Physicians’ Perspectives of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: Qualitative Survey Study
Open accessPublished version of a preprint
Abstract
Background: Generalized restriction of movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, together with unprecedented pressure on the health system, has disrupted routine care for non–COVID-19 patients. Telemedicine should be vigorously promoted to reduce the risk of infections and to offer medical assistance to restricted patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand physicians’ attitudes toward and perspectives of telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to provide support for better implementation of telemedicine. Methods: We surveyed all physicians (N=148), from October 17 to 25, 2020, who attended the clinical informatics PhD program at West China Medical School, Sichuan University, China. The physicians came from 57 hospitals in 16 provinces (ie, municipalities) across China, 54 of which are 3A-level hospitals, two are 3B-level hospitals, and one is a 2A-level hospital. Results: Among 148 physicians, a survey response rate of 87.2% (129/148) was attained. The average age of the respondents was 35.6 (SD 3.9) years (range 23-48 years) and 67 out of 129 respondents (51.9%) were female. The respondents come from 37 clinical specialties in 55 hospitals located in 14 provinces (ie, municipalities) across Eastern, Central, and Western China. A total of 94.6% (122/129) of respondents’ hospitals had adopted a telemedicine system; however, 34.1% (44/129) of the physicians had never used a telemedicine system and only 9.3% (12/129) used one frequently (≥1 time/week). A total of 91.5% (118/129) and 88.4% (114/129) of physicians were willing to use telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Physicians considered the inability to examine patients in person to be the biggest concern (101/129, 78.3%) and the biggest barrier (76/129, 58.9%) to implementing telemedicine. Conclusions: Telemedicine is not yet universally available for all health care needs and has not been used frequently by physicians in this study. However, the willingness of physicians to use telemedicine was high. Telemedicine still has many problems to overcome.
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TL;DR
In a 2020 survey of 129 Chinese physicians enrolled in a clinical informatics PhD program, most hospitals had telemedicine systems but physicians used them infrequently, while willingness to use telemedicine during and after COVID-19 was high. The main concern and barrier was the inability to perform an in-person physical examination.
Key findings
- Among 148 surveyed physicians, 129 responded (87.2%); mean age was 35.6 (SD 3.9) years and 51.9% (67/129) were female. A total of 94.6% (122/129) of respondents’ hospitals had adopted telemedicine, but 34.1% (44/129) had never used it and only 9.3% (12/129) used it frequently (≥1 time/week).
- Willingness to use telemedicine was high: 91.5% (118/129) during the COVID-19 pandemic and 88.4% (114/129) after it; 60.5% (78/129) considered telemedicine suitable for their specialty during the pandemic.
- The biggest concern was inability to complete an in-person physical examination (101/129, 78.3%), and 58.9% (76/129) agreed that inability to examine patients would hinder clinical decision making. Other concerns included poor communication with patients (32/129, 24.8%), unstable telemedicine systems (30/129, 23.3%), and no assurance of patient medical safety (23/129, 17.8%).
- In open-ended comments from 127/129 respondents, barriers included inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure (40/127, 31.5%), and patient data quality issues (28/127, 22.1%); the most cited incentive was performance measures (60/127, 47.2%).
Methods
- A qualitative survey study conducted from October 17 to 25, 2020, surveying all 148 physicians attending the clinical informatics PhD program at West China Medical School, Sichuan University, China. Respondents came from 57 hospitals in 16 provinces; 54 were 3A-level, two 3B-level, and one 2A-level.
- The questionnaire had three sections: demographic/clinical characteristics, 7-point Likert-scale statements on telemedicine perspectives and usage, and open-ended questions. It was administered face-to-face after physicians spent more than 3 hours on telemedicine coursework.
- Open-ended responses were analyzed by qualitative content analysis with independent review by two reviewers and adjudication by a third. Likert responses were summarized as percentages and means with SDs; P values were calculated for specialty differences in usability and willingness, with two-sided P≤.01 considered significant.
Limitations
- The paper states respondent bias inherent to survey-based studies; the survey included only Chinese physicians, so incentive effects may differ in other countries due to cultural differences; and the limited sample size and descriptive design may not reflect all physicians in each hospital.
- The paper also notes difficulty in collecting opinions through large random sampling because of limited telemedicine use and knowledge among general physicians, and that participants were clinical informatics PhD physicians, mostly involved with hospital management, younger (23–48 years), from highest-level hospitals, and more familiar with telemedicine and digital technology.
