Studies have shown that most patients see telecare as a positive development, as it improves
access to care (Finkelstein & Friedman, 2000). Especially the aspects of feeling safer and “looked
after” at home were described. Some patients experienced feelings of empowerment and freedom
in contrast to being under surveillance while in hospital (Mair & Whitten, 2000). However
the autors also point out that despite a large body of literature on patients’ satisfaction with telecare,
the research lacked depth. Therefore the largely positive findings have to be interpreted
with caution (Mair & Whitten, 2000). Mort et al. concluded after panel discussions with patients
and their perspectives on telecare that telecare could not take the place of a face to face interaction. They resume that a combination of face to face interaction and telecare consultations would
be optimal.