Megan Mia Foo, Zaine Roberts, Rosemary Claire Roden
{"title":"Use of Telemedicine Services Is Associated with Longer Time to Initiation of Hormone Therapy in Transgender Teens and Young Adults.","authors":"Megan Mia Foo, Zaine Roberts, Rosemary Claire Roden","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> This is a retrospective chart review examining factors, which may contribute to timing of receipt of prescription for testosterone or estrogen-based interventions for transgender adolescents and young adults who do not receive such a prescription at their first medical appointment. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 176 patient records were available; of this a minority received a prescription for hormone therapy at first medical appointment. Of the remaining 108 unique individuals, 49 received a prescription at a subsequent medical. <b>Results:</b> Participants seen through virtual health care had a significantly longer time in care prior to receipt of estrogen or testosterone prescription (331 days vs. 220 days, <i>p</i> = 0.046). No other significant relationships were found. <b>Conclusion:</b> Patients who utilize telemedicine services for gender-related health care purposes and who did not receive a prescription for estrogen or testosterone at their initial medical encounter have a longer lead time to receipt of hormone therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142301101","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}
Nicole Hicks,Jingjing Zhan,Janette Brual,Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde,Myrtede Alfred
{"title":"Escalation Pathways of Remote Patient Monitoring Programs for COVID-19 Patients in Canada and the United States: A Rapid Review.","authors":"Nicole Hicks,Jingjing Zhan,Janette Brual,Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde,Myrtede Alfred","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0280","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0280","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in North America were overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and had limited capacity to admit patients. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs were developed to monitor COVID-19 patients at home and reduce disease transmission and the demand on hospitals. A critical component of RPM programs is effective escalation pathways. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the implementation of escalation pathways of RPM programs for COVID-19 patients in Canada and the United States. Methods: The search identified 563 articles from Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Following title and abstract screening, 131 were selected for full-text review, and 26 articles were included. Data were extracted on study location, patient eligibility and program size, data collection, monitoring team, escalation criteria, and escalation response. Results: The included studies were published between 2020 and 2022; 3 in Canada and 23 in the United States. The RPM programs collected physiological vital signs and symptom data, which were inputted manually by patients and health care workers or synced automatically. Escalations were triggered automatically or following manual review by nurses and physicians when signs and symptoms were concerning or reached a specific threshold. Escalations included emergency department referrals, physician appointments, and increased monitoring. Conclusion: Many decisions are required when designing RPM escalation pathways for patients with COVID-19, which is crucial to promptly address patients' changing health statuses and clinical needs. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of escalation pathways for COVID-19 patients through performance metrics and patient and health care worker experience.","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142253869","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}
Taona P Haderlein,Steven B Zeliadt,Alexander T Kloehn,Briana D Lott,Joy Toyama,Adam Resnick,A Rani Elwy,Claudia Der-Martirosian,Stephanie L Taylor
{"title":"Are Virtual Complementary and Integrative Therapies as Effective as In-Person Therapies? Examining Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Veterans with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.","authors":"Taona P Haderlein,Steven B Zeliadt,Alexander T Kloehn,Briana D Lott,Joy Toyama,Adam Resnick,A Rani Elwy,Claudia Der-Martirosian,Stephanie L Taylor","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0060","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Virtual complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapy availability increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but little is known about effectiveness. We examined the perceived effectiveness of in-person and virtual CIH therapies for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain who recently started using CIH therapies. Methods: The sample included Veterans (n = 1,091) with chronic musculoskeletal pain, identified in the Veterans Health Administration's electronic health record based on initiation of CIH therapy use, who responded to VA's Patient Complementary and Integrative Health Therapy Experience Survey during March, 2021, to August, 2022. Using multivariable models with self-guided virtual (apps or videos) delivery