitative interview study |
| url | https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/7/e100287.full |
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