- Evident from the text: this was a convenience sample of physicians in one PhD program, not a representative sample of Chinese physicians; several specialty analyses had very small subsamples (e.g., n=5), and the study reports attitudes and associations rather than causal effects.
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Claims the paper makes
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- Findingown data
32% (27/85) of physicians believed that telemedicine had a decision support system.
“A total of 32% (27/85) of physicians believed that telemedicine had a decision support system (Table 2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
91.5% (118/129) of respondents would be willing to adopt telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic (mean 5.7, SD 1.02).
“A total of 91.5% (118/129) of respondents would be willing to adopt telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic (mean 5.7, SD 1.02).”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“A total of 91.5% (118/129) and 88.4% (114/129) of physicians were willing to use telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
45.0% (58/129) of physicians used a telemedicine system occasionally (≤1 time/month).
“45.0% (58/129) used one occasionally (≤1 time/month)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Only 9.3% (12/129) of physicians used a telemedicine system frequently (≥1 time/week).
“only 9.3% (12/129) used one frequently (≥1 time/week).”
- Also stated in: § Current Use of Telemedicine · plain
“only 9.3% (12/129) used one frequently (≥1 time/week).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Current Use of Telemedicine · plain
- Findingown data
94.6% (122/129) of respondents' hospitals had adopted a telemedicine system.
“A total of 94.6% (122/129) of respondents’ hospitals had adopted a telemedicine system”
- Also stated in: § Current Use of Telemedicine · plain
“Among the 129 respondents, 94.6% (122/129) of the respondents’ hospitals adopted a telemedicine system.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Current Use of Telemedicine · plain
- Findingown data
No assurance of patient medical safety was a major concern regarding telemedicine, reported by 23/129 (17.8%) respondents.
“no assurance of patient medical safety (23/129, 17.8%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
24.8% (32/129) of respondents agreed that the lack of person-to-person contact in telemedicine can damage the doctor-patient relationship and trust.
“Approximately one-quarter of the respondents (32/129, 24.8%) agreed that the lack of person-to-person contact in telemedicine can damage the doctor-patient relationship and trust.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
44.2% (57/129) of respondents agreed that telemedicine makes it easier for patients' data to be stolen, compromised, or hacked.
“A total of 44.2% (57/129) of respondents agreed that telemedicine makes it easier for patients’ data to be stolen, compromised, or hacked.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
32% (18/57) of respondents who had taken telemedicine training were satisfied with their training (mean 4.2, SD 0.64).
“A total of 32% (18/57) of those respondents were satisfied with their training (mean 4.2, SD 0.64).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
11.6% (15/129) of physicians used a telemedicine system often (>1 time/month - <1 time/week).
“11.6% (15/129) used one often (>1 time/month – <1 time/week)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
34.1% (44/129) of physicians had never used a telemedicine system.
“34.1% (44/129) of the physicians had never used a telemedicine system”
- Also stated in: § Current Use of Telemedicine · plain
“A total of 34.1% (44/129) of physicians had never used a telemedicine system”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Current Use of Telemedicine · plain
- Findingown data
58.9% (76/129) of respondents agreed that a physician's inability to examine patients will hinder clinical decision making.
“Overall, 58.9% (76/129) of respondents agreed that a physician’s inability to examine patients will hinder clinical decision making.”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“Physicians considered the inability to examine patients in person to be the biggest concern (101/129, 78.3%) and the biggest barrier (76/129, 58.9%) to implementing telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
The instability of the telemedicine system was a major concern regarding telemedicine, reported by 30/129 (23.3%) respondents.
“the instability of the telemedicine system (30/129, 23.3%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Telemedicine has not been used frequently by physicians in this study.
“Telemedicine is not yet universally available for all health care needs and has not been used frequently by physicians in this study.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
88.4% (114/129) of physicians were willing to use telemedicine after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A total of 91.5% (118/129) and 88.4% (114/129) of physicians were willing to use telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The respondents came from 37 clinical specialties in 55 hospitals located in 14 provinces across Eastern, Central, and Western China.
“The respondents come from 37 clinical specialties in 55 hospitals located in 14 provinces (ie, municipalities) across Eastern, Central, and Western China.”
- Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
“The respondents came from 37 clinical specialties in 55 hospitals in China. These hospitals were located in 14 provinces (ie, municipalities) across China, including the three main provincial regions: Western China (n=5), Central China (n=4), and Eastern China (n=5).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
- Findingown data
52% (44/85) of respondents were satisfied with the telemedicine system (mean 4.7, SD 0.82).