as the reference, we compared patient-reported outcomes (pain, mental health, fatigue, and general well-being) associated with any yoga, Tai Chi/Qigong, or meditation use delivered: (1) only in-person, (2) only virtually with a live provider, (3) only virtually self-guided, (4) virtually self-guided + virtually provider-guided, or (5) hybrid in-person + virtual (self-or provider-guided). Results: Under 10% of Veterans reported only in-person use; 54% used only virtual formats and 36% a hybrid of in-person and virtual. Forty-one percent reported improvement in general well-being, 40.6% in mental health, 37.1% in pain, and 22.7% in fatigue. Compared with Veterans using only self-guided virtual CIH therapies, Veterans using only in-person therapies were more likely to report improvement in fatigue (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8, confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-3.1) and general well-being (OR: 1.7, CI: 1.0-2.6). Conclusions: Many patients perceived health improvements from CIH therapies, with in-person users reporting more improvement in fatigue and well-being than those using virtual sessions and similar improvements in pain and mental health for in-person and hybrid users.","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142208849","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":"Retrospective Observational Study on Telemedicine in Sublingual Immunotherapy for Patients with Japanese Cedar Pollinosis and House Dust Mite Allergic Rhinitis.","authors":"Yumi Inoo,Hiroshi Iida,Hiroto Nakada,Katsuhiko Tezuka,Yasutake Kikuchi,Eiichi Fujimura,Tasuku Nishikawa,Kazuhiro Yamamoto,Yutaro Ida,Yusuke Saigusa,Takashi Hatano,Masahiko Inamori","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0065","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: In Japan, telemedicine has gradually expanded due to deregulation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its current status remains unclear, as it is primarily provided by general practitioners. This study aims to examine the use of telemedicine in sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for patients with Japanese cedar pollen allergy and/or house dust mite allergic rhinitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical record data from seven otorhinolaryngology clinics and performed an exploratory evaluation between a group that combined telemedicine and in-person visits during the initial 6 months of SLIT and another group with only in-person visits. Results: Following propensity score matching, 51 and 82 patients were eligible for the telemedicine and in-person groups, respectively, with 33 cases in both groups. Both groups had similar characteristics after matching. No significant difference was found in the withdrawal rate at 6 months from the start of SLIT (6.1% and 9.1% in each group; p = 1.00), side effects, or treatment efficacy between the two groups. The average copayment for patients tended to be significantly higher in the telemedicine group after one, three, and 6 months following SLIT initiation. Discussion: The situation of patients who receive an appropriate combination of telemedicine and in-person visits is not significantly different from patients who receive in-person visits alone. This study may help indicate the actual status of telemedicine in Japan. Further investigation at more facilities is necessary in the future to dispel concerns in the practice setting.","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142208838","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}
Anna Frankowska, Marcin Piotr Walkowiak, Dariusz Walkowiak
{"title":"Telemedicine's Hesitant Reception Among Digital Natives: A Cluster Analysis of Polish Students' Attitudes.","authors":"Anna Frankowska, Marcin Piotr Walkowiak, Dariusz Walkowiak","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0296","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0296","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> As digital natives appear to be the most suitable target group for technological innovations, we tested this notion by analyzing their attitude toward the implementation of telemedicine in Poland. <b>Methods:</b> An online survey was conducted from April to October 2021, yielding responses from 475 university students on their experience with teleconsultations, which are an essential part of telemedicine. Satisfaction-related questions were used to perform cluster analysis, and subsequently, clusters were compared based on significant differences in responses including sociodemographic and utilization patterns. Open-ended questions were analyzed to further gauge the rationale behind the demonstrated attitude. <b>Results:</b> The responses were polarized. In the cluster analysis, on one side were the \"Skeptics\" and \"Enemies,\" who shared negative opinions on professionalism and convenience, differing only in their assessment of intangible skills. On the other side were the \"Enthusiasts,\" who were satisfied in all categories; the \"Indifferent,\" who lacked strong opinions; and the \"Time-pressed,\" who, while openly admitting its drawbacks, were highly likely to continue using it due to its time-saving potential. Recurring concerns in open-ended questions focused on unreliable diagnoses and uncooperative administrative personnel. <b>Conclusions:</b> The reception was polarized. The split in answers suggests that administrative problems were limited to some providers, indicating they should be possible to overcome. There is a clear pattern that telemedicine is seen as an incomplete service. However, many would happily continue to use it due to its convenience and time-saving benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142156658","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}
Samantha L Connolly, Yamini Adusumelli, Robert P Azario, Sierra D Ferris, Andrew R Hwang, Christopher J Miller
{"title":"A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Patient and Provider Attitudes Toward Audio-Only Telemental Health Care.","authors":"Samantha L Connolly, Yamini Adusumelli, Robert P Azario, Sierra D Ferris, Andrew R Hwang, Christopher J Miller","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0355","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Audio-only (phone) telemental health care can increase access to care, but its lack of nonverbal information may negatively impact care quality as compared to video or in-person visits. The objective of this work was to understand patient and provider attitudes toward phone care via a review of qualitative research. <b>Methods:</b> A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted of peer-reviewed qualitative research published between 2013 and 2023. Studies were required to include qualitative data regarding patient and/or provider attitudes toward audio-only telemental health care. Results pertinent to phone care were extracted and underwent coding followed by theme identification. <b>Results:</b> We identified 2,065 abstracts and 29 articles were ultimately included in the synthesis; 27 of these studies were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five themes described benefits of phone care, nine described drawbacks, and three themes were neutral. Phone care was seen as easy to use, particularly for briefer check-ins or as a back-up option if video calls failed, and some patients preferred the privacy of not being seen. However, the loss of visual information during phone visits was considered particularly challenging in the treatment of more complex or severe patients; providers questioned whether they were able to provide high quality care, and patients reported feeling less supported and understood by their providers. <b>Conclusions:</b> The relative benefits and drawbacks of audio-only telemental health care must be carefully weighed against the options of video or in-person treatment based on patient needs and severity. Future work should continue to examine patient and provider attitudes toward phone care as the mental health landscape evolves postpandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134475","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}
Christoph Hillen, Charlotte Sachs, Kai J Buhling, Monserat Eschenburg, Sebastian Griewing, Juliana Veneroso, Barbara Schmalfeldt, Johannes von Büren
{"title":"Evaluating Patient-Reported Adherence And Safety for Oral Contraception Treatment in Women via a Direct-To-Consumer Prescription Platform: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Christoph Hillen, Charlotte Sachs, Kai J Buhling, Monserat Eschenburg, Sebastian Griewing, Juliana Veneroso, Barbara Schmalfeldt, Johannes von Büren","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0168","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The acceptance of telemedicine in the German health care system is growing. This also extends to gynecological applications such as the prescription of contraceptives. This study investigates the contraceptive use and adherence of patients using a direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription platform for oral contraception. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymized data obtained from a DTC prescription platform between May 2021 and March 2023. The patient-reported outcome was evaluated after 3 months through a follow-up questionnaire. <b>Results:</b> In total, 8,065 patient records were available and 1,008 patients responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Patients were mostly taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and only 6% were taking a progestin-only pill (POP). Even in patient populations at higher risk, such as smokers and obese women, the proportion of POP users was less than 20%. Over 90% of users reported that they took the pill without any intake errors, with the main intake error being forgotten intake. Overall, 23% of patients reported adverse events while taking the pill, with POP users reporting more adverse events than COC users (36.7% vs. 22.2%). Over 70% of patients regularly attended cervical screening. <b>Conclusions:</b> Users of a DTC prescribing platform exhibit strong adherence, with over 90% successfully taking oral contraceptive pills. The platform effectively identifies absolute contraindications but could enhance recommendations for contraceptives in the presence of relative contraindications. For healthy women familiar with pill usage, DTC platforms offer a viable and convenient alternative to traditional doctor's office prescriptions.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134476","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}
