Assessing the Challenges of Virtual Clinics on Patient Care: Barriers, and Opportunities for Improvement

Abstract

Background: Virtual clinics have transformed the healthcare across the world, especially in response of the COVID-19 pandemic. These clinics provide more access to care, but they also come with a number of difficulties that may have an impact on patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to measure the barriers faced by the patients in virtual clinic settings and identify opportunities for improvement in the virtual delivery of health care.

Methodology: This study includes conducting a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles from several databases, with an emphasis on virtual healthcare concerns. A total of 22 studies published between 2019 and 2024 that were specifically focused on the patient's perspective was included. Data extraction followed the guidelines of the PRISMA framework, whereas assessing bias required the use of the QUADAS-2 tool to address methodological quality and aspects of transparency.

Results: Preliminary findings reveal that technical issues, limited access to digital literacy skills, and emotional barriers have limited patients' participation as well as their level of satisfaction in terms of virtual clinics. Better prospects for improvement were revealed from a review of issues that need enhancement in infrastructure, development of more digital literacy courses, and more effective training of healthcare providers for the integration of virtual care with a patient-centric approach.

Conclusion: Solutions to overcome barriers in virtual clinics improve effectiveness, accessibility, and patient care. Future studies should focus on long-term results and integration within traditional healthcare.