Telehealth Feasibility, Interest, and Satisfaction of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Living in the Veneto Region, Italy, During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Telemed J E Health
; 2024 Jul 25.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39049787
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Synchronous telehealth (ST) consists of the remote real-time delivery of health services. COVID-19 pandemic has pressed the use of ST and forced neurologists to deliver telehealth services. The aim of this study was to obtain the actual picture of ST accessibility/interest and to evaluate the user satisfaction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:
The study consisted of two phases. First, a hard-copy questionnaire ("Telehealth Identity Card" [TIC]), including only yes/no questions, filled in the presence of a neurologist, and investigating the technical/practical access and the willingness/interest of MS patients to the telehealth services, was obtained from 600 consecutive outpatients, with no time limit for answering. Second, a fully filled "Televisit Satisfaction Questionnaire" (TSQ) was obtained from 100 consecutive patients that underwent a televisit. Statistical analysis applied the t test for normally distributed variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal. Logistic univariate and multivariate regressions were applied to predict televisit availability on the base of demographic variables.Results:
Statistical analysis was performed on 552/600 consecutive TIC (92%). Of them, 464/552 (84%) of the MS patients declared to possess the tools and to be interested in telehealth services. Compared with noninterested patients, they were younger (mean age 44.0 vs. 49.8, p < 0.001) and with lower disability (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.5 vs. 3.3, p < 0.01). From TSQ, it emerged that 95% agree or strongly agree that televisit respected timelines, saved time and money, was conducted with respect to privacy, can be a useful tool for monitoring disease and therapy, and expressed their availability for further televisits.Discussion:
A great majority of MS patients living in Padua Province were interested in telehealth. High satisfaction and the willingness for further televist were expressed. Telehealth services can help neurologists to manage the increasing number of MS patients and their complex therapeutic monitoring.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Telemed J E Health
Asunto de la revista:
INFORMATICA MEDICA
/
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia