Neurologists' Experiences and Attitudes Towards Teleneurology - Has Covid-19 Pandemic Made a Difference?

Abstract

Teleneurology is an adaption of telemedicine used in neurological practices. Due to the widespread availability of the Internet and the development of information and communication technology (ICT), the use of teleneurology has increased in healthcare systems. This study aimed to determine how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected neurologists' attitudes towards teleneurology as well as their experiences of remote health care before and after the pandemic. The study was conducted as a web-based questionnaire sent to all Finnish neurologists. Two identical surveys were sent via e-mail from the National Neurology Society. The first survey was conducted in spring 2021 and second in spring 2023. The results show that the pandemic moderately increased the use of teleneurology, which enhanced neurologists' technical skills. Neurologists estimated that the use of teleneurology will continue to increase in the future.