Navigating the boundaries of teleconsultation - capabilities, limitations, and pathways for improvement : qualitative study of the experiences of patients with stroke

Abstract

Background: Survivors of stroke often face persistent challenges accessing postdischarge care due to mobility limitations, transportation burdens, and inflexible scheduling. Teleconsultation has emerged as a potential solution to improve continuity of care, but its perceived strengths and limitations from the patient perspective remain insufficiently understood. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of survivors of stroke with a nurse-led teleconsultation program to (1) identify perceived capabilities; (2) understand limitations in usability, accessibility, and clinical function; and (3) generate patient-informed recommendations for improvement. Methods: A qualitative study was embedded within a 3-month nurse-led teleconsultation intervention delivered by advanced practice nurses. A total of 21 survivors of ischemic stroke (aged 45-76 y; female: n=11, 52%) who had preserved cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥22) and smartphone access participated in 6 focus groups conducted via Zoom. Data were analyzed thematically using an established framework. Data saturation was achieved. Results: Participants widely valued teleconsultation for reducing logistical burdens; enhancing access; and offering a more comfortable, emotionally supportive setting for follow-up care. Many reported increased awareness and motivation for self-monitoring. However, limitations included an inability to perform physical assessments or respond to emergencies; digital and usability barriers, especially among older users; and scheduling inflexibility. Participants emphasized the need for patient-initiated follow-up mechanisms, physician collaboration for medication management, and greater support for users considered digitally marginalized. They also highlighted the potential of teleconsultation to serve as a triage tool, reserving in-person care for complex cases. Conclusions: Nurse-led teleconsultation was perceived as a convenient and supportive modality for poststroke care, particularly for stable follow-ups and psychosocial support. However, its long-term viability depends on addressing clinical and technical limitations, enhancing user autonomy, and integrating interdisciplinary input. By centering the lived experiences of survivors of stroke, this study offers concrete recommendations to guide the development of more inclusive, responsive, and patient-centered teleconsultation models.