BACKGROUND: Given the high rate of sexually transmissible infections among young people and limited rural access to specialist healthcare, an Australian telemedicine service was piloted. Clients' views were investigated. METHODS: All clients aged 15-24 were given a questionnaire. A sub-sample was interviewed. RESULTS: The service was used by 25 rural youths aged 15-24; 18 returned the questionnaire, 4 were interviewed. All had a telephone consultation. They reported being satisfied with the service; most preferred the telemedicine service to consulting a doctor in person. CONCLUSIONS: Online video consultations for sexual health may not yet be acceptable to young people in Australia.
BACKGROUND: Given the high rate of sexually transmissible infections among young people and limited rural access to specialist healthcare, an Australian telemedicine service was piloted. Clients' views were investigated. METHODS: All clients aged 15-24 were given a questionnaire. A sub-sample was interviewed. RESULTS: The service was used by 25 rural youths aged 15-24; 18 returned the questionnaire, 4 were interviewed. All had a telephone consultation. They reported being satisfied with the service; most preferred the telemedicine service to consulting a doctor in person. CONCLUSIONS: Online video consultations for sexual health may not yet be acceptable to young people in Australia.