Ngiap Chuan Tan, Shilpa Tyagi, Cia Sin Lee, Eileen Yi Ling Koh, Kuan Liang Shawn Goh, Pei Pei Gong, Seng Bin Ang, Choon Huat Gerald Koh
{"title":"Effectiveness of an algorithm-driven home telemonitoring system on the metabolic control and self-care behaviour of Asian adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled trial.","authors":"Ngiap Chuan Tan, Shilpa Tyagi, Cia Sin Lee, Eileen Yi Ling Koh, Kuan Liang Shawn Goh, Pei Pei Gong, Seng Bin Ang, Choon Huat Gerald Koh","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231203490","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231203490","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>AimHealthcare professionals are leveraging on telehealth to manage patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of patients using a novel tele-monitoring system (OPTIMUM) as compared to the standard of care.MethodsAn open-labelled randomised controlled trial involving 330 Asian patients with T2DM, aged 26-65 years, and suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c = 7.5-10%) was conducted in a Singapore public primary care clinic. The patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio by block randomization to the intervention group to receive: in-app video-based tele-education, tele-monitoring of the blood pressure (BP), capillary glucose and weight via Bluetooth devices and mobile application, followed by algorithm-based tele-management by the OPTIMUM telehealth care team for abnormal parameters. Patients received usual care in the control group. Clinical assessments and self-care-related questionnaires were administered for both groups at baseline and 6 months.ResultsComplete data of 159 (intervention) and 160 (control) patients with comparable demographic profiles were analysed. Those in the intervention group showed significantly lower HbA1c by 0.34% (95%CI = -0.57 to -0.11; <i>p</i> = 0.004); first measurement of systolic BP decreased by 2.98 mmHg (95%CI:-5.8 to -0.08; <i>p</i> = 0.044) and diastolic BP by 4.24 mmHg (95%CI = -6.0 to -2.47; <i>p</i> = 0.001); and total cholesterol by 0.18 mmol/L (95%CI: -0.34 to -0.01; <i>p</i> = 0.040) compared to the control group, after adjusting for baseline variables. Questionnaire scores showed significant improvements in medication adherence and self-care behaviour in the intervention group. No significant weight change was noted between groups.ConclusionThe OPTIMUM tele-monitoring system improved the glycaemic, BP and total cholesterol control in patients with suboptimal T2DM control by enhancing their medication adherence and self-care over 6 months.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"523-533"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41150580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tele-assessment of trunk control in children with cerebral palsy: Intra- and inter-rater reliability, and validity of the trunk control measurement scale.","authors":"Sefa Üneş, Merve Tunçdemir, Cemil Özal, Kivanç Delioğlu, Kübra Seyhan Bıyık, Mintaze Kerem Günel","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251336009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251336009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionThe aim of the study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability, and validity of the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) for tele-assessment in children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted with 36 children aged 4-18 years, diagnosed with hemiplegic CP. Participants underwent four TCMS assessments: in-person assessment, tele-assessment via videoconferencing, and two video-based tele-assessments scored by same rater and by a second rater. Reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing TCMS tele-assessment scores between children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I and II, while criterion validity was evaluated by examining the correlation between face-to-face and tele-assessment TCMS scores.ResultsExcellent reliability was observed between face-to-face and tele-assessment (ICC: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.83-0.95). TCMS tele-assessment also demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.80-0.94) and high inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.66-0.90). Criterion validity was confirmed by strong correlations between face-to-face and tele-assessment scores (<i>r</i> = 0.925, and <i>r</i> = 0.892, <i>p</i> < 0.001 for rater-1 and rater-2, respectively). The TCMS successfully discriminated children by functional levels, demonstrating discriminative validity (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Bland-Altman analysis revealed minimal systematic error, with internal consistency remaining high across all assessments (>0.88).DiscussionTCMS is a valid and reliable tool for teleassessing trunk control in children with hemiplegic CP. These results may pave the way for developing child-specific, targeted telerehabilitation programs, bringing telerehabilitation closer to its primary aim of ensuring equal opportunities.This study was registered as a clinical trial (NCT06707831). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06707831.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251336009"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kate Sy Tong, Moomna Waheed, Tim M Jackson, Takashi Sota, Annie Ys Lau
