Telehealth for Post-ED Care: A Cross Sectional Analysis of University Students Preferences and Concerns

Abstract

Telehealth is carving out a vital space in modern healthcare, offering remote services that resonate well with the dynamic lives of university students. Yet, its true potential can only be unlocked if we understand the perspectives of those intended to use it. This study provides a window into how university students in Northern Cyprus view telehealth, specifically for follow up care after minor Emergency Department (ED) visits. We surveyed 161 university students using a cross sectional approach and a structured questionnaire. We gathered insights into their demographics, prior experiences with telehealth, and preferences for future follow up care. The data was brought to life using descriptive statistics, while Chi Square tests helped us find connections, and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) identified key factors predicting telehealth acceptance. While nearly three quarters (74.1%) of students would prefer telehealth for its convenience and time saving nature, a striking 89.5% have never actually used it. This highlights a significant gap between interest and experience. Students' main worries centred on the 'lack of physical examination' and potential 'quality of care' (16% each). Video calls stood out as the favoured way to connect. Our MLR models strongly indicated that students who liked video calls and valued seeing their provider were much more likely to embrace telehealth (R2=0.928, p<0.001). Gender also subtly shaped views on provider visibility (p=0.020). There is a clear, untapped enthusiasm for telehealth among Northern Cyprus university students. To bridge the gap between interest and use, we must address concerns about the remote experience, primarily by building trust and demonstrating quality, perhaps through excellent video interactions. Focused education and thoughtfully designed platforms are key to making telehealth a truly accessible and valued healthcare option for this community.