Experiences and Perceptions of Telehealth Among Rural-Dwelling Senior Citizens
Josh Curry
University of Minnesota Duluth
Olihe Okoro
University of Minnesota Duluth, College of Pharmacy
Keywords: Rural Health, Telehealth, Senior Citizens, Patient Perceptions, Healthcare Access, Technology Literacy
Abstract
Rural areas in the United States face increasing challenges in accessing healthcare due to an aging population and a declining rural healthcare workforce. Telehealth has been widely adopted as a strategy to reduce geographic barriers to accessing healthcare; however, limited research has examined how rural older adults personally experience and perceive telehealth and its services. This qualitative study explored the experiences, perceptions, barriers, and facilitators that participants shared while residing in a rural county in West-Central Minnesota.
The participants were interviewed in person via a semi-structured interview process. Using audio recordings and a verbatim transcript, thematic analysis enabled further examination of the themes and trends experienced by participants.
Many advantages have been acknowledged, including the ability to consult specialists who may not be locally available, reduced travel for appointments, and shorter wait times for urgent consultations. Telehealth was considered particularly beneficial when discussing hospital and clinic closures in rural communities. Despite these advantages, most participants expressed a strong preference for in-person care, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interaction and relationship- building. In addition to technology-related challenges, many participants reported that navigating digital platforms and unreliable internet access posed barriers, and that they relied on family and friends to overcome these barriers.
Overall, rural senior citizens viewed telehealth as a helpful supplement rather than a replacement for traditional in-person care. These findings highlight the importance of implementing patient-centered telehealth, which prioritizes support, usability, and human connection.
Author Biography
Olihe Okoro, University of Minnesota Duluth, College of Pharmacy
Olihe Okoro, Ph.D., MPH
Associate Professor, Social and Administrative Pharmacy
Co-director, Community Engagement
