ABSTRACT
Background: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require routine medical follow-up. The usage of telephone care (TC) appointments increased because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to adapt a questionnaire to evaluate satisfaction with TC use and validate it among IBD individuals. Methods: A committee of experts adapted the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire to the TC context and validated its use in individuals with IBD. This committee included three IBD gastroenterology care providers (GCPs), two IBD-patient partners, and two healthcare researchers. The committee evaluated the content validity of the adapted items to measure TC satisfaction. A pilot study assessed the readability and usability of the questionnaire. Individuals with IBD in Saskatchewan completed an online survey with the adapted questionnaire between December 2021 and April 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational techniques. Psychometric analyses were conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Results: The committee of experts developed the Telephone Care Satisfaction Questionnaire (TCSQ patient), with 16 items and one overall item for TC satisfaction. After the pilot, 87 IBD individuals participated in the online survey. A strong correlation was observed between the 16-item standardized level of TC satisfaction and the overall item, r = 0.85 (95%CI 0.78-0.90, p < 0.001). The TCSQ patient had optimal internal reliability (α = 0.96). Two dimensions were identified in the exploratory factor analysis (i.e., TC usefulness and convenience). Conclusion: The TCSQ patient is a valid and reliable measure of TC satisfaction among individuals with IBD. This questionnaire demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and we recommend its use.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require life-long interactions with the healthcare system. Virtual care (VC) technologies are becoming increasingly utilized for accessing healthcare services. Research related to the use of VC technology for the management of IBD in Canada is limited. This study aimed to examine the VC experiences from the perspectives of individuals with IBD and gastroenterology care providers (GCPs). METHODS: A patient-oriented, qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were completed with individuals with IBD and GCPs. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. RESULTS: A total of 25 individuals with IBD and five GCPs were interviewed. Three categories were identified: benefits of virtual IBD care delivery, challenges of virtual IBD care delivery, and optimizing IBD care delivery. Individuals with IBD and GCPs were satisfied with the use of VC technology for appointments. Participants believed VC was convenient and allowed enhanced access to care. However, VC was not considered ideal in some instances, such as during disease flares or first appointments. Thus, a blended use of virtual and in-person appointments was suggested for individualized care. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual method of connecting patients and providers is deemed useful for routine appointments and for persons living in rural areas. VC is becoming more common in the IBD care environment. Nurses are in a key position to facilitate and enhance virtual IBD care delivery for the benefit of both individuals living with IBD and providers.