“Depending on the question asked, 52% (44/85) of respondents were satisfied (responses of strongly satisfied plus satisfied and somewhat satisfied) with the telemedicine system (mean 4.7, SD 0.82).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
60.5% (78/129) of respondents indicated that their specialty was suitable for adopting telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic (mean 5.0, SD 1.28).
“Of the 129 respondents, 60.5% (78/129) indicated that their specialty was suitable (responses of strongly suitable plus suitable and somewhat suitable) for adopting telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic (mean 5.0, SD 1.28).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
15.5% (20/129) of respondents agreed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine will increase the burden on physicians.
“Only 15.5% (20/129) of respondents agreed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine will increase the burden on physicians (Table 5).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The inability to complete an in-person physical examination was a major concern regarding telemedicine, reported by 101/129 (78.3%) respondents.
“Physicians considered the inability to examine patients in person to be the biggest concern (101/129, 78.3%)”
- Also stated in: § Main Concerns of Adopting Telemedicine · plain
“the inability to complete an in-person physical examination (101/129, 78.3%)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Main Concerns of Adopting Telemedicine · plain
- Findingown data
Only 57 out of 129 (44.2%) physicians had participated in telemedicine training.
“Only 57 out of 129 (44.2%) physicians had participated in telemedicine training.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The inability to communicate well with patients was a major concern regarding telemedicine, reported by 32/129 (24.8%) respondents.
“the inability to communicate well with patients (32/129, 24.8%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Among physicians who had used telemedicine systems, 11% (9/85) believed that electronic medical records were integrated into telemedicine.
“Among physicians who had used telemedicine systems, 11% (9/85) of them believed that electronic medical records were integrated into telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine was cited as a barrier by 40/127 (31.5%) of commenting physicians.
“The main barriers to implementation cited by physicians included the inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine (40/127, 31.5%), issues concerning the quality of patients’ data (28/127, 22.1%), communication issues with patients (18/127, 14.2%), network issues (13/127, 10.2%), and lack of policy support (10/127, 7.9%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Concerns about the quality of care was a main reason for unwillingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 2/11 (18.2%) of unwilling physicians.
“Concerns about the quality of care | 2 (18.2)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The inability to complete an in-person physical examination was the main reason physicians cited as a barrier to implementing telemedicine.
“The inability to complete an in-person physical examination was the highest concern for physicians (101/129, 78.3%) and was the main reason physicians cited it as a barrier to implementing telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The willingness of physicians to use telemedicine was high.
“However, the willingness of physicians to use telemedicine was high.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
8.5% (11/129) of surveyed physicians were unwilling to adopt telemedicine.
“Only 8.5% (11/129) of respondents were unwilling to adopt telemedicine, and 4 respondents out of 129 (3.1%) were undecided about whether or not they were willing to adopt telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Optimization of medical resources was a main reason for willingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 31/114 (27.2%) of willing physicians.
“The main reasons physicians were willing to adopt telemedicine included convenience for patients (56/114, 49.1%), optimization of medical resources (31/114, 27.2%), and improving the level of medical care (16/114, 14.0%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Low medical fees was a main reason for unwillingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 2/11 (18.2%) of unwilling physicians.
“Low medical fees | 2 (18.2)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Increased telemedicine equipment was suggested as an incentive by 22/127 (17.3%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Financial support was suggested as an incentive by 19/127 (15.0%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Policy support was suggested as an incentive by 21/127 (16.5%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
127 of 129 respondents (98.4%) provided comments on obstacles to adopting telemedicine and suggestions for improving telemedicine.
“In the open-ended section of the questionnaire, a total of 127 respondents out of 129 (98.4%) made comments regarding the obstacles to adopting telemedicine and made suggestions for improving telemedicine (Tables 6 and 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Increased training was suggested as an incentive by 18/127 (14.2%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Network issues was cited as a barrier by 13/127 (10.2%) of commenting physicians.
“The main barriers to implementation cited by physicians included the inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine (40/127, 31.5%), issues concerning the quality of patients’ data (28/127, 22.1%), communication issues with patients (18/127, 14.2%), network issues (13/127, 10.2%), and lack of policy support (10/127, 7.9%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Issues concerning the quality of patients' data was cited as a barrier by 28/127 (22.1%) of commenting physicians.
