Miren Ibarzabal Arregi , Tregony Simoneau , Jonathan M. Gaffin , María Gimeno Castillo , Isabel Castro Garrido , Claudia María Chaverri Reparaz , Laura Moreno-Galarraga
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction
Virtual visits (VVs) were used during the pandemic as an alternative to face-to-face visits. Following this experience, the implementation of this type of telemedicine in pediatric care may offer clear advantages and benefits, but it is important to understand the perspectives of both patients and caregivers.
Material and methods
Cross-sectional descriptive with data collection through an online questionnaire distributed via QR code and hosted on REDCap completed anonymously by parents/legal guardians and adolescents (n = 426). We obtained data on sociodemographic characteristics, previous experience with telemedicine and the perceived usefulness of VVs from 316 caregivers and 110 adolescents. We analyzed the associations with demographic variables and performed comparative analyses.
Results
Both groups considered VVs a useful alternative, particularly when it came to primary care and hospital-based follow-up. Caregivers highlighted saving time (53%) and reducing school absenteeism (40%) as the main advantages, whereas adolescents emphasized reducing the environmental impact associated with the visit (48%). The ideal duration was estimated at 5 to15 minutes, and more than 95% agreed that VVs should be offered as a voluntary option. We found a higher level of acceptance among caregivers who were younger, with higher educational attainment, who did not have a private vehicle or who had greater difficulty accessing the hospital. The main concern did not involve data breaches or aspects related to confidentiality (10%), but the possibility of missing the call and therefore the appointment (33%).
Conclusions
Both patients and caregivers support the integration of VVs in pediatric care, provided they remain a voluntary and complementary alternative to in-person care. Future programs should consider user preferences, suggestions and the actual barriers they perceive.
期刊介绍:
La Asociación Española de Pediatría tiene como uno de sus objetivos principales la difusión de información científica rigurosa y actualizada sobre las distintas áreas de la pediatría. Anales de Pediatría es el Órgano de Expresión Científica de la Asociación y constituye el vehículo a través del cual se comunican los asociados. Publica trabajos originales sobre investigación clínica en pediatría procedentes de España y países latinoamericanos, así como artículos de revisión elaborados por los mejores profesionales de cada especialidad, las comunicaciones del congreso anual y los libros de actas de la Asociación, y guías de actuación elaboradas por las diferentes Sociedades/Secciones Especializadas integradas en la Asociación Española de Pediatría.