{"title":"Translatability of physical examination to teleconsultation in primary care setting.","authors":"Kate Sy Tong, Moomna Waheed, Tim M Jackson, Takashi Sota, Annie Ys Lau","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251333899","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251333899","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTelehealth has been widely accepted and investigated however little is known about virtual physical examination (VPE) in primary care settings. In order to understand and improve patient and clinician experience during VPE, we need to analyse the physical examination during in-person general practitioner (GP) consultations.ObjectiveWe aim to analyse the characteristics of physical examination (PE) during in-person GP consultations including topics of consultations, types of physical examinations, equipment used and body area examined. We then evaluate how translatable these PE are over telehealth.MethodsEligible consultations were extracted from a dataset archive named HaRI, which contains 281 in-person GP consultations in de-identified transcript and video format. Eligible consultations were processed with data extracted. Finally, an evidence-based scoring system was used on each PE, determining its likelihood of being translated to telehealth.ResultsWe analysed 169 in-person GP consultations, in which 79% (133 out of 169) required physical examination (PE). A total of 307 physical examinations, 224 counts of equipment and 331 counts of body parts were observed. Out of 52 physical examination components we have observed, 79% were translatable but only 8% of these were deemed easily translatable over telehealth. 21% of the physical examinations were considered 'untranslatable over telehealth'.ConclusionOver half (54%) of the physical examinations were at least moderately translatable, especially for vital signs, musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular exams. However, more research is warranted to increase the accuracy, reliability and translatability of virtual physical examinations and when VPE is not feasible, safety netting should be applied.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251333899"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jack D Watson, Alexandra L Silverman, Bridget Xia, Rea Pillai, Rajesh Balkrishnan, Bradford S Pierce, Paul B Perrin
{"title":"Development and validation of the telemedicine facilitators scale: A novel measure of telemedicine facilitators and use.","authors":"Jack D Watson, Alexandra L Silverman, Bridget Xia, Rea Pillai, Rajesh Balkrishnan, Bradford S Pierce, Paul B Perrin","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251333534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251333534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of telemedicine, with heightened rates of use persisting postpandemic. This change in use created a need for a valid and reliable scale to assess telemedicine use and facilitators impacting its uptake. The current study developed and validated the Telemedicine Facilitators Scale (TFS), a novel measure for assessing facilitators of telemedicine uptake. A sample of 228 physicians completed 13 items for the TFS along with an index of telemedicine use for convergent validity. We conducted two confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models testing a four-factor structure (Positive Attitudes, Facilitating Infrastructure, Organizational Support, and External Policies) and a bifactor model in which all items loaded onto to a single telemedicine facilitators factor and the previous four factors. Both the four-factor CFA and bifactor models demonstrated acceptable fit for χ<sup>2</sup>/degrees of freedom, comparative fit index, and incremental fit index. The correlations among subscales showed that each subscale, while related, measured independent constructs. Both the general telemedicine facilitators factor and all four subfactors were positively correlated with telemedicine use, evidencing good convergent validity. Results suggest that the TFS may be used as a four-factor scale, a unidimensional scale, or a scale composed of both an overarching construct and four subconstructs. The TFS represents a useful tool for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators who wish to study, use, or facilitate the use and evolution of telemedicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251333534"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Valério Silva de Carvalho, Lincoln Faria da Silva, Carlos Augusto Moreira de Sousa
{"title":"Distinguishing stroke from mimics in telemedicine: How well does the TM-Score perform in a Brazilian telestroke network?","authors":"Valério Silva de Carvalho, Lincoln Faria da Silva, Carlos Augusto Moreira de Sousa","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251334433","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X251334433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. In Brazil, ischemic strokes account for 85% of cases, but many hospitals lack resources for acute stroke care. Telestroke programs connect underserved hospitals to specialized centers, improving access to treatment. However, stroke mimics (SMs) pose a diagnostic challenge, potentially delaying appropriate management. The Telestroke Mimic Score (TM-Score) is a clinical tool designed to differentiate ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) from SM, but it has not been validated in South America. The objective of this study is to assess the validity of the TM-Score in distinguishing ICVD from SM in a Brazilian cohort.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study using data from the Neurological Telemedicine Database of Hospital Pró-Cardíaco, Rio de Janeiro. Patients evaluated for suspected stroke via telemedicine (January 2019-December 2022) were classified as ICVD or SM by a telestroke neurologist. The TM-Score's performance was analyzed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.ResultsAmong 777 patients (ICVD: 561, SM: 216), the mean TM-Score was significantly higher in ICVD (20.72 ± 6.86 vs 14.36 ± 5.73, <i>p</i> < 0.001). A score ≥25 had high specificity (96%) and PPV (95%) for ICVD, while <10 had an NPV of 0.71. The AUC was 0.755 (95% CI: 0.718-0.791).ConclusionThe TM-Score is a valuable tool for differentiating ICVD from SM in Brazil, supporting more accurate decision-making, particularly in telemedicine settings without stroke specialists.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251334433"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144030181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brad J Kolls, Edwin Iversen, Lisa Monk, Shreyansh Shah, Carmelo Graffagnino, Matthew E Ehrlich