“The main barriers to implementation cited by physicians included the inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine (40/127, 31.5%), issues concerning the quality of patients’ data (28/127, 22.1%), communication issues with patients (18/127, 14.2%), network issues (13/127, 10.2%), and lack of policy support (10/127, 7.9%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Lack of policy support was cited as a barrier by 10/127 (7.9%) of commenting physicians.
“The main barriers to implementation cited by physicians included the inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine (40/127, 31.5%), issues concerning the quality of patients’ data (28/127, 22.1%), communication issues with patients (18/127, 14.2%), network issues (13/127, 10.2%), and lack of policy support (10/127, 7.9%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Performance measures were suggested as an incentive to promote telemedicine by 60/127 (47.2%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
There was no correlation between physicians' willingness to participate in telemedicine and the usability of telemedicine in each specialty.
“Although physicians’ willingness to participate in telemedicine was different from the usability of telemedicine in each specialty, there was no correlation between them.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Technical support was suggested as an incentive by 18/127 (14.2%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Inability to examine patients personally was cited as a barrier to telemedicine implementation by 48/127 (37.8%) of commenting physicians.
“The main barriers to implementation cited by physicians included the inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine (40/127, 31.5%), issues concerning the quality of patients’ data (28/127, 22.1%), communication issues with patients (18/127, 14.2%), network issues (13/127, 10.2%), and lack of policy support (10/127, 7.9%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Improving the level of medical care was a main reason for willingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 16/114 (14.0%) of willing physicians.
“The main reasons physicians were willing to adopt telemedicine included convenience for patients (56/114, 49.1%), optimization of medical resources (31/114, 27.2%), and improving the level of medical care (16/114, 14.0%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The physician's inability to personally examine a patient will hinder clinical decision making was a main reason for unwillingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 6/11 (54.5%) of unwilling physicians.
“The physician’s inability to personally examine a patient will hinder clinical decision making | 6 (54.5)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Convenience for patients was a main reason for willingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 56/114 (49.1%) of willing physicians.
“The main reasons physicians were willing to adopt telemedicine included convenience for patients (56/114, 49.1%), optimization of medical resources (31/114, 27.2%), and improving the level of medical care (16/114, 14.0%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
3.1% (4/129) of surveyed physicians were undecided about adopting telemedicine.
“Only 8.5% (11/129) of respondents were unwilling to adopt telemedicine, and 4 respondents out of 129 (3.1%) were undecided about whether or not they were willing to adopt telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
More time spent was a main reason for unwillingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 3/11 (27.3%) of unwilling physicians.
“More time spent | 3 (27.3)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Communication issues with patients was cited as a barrier by 18/127 (14.2%) of commenting physicians.
“The main barriers to implementation cited by physicians included the inability to examine patients personally (48/127, 37.8%), insufficient infrastructure support for telemedicine (40/127, 31.5%), issues concerning the quality of patients’ data (28/127, 22.1%), communication issues with patients (18/127, 14.2%), network issues (13/127, 10.2%), and lack of policy support (10/127, 7.9%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The inability to complete an in-person physical examination was the highest concern for physicians (101/129, 78.3%).
“The inability to complete an in-person physical examination was the highest concern for physicians (101/129, 78.3%) and was the main reason physicians cited it as a barrier to implementing telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
88.4% (114/129) of surveyed physicians were willing to adopt telemedicine.
“Physicians’ attitudes toward telemedicine were positive, with 88.4% (114/129) of respondents stating that they were willing to adopt telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Cannot provide valid patient information was a main reason for unwillingness to adopt telemedicine, cited by 2/11 (18.2%) of unwilling physicians.
“Cannot provide valid patient information | 2 (18.2)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data
Telemedicine is not yet universally available for all health care needs.
“Telemedicine is not yet universally available for all health care needs and has not been used frequently by physicians in this study.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The survey response rate was 87.2% (129/148) among 148 physicians.
“Among 148 physicians, a survey response rate of 87.2% (129/148) was attained.”
- Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
“We received 129 completed survey forms—direct survey handout and return on the day—with a response rate of 87.2% (129/148).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
- Premisecitation
One's willingness to use telemedicine may be influenced by one's attitude toward telemedicine, technology anxiety, and the patient-physician relationship.
“One’s willingness to use telemedicine may also be influenced by one’s attitude toward telemedicine itself, one’s level of technology anxiety, and the patient-physician relationship [37].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [37] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Younger physicians have a greater openness and willingness to adopt telemedicine.
