The Impact of Telemedicine on Quality of Life in Rural Areas: The Extremadura Model of Specialized Care Delivery

This study objectively assessed quality of life on aspects of health and well-being of rural citizens benefiting from the Extremadura model. A randomized study of 800 primary care patients referred for specialized care: 420 regular face-to-face hospital referrals and 380 referred to a hospital specialist at a distance by telemedicine. The study used two questionnaires: a modified version of the classical SF-12v2™ short form questionnaire for health and well-being, and a specific author-elaborated questionnaire. The latter focused on major patient concerns such as (1) discomfort and pain relief, (2) swift diagnosis, (3) swift treatment, (4) swift decision on hospital admission or not, (5) avoidance of traveling, (6) avoidance of red tape, and (7) personal attention. Quality of life was assessed twice: before and 6 months after referral to a hospital specialist. Both groups showed comparable health status with added advantages for telemedicine referrals such as less traveling and faster diagnosis, health ex...