{"title":"Telestroke consultant use in acute stroke care: Evidence for best practices from the IMPROVE stroke care program.","authors":"Brad J Kolls, Edwin Iversen, Lisa Monk, Shreyansh Shah, Carmelo Graffagnino, Matthew E Ehrlich","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251332365","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X251332365","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundEvolving stroke care demands careful screening of stroke patients to ensure the right care is administered to the right patients in a timely manner. Telestroke has been increasingly utilized to improve access to stroke specialists to make these assessments. Here we explore the care processes at these telestroke site to determine if an optimal care process can be determined.MethodsThis is a post-hoc analysis of data collected as part a larger quality improvement program, the IMPROVE stroke care program. We rank ordered and normalized the DTN times from encounters that used telestroke services to range between 0 and 1. We used linear mixed models to assess the acute stroke care process steps most associated with improvement in thrombolytic administration times.ResultsThe dataset consisted of 21,456 acute stroke code assessments, of which 8356 (80.6%) were conducted via telestroke (TS) services. Of these TS events, 7088 (84.8%) were conducted at sites that used TS for >85% of all events. Compared to private vehicle, EMS arrival is associated with 4% improvement in DTN ranks, though when paired with prehospital notification, DTN ranks significantly improve by 25%. Key process steps associated with shorter DTN times included calling a code stroke quickly upon arrival and notifying the telestroke consultant prior to obtaining the initial CT scan.DiscussionWorking with local EMS to provide prehospital notification along with rapid code stroke activation and consultant notification prior to CT were identified as best practices for providing timely acute stroke care using telestroke providers.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251332365"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth D Ferucci, Rabecca I Arnold, Peter Holck
{"title":"Healthcare utilization in a cohort receiving chronic disease specialty care by video telemedicine compared to propensity-matched adults not using telemedicine.","authors":"Elizabeth D Ferucci, Rabecca I Arnold, Peter Holck","doi":"10.1177/1357633X251333514","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X251333514","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionTelemedicine use has undergone rapid transformation in recent years. We designed this study to evaluate factors associated with telemedicine use and modality and the association with telemedicine use and healthcare utilization in a post-pandemic period.MethodsThis observational study included four regions of the Alaska Tribal Health System. We used electronic health record data to evaluate a cohort of adults who had chronic disease specialty care visits, with or without telemedicine, between July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 for factors associated with telemedicine use and modality. We then evaluated the association between telemedicine use and healthcare utilization in 2022. We used propensity score matching to improve covariate balance between adults who had used telemedicine or not, and then estimated the effect of telemedicine on outcomes (inpatient hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and emergency department visits) using multivariable models.ResultsAdults who used telemedicine were slightly older, had more chronic conditions and clinic visits, and resided in different regions compared to those who did not, with differences also observed between telemedicine modalities. The incident rate ratio for inpatient visits (1.16, p = 0.28), outpatient visits (1.15, p = 0.13), and emergency department visits (1.12, p = 0.36) were higher but not statistically significant for adults using telemedicine when compared to individuals not using telemedicine.DiscussionWe found a non-significant association of higher rates of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department visits in people who used telemedicine compared to propensity-matched \"controls.\" These findings should be considered in context of potential benefits of telemedicine and patient preference.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"1357633X251333514"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143996220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bec Jenkinson, Jo Maxwell, Alison Bell, Adrienne Young, Anthony C Smith, Anja Christoffersen, Dale Trevor, Leonie Young, Trevor Russell
{"title":"Bringing researchers to the consumer table: The process and outcomes of a consumer roundtable on telehealth.","authors":"Bec Jenkinson, Jo Maxwell, Alison Bell, Adrienne Young, Anthony C Smith, Anja Christoffersen, Dale Trevor, Leonie Young, Trevor Russell","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231188536","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231188536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionDespite the significant expansion and rapid uptake of telehealth services as a COVID-19 response, the pandemic restricted opportunities to involve health consumers in telehealth research. Authentic consumer and community involvement in research begins with engagement in priority-setting. We report here on the process and outcomes of a consumer-led event intended to support involvement of consumers, from early in the research process.MethodsIn 2022, The University of Queensland's Consumer and Community Network hosted a Consumer Roundtable to 'bring researchers to the consumer table' and explore emerging issues and priorities for future research. The event used World Café Method, with three 20-min rounds of small group discussion centred on questions about telehealth experiences, followed by a facilitated harvest discussion about future research directions. Participants' notes from small group discussions were subjected to conventional inductive content analysis, and a visual record was created in real-time by a graphic artist.ResultsTwenty-eight consumers and 22 researchers took part. Content analysis identified three main foci from discussions: person-centred care, better access to better care, the (unrealised) potential of telehealth. Research questions prioritised by consumer vote focussed on marginalised groups and stigmatised conditions; differences between telehealth and face-to-face healthcare delivery; and the experience of conveying and receiving compassion via telehealth.DiscussionThe Consumer Roundtable created early engagement between health consumer representatives and telehealth researchers, which has yielded ongoing partnerships. World Café method proved particularly useful for seeding relationships between researchers and consumers. However, there was limited opportunity to generate consensus about research priorities.