“Moreover, younger physicians have a greater openness and willingness to adopt telemedicine [36].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [36] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
The finding that inability to examine in person is a barrier is consistent with research from the United States.
“This result is consistent with research from the United States [40].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [40] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Physicians are less likely to use telemedicine if they are not adequately compensated for their time and effort.
“Physicians are less likely to use telemedicine if they are not adequately compensated for their time and effort [49].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [49] Pong, RW, 2000, Health Law Rev
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Pervasive movement restriction and unprecedented pressure on the health system disrupted routine care for non-COVID-19 patients.
“Pervasive movement restriction and the unprecedented pressure on the health system has disrupted routine care for non–COVID-19 patients.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
Physicians can rely on proxies for examination.
“Physicians can rely on proxies for examination [45].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [45] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Physicians' willingness to adopt telemedicine may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic's movement-restriction policy.
“Physicians’ willingness to adopt telemedicine may also be related to the COVID-19 pandemic’s movement-restriction policy [33].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [33] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
Telemedicine use is uneven across clinical specialties.
“Although telemedicine has found its way to nearly all clinical specialties, its use is uneven across specialties [38,39].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
Sound and light present during telemedicine examinations can affect physicians' diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
“In telemedicine, the inability to examine the patient in person not only affects the physicians’ habits, but also sound and light present during telemedicine examinations can affect physicians’ diagnoses and treatment recommendations [41].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [41] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationcitation
The COVID-19 pandemic was a reason for the surveyed physicians' high willingness to use telemedicine.
“The reasons for their high willingness were manifold but included the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine training courses, as well as young physicians in academic centers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [32] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
There is a lack of empirical research about telemedicine in different specialties.
“However, there is a lack of empirical research about telemedicine in different specialties [15].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [15] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
In telemedicine, the inability to examine the patient in person affects physicians' habits.
“In telemedicine, the inability to examine the patient in person not only affects the physicians’ habits, but also sound and light present during telemedicine examinations can affect physicians’ diagnoses and treatment recommendations [41].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [41] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
Telemedicine training courses were a reason for the surveyed physicians' high willingness to use telemedicine.
“The reasons for their high willingness were manifold but included the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine training courses, as well as young physicians in academic centers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The telemedicine training course increased physicians’ awareness of, knowledge about, and attitudes toward telemedicine.
- Interpretationown data
There are many challenges and risks to telemedicine that need to be addressed before the technology is widely endorsed by physicians.
“This study suggests that there are many challenges and risks to telemedicine that need to be addressed before the technology is widely endorsed by physicians.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The barrier of inability to examine in person was mainly due to physicians' concern that not being able to examine patients in person would affect clinical diagnosis.
“This was mainly due to the concern by physicians that not being able to examine patients in person would affect clinical diagnosis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Whether in the learning stage or late in their careers, physicians want to carefully examine each patient personally.
- Premisecitation
Poor sound quality may limit understanding and mutual contact.
“Poor sound quality may limit understanding and mutual contact [41-44].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 4 sources checked - Interpretationown data
The surveyed physicians had a high willingness to use telemedicine.
“This study showed that the surveyed physicians had a high willingness to use telemedicine.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
The COVID-19 pandemic forced physicians to quickly adapt and use telemedicine.
“The COVID-19 pandemic forced physicians to quickly adapt and use telemedicine [32].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [32] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Study design and conductreasoning
The limited sample size and descriptive nature of the study may not be able to reflect the opinions of all physicians in each hospital.
“Another limitation is the limited sample size and the descriptive nature of the study, which may not be able to reflect the opinions of all physicians in each hospital.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The recruited participants, being physicians enrolled in a PhD program in clinical informatics and mostly involved with hospital management, have a basic understanding of clinical informatics and medical information systems in their own hospital.
“Therefore, in contrast to general physicians, they have a basic understanding of clinical informatics as well as medical information systems in their own hospital.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- May combine two claims. 9
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 26
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataRegarding willingness to adopt telemedicine, radiologists had the highest mean score (6.4, SD 0.80) and ophthalmologists had the lowest mean score (4.6, SD 0.49).
“Regarding willingness to adopt telemedicine, radiologists had the highest mean value (mean 6.4, SD 0.80) and ophthalmologists had the lowest mean value (mean 4.6, SD 0.49).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataFor each specialty, the P values for differences between usability and willingness scores were greater than .01.
