RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Telemedicine Could Reduce the Role of Family Physicians to Case Managers
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 63
OP 64
DO 10.1370/afm.3049
VO 22
IS 1
A1 Kannai, Ruth
A1 (Alon), Aya Rice
YR 2024
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/22/1/63.abstract
AB The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread and continuing use of telemedicine in primary care. Despite telemedicine’s benefits, it threatens to reduce the role of family physician to that of gatekeeper and case manager, nullifying decades of experience and medical intuition that is more difficult to develop and apply virtually. Additionally, many values of family medicine have eroded during this global process. The narrative presents 3 vignettes that illustrate different ways in which we contend with this complex issue. The challenges presented by telemedicine require us to re-examine our professional and personal values such as maintaining the centrality of the therapeutic relationship with patients. The greatest concern, however, relates to the future of the profession and the ability of new family doctors to overcome the challenges of telemedicine in an increasingly digital world.