Physicians’ wellbeing in telemedicine: a cross-sectional study
Cristina SICORSCHI GUTU
Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of modern healthcare systems, offering numerous benefits for patient access, continuity of care, and system efficiency. While research on patient outcomes and satisfaction in telemedicine is expanding rapidly, far less is known about how telemedicine affects physicians themselves—particularly regarding work‑life balance, professional satisfaction, and mental health. Understanding these associations is essential as telemedicine becomes a more established mode of clinical practice.The primary objective of this study was to evaluate physician well‑being within a telemedical practice environment.This study presents findings from a cross‑sectional survey conducted among physicians working in a telemedical center in Switzerland. The survey included 42 validated questions assessing work‑life balance, professional satisfaction, emotional exhaustion, and symptoms of depression. Data were collected between June and August 2023. Participation was voluntary, anonymous, and open to all physicians practicing telemedicine at the center.A total of 49 physicians completed the questionnaire. The majority were female (73.5%), and most had children (71.4%). More than 90% of respondents reported experiencing a good work‑life balance while working in telemedicine. High emotional exhaustion was identified in 12.5% of participants, while 16.32% screened positive for possible depression.These results suggest that practicing telemedicine may support a favorable work‑life balance for many physicians and could potentially mitigate some aspects of burnout. However, the presence of emotional exhaustion and depressive symptoms in a subset of participants highlights the need for continued attention to physician well‑being in digital care settings. As telemedicine continues to expand, further research—particularly longitudinal studies—is needed to better understand its long‑term impact on physicians’ mental health and to identify organizational factors that promote sustainable and healthy telemedicine practice.Telemedicine appears to support a favorable work‑life balance for many physicians and may help reduce aspects of burnout.