“For each specialty, we calculated P values to determine the statistical significance of the differences between the scores of usability and willingness (P>.01).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataThe average age of the respondents was 35.6 (SD 3.9) years (range 23-48 years).
“The average age of the respondents was 35.6 (SD 3.9) years (range 23-48 years)”
- Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
“The average age of the respondents was 35.6 (SD 3.9) years (range 23-48 years).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataIn the group with telemedicine-appropriate specialties, obstetrics and gynecology had the highest mean suitability score (6.3, SD 0.97) and dermatology had the lowest mean suitability score (4.2, SD 0.75).
“In the group with telemedicine-appropriate specialties, obstetrics and gynecology had the highest mean value (mean 6.3, SD 0.97) and dermatology had the lowest mean value (mean 4.2, SD 0.75).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data67 of 129 respondents (51.9%) were female.
“67 out of 129 respondents (51.9%) were female”
- Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
“Out of 129 respondents, 67 (51.9%) were females and 62 (48.1%) were males.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Also stated in: § Physician Demographics and Characteristics · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataIncreased telemedicine publicity was suggested as an incentive by 14/127 (11.0%) of commenting physicians.
“Physicians believed that telemedicine could be promoted through the following incentives: performance measures (60/127, 47.2%), increased telemedicine equipment (22/127, 17.3%), policy support (21/127, 16.5%), financial support (19/127, 15.0%), technical support (18/127, 14.2%), increased training (18/127, 14.2%), and increased telemedicine publicity (14/127, 11.0%) (Table 7).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at West China Medical School, Sichuan University (IRB17-75).
“This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at West China Medical School, Sichuan University (IRB17-75).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationPhysicians' willingness or unwillingness to use telemedicine is a well-known factor in facilitating or inhibiting telemedicine acceptance.
“Physicians’ willingness or unwillingness to use telemedicine is a well-known factor in facilitating or inhibiting telemedicine acceptance [20].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [20] source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationHospitals can replace some routine medical services with telemedicine to improve the efficiency of their health care system.
“To better mitigate and manage the spread of COVID-19, hospitals can replace some routine medical services with telemedicine to improve the efficiency of their health care system [3].”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [3] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductreasoningThis study is subject to respondent bias inherent in all survey-based studies.
“First, this is a survey-based study and is subject to respondent bias inherent in all survey-based studies.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe challenges to telemedicine may be due to regulation, incentives, training, malpractice insurance, security and confidentiality of patient data, and telemedicine technology.
“These challenges may be due to regulation, incentives involving telemedicine, effective telemedicine training, malpractice insurance coverage for telemedicine, security and confidentiality of patient data, and telemedicine technology.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductcitationThe questionnaire was derived from the literature on telemedicine satisfaction and experts in telemedicine.
“The questionnaire was derived from the literature on telemedicine satisfaction and experts in telemedicine [23-28].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 6 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe adoption of telemedicine systems depends on physicians' and patients' satisfaction with the use of the telemedicine service.
“some studies noted that the adoption of telemedicine systems depends on physicians’ and patients’ satisfaction with the use of the telemedicine service [21].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [21] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationRemote patient monitoring equipment need to be automatically synchronized to the patient's chart so that physicians can instantly obtain patient data.
“In order to maximize the benefits of utilizing telemedicine technology, technologies including remote patient monitoring equipment need to be automatically synchronized to the patient’s chart, so that physicians can instantly obtain patient data [47].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [47] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenThe results of the study were confirmed by all researchers in the team.
“Lastly, the results of the study were confirmed by all researchers in the team.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationMajor health organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Medical Association, have advocated for the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and have taken steps to promote its use.
“Major health organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Medical Association, have advocated for the use of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and have taken steps to promote its use [17-19].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [17] Healthcare facilities: Managing operations during the COVID-19 pandemicCenters for Disease Control and Prevention20212020-11-26https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-hcf.html
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [18] HarrisPAAMA applauds Medicare telemedicine policy change during pandemicAmerican Medical Association202003172020-11-25https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-statements/ama-applauds-medicare-telemedicine-policy-change-during-pandemic
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [19] Maintaining essential health services: New operational guidance for the COVID-19 contextWorld Health Organization202006012020-11-20https://www.who.int/news/item/01-06-2020-maintaining-essential-health-services-new-operational-guidance-for-the-covid-19-context
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataA pilot test of the questionnaire was conducted within the research group.
