Telemedicine services in higher education: a review of college and university websites

Abstract

Objectives To identify rates of telemedicine provision during the COVID-19 pandemic and predictive institutional factors among 4-year and graduate colleges and universities. Participants The study (n = 364) included the websites (.edu) of accredited public nonprofit, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions of higher education in the United States that award bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees. Methods Using digital content analysis, human coders analyzed institution websites for informational text indicating student telemedicine services. Results Findings indicate that a minority of 4-year and above institutions offer telemedicine access. Institution type, institution size, and the presence of campus student health services were predictive. Endowment size and Minority Serving Institution status were not predictive. Conclusion This study illustrates the ongoing need for increased access to remote health services across higher education, especially among smaller private and public nonprofit colleges and universities and all private for-profit institutions.