Patient and Provider Satisfaction with Telemedicine in a Comprehensive Weight Management Program.

Abstract

Introduction: Telemedicine use became widespread at our weight management center in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine visits at a community-based hospital in the United States. Methods: Patients and providers were electronically surveyed at the end of 2020 regarding telemedicine visit experiences. These visits took place throughout the majority of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 85.7% (6) of providers reported spending the same or less time on telemedicine visits compared with in-person visits. All providers were either somewhat or very satisfied with the interpersonal connections made in telemedicine visits. All providers wished to see telemedicine visits continued in the future. A total of 355 patients responded. Over 90% of participants reported feeling comfortable speaking to their provider about personal issues through telemedicine. Around 73.2% of patients were very satisfied with their telemedicine visit. Around 69.8% of patients report that they would like to use either primarily telemedicine visits or a combination of telemedicine and in-person visits when it is safe to return to in-person care. Conclusions: Patients and providers exhibited high levels of satisfaction with telemedicine use in a weight management center. They both wish to see these visit types offered in the future. Patients who saved more than 30 min of time traveling with a telemedicine visit were significantly more likely to show high levels of satisfaction. Patients who found it easier to connect with the virtual platforms also were significantly more likely to have higher satisfaction levels.