“We conducted a pilot test within our research group.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationIntegration of telemedicine with current health system workflows and connection to the electronic health record is an important aspect in the application of telemedicine.
“An important aspect in the application of telemedicine will be the integration of telemedicine with the current health system workflows and the connection to the electronic health record [46].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [46] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe challenges to telemedicine are in line with the findings of other studies.
“These are in line with the findings of the other studies [48].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [48] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted global health care and dramatically changed the practice of health care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted global health care and dramatically changed the practice of health care [1,2].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductnone givenFree-text answers were summarized and assessed independently by two reviewers using a standardized evaluation process.
“Free-text answers were summarized and assessed independently by two reviewers using a standardized evaluation process.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductnone givenResearch team members repeatedly and independently read the answer summaries and validated the accuracy and meaning of the contents.
“The research team members repeatedly and independently read the answer summaries and validated the accuracy and meaning of the contents.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenA third reviewer reviewed by adjudication in cases of disagreement.
“A third reviewer reviewed by adjudication in cases of disagreement.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe knowledge and perception of health care professionals affect telemedicine adoption.
“There are studies that indicate that the knowledge and perception of health care professionals affect telemedicine adoption [34,35].”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [34] Ayatollahi, H, 2015, Perspect Health Inf Manag
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [35] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.
Interpretationnone givenThe survey was only about Chinese physicians, so incentive effects may differ in other countries due to cultural differences.
“Second, the survey was only about Chinese physicians. Incentive effects may differ in other countries due to cultural differences.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataThe overall response rate was very high (87.2%) and included a variety of clinical specialties.
“In addition, the overall response rate was very high (87.2%) and included a variety of clinical specialties.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Interpretationnone givenThe relatively younger physicians (23 to 48 years old) from the highest-level hospitals represented those who might be more familiar with telemedicine and digital technology.
“The relatively younger physicians (23 to 48 years old) from the highest-level hospitals represented those who might be more familiar with telemedicine and digital technology.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationreasoningIt is difficult to collect opinions through large random sampling given the limited use of telemedicine in China and the lack of knowledge about telemedicine among general physicians.
“However, considering the limited use of telemedicine in China and the lack of knowledge about telemedicine among general physicians, it is difficult to collect opinions through large random sampling.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Telemedicine use in China is limited and general physicians lack knowledge about telemedicine.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe responses were collected from 55 hospitals in Eastern, Central, and Western China, representing various clinical subspecialties.
“The responses were collected from 55 hospitals in Eastern, Central, and Western China, as it was a study representing various clinical subspecialties.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataAlthough telemedicine cannot yet be used universally for all health care needs and cannot fully replace in-person physical examinations, physicians' willingness to use telemedicine was high.
“The results of this survey indicate that, although telemedicine cannot yet be used universally for all health care needs and cannot fully replace in-person physical examinations, physicians’ willingness to use telemedicine was high.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
Physicians' perspectives on telemedicine visits have not been fully investigated.
“However, physicians’ perspectives on telemedicine visits have not been fully investigated.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The surveyed physicians had high levels of informatics literacy and a certain understanding of information technology and telemedicine at their hospitals.
“They had high levels of informatics literacy and a certain understanding of information technology and telemedicine at their hospitals.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The telemedicine training course increased physicians’ awareness of, knowledge about, and attitudes toward telemedicine.
“The telemedicine training course increased physicians’ awareness of, knowledge about, and attitudes toward telemedicine.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Whether in the learning stage or late in their careers, physicians want to carefully examine each patient personally.
“Whether in the learning stage or late in their careers, physicians want to carefully examine each patient personally.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The survey questions were inherently pragmatic, and the responses faithfully reflected the physicians’ sentiments.
“The survey questions we asked were inherently pragmatic, and the responses to these questions faithfully reflected the physicians’ sentiments.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Telemedicine use in China is limited and general physicians lack knowledge about telemedicine.
“considering the limited use of telemedicine in China and the lack of knowledge about telemedicine among general physicians”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In China, a study among physicians showed a 94.6% use of telemedicine during the pandemic, with 34.1% of them having never used telemedicine before.
“Again in China, a study among physicians showed a 94.6% use of telemedicine during the pandemic, with 34.1% of them having never used telemedicine before; additionally, they believed that they would never have thought of using telehealth without the obligations of COVID-19 and they were willing to continue using it [50,51].”
From Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic (2022) · cites this paper as [50]
In China, telehealth use increased dramatically during the beginning of the pandemic in the country's major hospitals.
“In China, telehealth use increased dramatically during the beginning of the pandemic in the country’s major hospitals [50].”
From Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic (2022) · cites this paper as [50]
In Australia, a national study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic considerably encouraged and promoted the use of telehealth, and without that progress, telehealth use would have remained infrequent.
“In Australia, a national study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic considerably encouraged and promoted the use of telehealth and thanks to this window of opportunity, a lot of progress was made in the domain that, without that progress, telehealth use would have remained infrequent [50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58].”
From Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic (2022) · cites this paper as [50]
Koonin et al. described an over 13,000% growth in telehealth visits in practically all sectors and specialties in October 2020.
“Koonin et al. described an over 13,000% growth in telehealth visits in practically all sectors and specialties in October 2020 [48,49,50].”
From Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic (2022) · cites this paper as [50]
In China, physicians believed they would never have thought of using telehealth without the obligations of COVID-19 and were willing to continue using it.
“Again in China, a study among physicians showed a 94.6% use of telemedicine during the pandemic, with 34.1% of them having never used telemedicine before; additionally, they believed that they would never have thought of using telehealth without the obligations of COVID-19 and they were willing to continue using it [50,51].”
From Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic (2022) · cites this paper as [50]
The massive use of teleconsultations and tele-triage for suspected COVID-19 cases for mild symptomatic patients relieved a significant burden on healthcare facilities.
“The massive use of teleconsultations and tele-triage for suspected COVID-19 cases for mild symptomatic patients relieved a significant burden on healthcare facilities [50].”
From Telehealth and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Telehealth Use, Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities during COVID-19 Pandemic (2022) · cites this paper as [50]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Hospital levels are reversed in Table 1
MinorThe results text says that, among the 55 responding hospitals, two were 3B-level and one was 2A-level. Table 1 assigns those counts to the opposite levels.
“Among these 55 hospitals, 52 were 3A-level hospitals (ie, the highest level of hospital in China), two were 3B-level hospitals, and one was a 2A-level hospital.”
“| | 2A | 2A | 2 (3.6) | 2 (3.6) | | | 3B | 3B | 1 (1.8) | 1 (1.8) |”
Specialties with five physicians appear despite stated cutoff
MinorThe discussion says only specialties with more than five participating physicians were analyzed, but Table 3 includes and analyzes specialties with five, including dermatology.
“Due to the uneven distribution of the number of specialists, only specialties that included more than 5 participating physicians were analyzed.”
“| Dermatology (n=5) | 3-5 | 4.2 (0.75) | —d | 5-7 | 5-7 | 6.2 (0.98) | — | .012 | .012 |”
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“In Australia, a national study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic considerably encouraged and promoted the use of telehealth and thanks to this window of opportunity, a lot of progress was made in the domain that, without that progress, telehealth use would have remained infrequent [50–58].”
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Telemedicine and the assessment of clinician time: a scoping review
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How Russian-Ukrainian War Changed the Usage of Telemedicine: A Questionnaire-Based Study in Ukraine
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Telemedicine Service Adoption During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Physicians' Experience from Nigeria
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And Still She Rises: Policies for Improving Women’s Health for a More Equitable Post-Pandemic World
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Coping with COVID-19: The WeChat Way
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A IMPORTÂNCIA DA TELEMEDICINA EM PROCEDIMENTOS CIRÚRGICOS
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A Conceptual Framework for Information Technology Adoption in Healthcare During Disease Outbreaks
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- Authors
- Liu, J., Liu, S., Zheng, T., & Bi, Y.
- Affiliations
- Sichuan University (CN)
- University of Utah (US)
- Corresponding author
- Liu, Jialin
- Venue
- JMIR Medical Informatics
- Publisher
- JMIR Publications Inc.
- Published
- 2021-06-01
- Volume
- 9
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- e26463
- ISSN
- 2291-9694 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC8171288
- OpenAlex
- W3158238102
- Cited by
- 38
- References
- 41
- Citations by year
- 2025: 5 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 3
- FWCI
- 7.15
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by
- Locations
- JMIR Medical Informatics (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › General Dentistry › Dental Research and COVID-19
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Healthcare during COVID-19 Pandemic
- Keywords
- telemedicine, COVID-19 pandemic, physician attitudes, telehealth adoption, health system pressure, telehealth reimbursement
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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
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