US Adults' Readiness to Engage in Telehealth Appointments: Insights from the 2024 National Trends in Health Information Survey

By
Navreet K. Singh
Nancy Buderer
Aisha T. Langford
September 12, 2026

Digital Health

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services in the United States, yet disparities in access and willingness to utilize these services persist. Understanding patient readiness is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively implement telehealth options and address barriers to access. This study aims to fill gaps in knowledge regarding the factors influencing telehealth visit willingness among US adults.

Data Highlights

Characteristic	Very Willing (%)
College Graduates	Data Needed
Age 55+	Data Needed
High Digital Literacy	Data Needed
Chronic Conditions	Data Needed

Key Findings

63% of respondents cited lack of telehealth options as a reason for not completing a telehealth visit.
74% indicated that recommendations from healthcare professionals influenced their willingness to engage in telehealth.
Digital literacy and technology-related attitudes significantly affect willingness to use telehealth services.
Older adults (aged 55+) showed lower willingness to engage in telehealth compared to younger adults.
Chronic health conditions impact patient readiness for telehealth, with varying effects based on specific conditions.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider sociodemographic factors and digital literacy when promoting telehealth services. Tailoring communication and support for different patient groups may enhance engagement in telehealth appointments.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of understanding patient characteristics that influence telehealth visit willingness, which is essential for optimizing telehealth service delivery.