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"430-436"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9895032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amita Kulkarni, Ngozi Monu, Muhammad D Ahsan, Chimsom Orakuwue, Xiaoyue Ma, Auja McDougale, Melissa K Frey, Kevin Holcomb, Evelyn Cantillo, Eloise Chapman-Davis
{"title":"Patient and provider perspectives on telemedicine use in an outpatient gynecologic clinic serving a diverse, low-income population.","authors":"Amita Kulkarni, Ngozi Monu, Muhammad D Ahsan, Chimsom Orakuwue, Xiaoyue Ma, Auja McDougale, Melissa K Frey, Kevin Holcomb, Evelyn Cantillo, Eloise Chapman-Davis","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231197965","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231197965","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectiveTo evaluate patient and provider experiences using telemedicine for gynecologic visits among a diverse, low-income population.MethodsPatients attending telemedicine visits at a resident-run gynecology clinic completed a modified Telemedicine Usability Questionnaire and providers completed a survey addressing satisfaction and barriers for each visit. The Telemedicine Usability Questionnaire included six subscales to assess telemedicine usability with 1-5 Likert-scale responses. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and two-sample <i>t</i>-test.ResultsOf 192 patients enrolled, 157 (82%) completed the surveys (87% video visits, 13% telephone visits). Most patients were ethnic minorities (non-Hispanic White-16%, Hispanic-32%, Black-28%, Asian-10%), median age was 40 years (range 18-69), and 63% reported income under $40,000. The total mean Telemedicine Usability Questionnaire score was 4.3/5. The reliability subscale score (3.72/5) was lower compared to all other subscales (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Older respondents were more likely to find telemedicine unreliable (mean age >44 vs <39, <i>p</i> = 0.02). Without telemedicine, 54% would have traveled ≥1 h to appointments, with 46% spending over $35 on travel, and 27% missing ≥ 1 workday. Patients preferred telemedicine for follow-up rather than initial visits (81% vs 33%, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Among providers, residents felt less adequately trained in telemedicine compared to nurse practitioners and fellows (54% vs 46%, <i>p</i> = 0.039).ConclusionLow-income women utilizing telemedicine for outpatient gynecologic care report positive experiences with improved access to healthcare, cost, and time savings compared to in-person visits. Provider experiences were also positive; however, teaching hospitals must evaluate whether trainee providers feel adequately trained to deliver telemedicine visits.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"417-423"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41155647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leslie Eiland, Jana Wardian, Harlan Sayles, Andjela Drincic
{"title":"Going into town or staying home: Rural patient experience and preference with home-based versus clinic-based telehealth.","authors":"Leslie Eiland, Jana Wardian, Harlan Sayles, Andjela Drincic","doi":"10.1177/1357633X231196919","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1357633X231196919","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionTelehealth is a model of care with potential to improve access, and in turn outcomes, for people living in rural areas. Since 2013, our endocrine clinic-based telehealth program has provided care at rural community hospitals in Nebraska and Iowa. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when regulations around telehealth were adjusted, patients previously seen via clinic-based telehealth had the option to continue clinic-based visits or have a home-based telehealth visit. There is no literature comparing patient experiences between home-based and clinic-based telehealth. The purpose of this study was to understand rural patient preferences regarding endocrinology home-based versus clinic-based telehealth visits.MethodsThis was a survey study of adult, rural patients who experienced both a clinic-based and home-based telehealth visit with their established endocrinology provider. Respondents were asked about demographics, their reason for visit, preference for home versus clinic-based telehealth, and how they would have received care if telehealth were not an option.ResultsForty-two patients (40.8%) responded to the survey, with 27 patients (64.3%) preferring home-based telehealth. There were no significant differences between the groups. However, 47.5% of patients would not have sought specialty care if telehealth were not an option.DiscussionThis survey of endocrine patients experienced in both clinic-based and home-based telehealth indicates that, while most respondents preferred home-based telehealth, there are distinct advantages to each model and patients appreciate having options. We believe it is important to maintain both lines of service to provide patient-centered care and improve access to specialty care.</p>","PeriodicalId":50024,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare","volume":" ","pages":"424-429"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10153041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}