Felagot Taddese Terefe, Bonnie Yang, Kemal Jemal, Dereje Ayana, Mulat Adefris, Mukemil Awol, Mengistu Tesema, Bewunetu Dagne, Sandra Abeje, Alehegn Bantie, Mark Loewenberger, Scott J Adams, Ivar Mendez
{"title":"Advancing Antenatal Care in Ethiopia: The Impact of Tele-Ultrasound on Antenatal Ultrasound Access in Rural Ethiopia.","authors":"Felagot Taddese Terefe, Bonnie Yang, Kemal Jemal, Dereje Ayana, Mulat Adefris, Mukemil Awol, Mengistu Tesema, Bewunetu Dagne, Sandra Abeje, Alehegn Bantie, Mark Loewenberger, Scott J Adams, Ivar Mendez","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Access to antenatal ultrasound is limited in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. Virtual care platforms that facilitate supervision and mentoring for ultrasound scanning may improve patient access by facilitating task-sharing of antenatal ultrasound with midlevel providers. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a large volume tele-ultrasound program in Ethiopia, its impact on antenatal care (ANC) and patient access, and its sustainability as it transitioned from a pilot project to a continuing clinical program. <b>Methods:</b> Health care providers at two health centers in the North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia, performed antenatal tele-ultrasound exams with remote guidance from obstetricians located in urban areas. Data regarding ANC and ultrasound utilization, participant travel, ultrasound findings, specialist referrals, and participant experience were collected through a mobile app. <b>Results:</b> Between November 2020 and December 2023, 7,297 tele-ultrasound exams were performed. Of these, 489 tele-ultrasound exams were performed during the period of data collection from October to December 2022. The availability of tele-ultrasound at the two health centers significantly reduced participant travel distance (4.2 km vs. 10.2 km; <i>p</i> < 0.01; one-way distance). Most participants (99.2%) indicated the tele-ultrasound service was very important or important, with high levels of satisfaction. Clinically significant findings were identified in 26 cases (5.3%), leading to necessary referrals. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study demonstrated the feasibility of a large volume tele-ultrasound program in Ethiopia, its impact on improving the quality of ANC, and its sustainability. These findings lay a foundation upon which low-income countries can develop tele-ultrasound programs to improve antenatal ultrasound access.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127365","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}
Kevin Wiley, Ashley Pugh, Brittany L Brown-Podgorski, Joanna R Jackson, David McSwain
{"title":"Associations Between Telemedicine Use Barriers, Organizational Factors, and Physician Perceptions of Care Quality.","authors":"Kevin Wiley, Ashley Pugh, Brittany L Brown-Podgorski, Joanna R Jackson, David McSwain","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Evaluating physician perceptions of telemedicine use and its impact on care quality among physician providers is critical to sustaining telemedicine programs, given the uncertainty of reimbursement policy, preferences, inadequate training, and technical difficulties. Physicians reported technical barriers to effectively practicing integrated medicine using telemedicine as patient volumes increased during the pandemic. The objective of this work was to examine whether perceived practice barriers and facilitators were associated with physician respondents' perceptions of telemedicine care quality compared with in-person care. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study analyzed the 2021 National Electronic Health Record Survey. The sample comprised 1,857 nonfederally employed physicians (weighted <i>n</i> = 403,013) delivering integrated patient care. Of those physicians, 1,630 (weighted <i>n</i> = 346,646) reported providing care through telemedicine. We reported frequencies and percentages of reported practice characteristics. Generalized ordinal logistic regressions examined relationships between practice factors and care quality for telemedicine care. <b>Results:</b> Most of the sample (<i>n</i> = 1,630) were male (66.1%), >50 years of age (66.1%), and worked in a single location (73.5%). A total of 70% of respondents reported that patients had difficulty using telemedicine platforms, and 64% reported limitations in patients' access to technology. Most respondents indicated having provided quality care to some extent (45%) and to a great extent (26%) during telemedicine visits compared to in-person visits. Associations between barriers, facilitators, and care quality perceptions were positive, underscoring resiliency in telemedicine programs among practices. <b>Conclusion:</b> Care modalities and the organizational, environmental, and personal facilitators drive quality perceptions among physicians. Perceived fit and usability determine perceptions of care quality for providers integrating telemedicine into their practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127366","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}
Bilkisu Z Iliyasu, Zubairu Iliyasu, Aminatu A Kwaku, Abdullahi Sani, Nafisa S Nass, Taiwo G Amole, Hadiza M Abdullahi, Amina U Abdullahi, Fatimah I Tsiga-Ahmed, Abubakar M Jibo, Humayra A Bashir MBBCh, Hamisu M Salihu, Muktar H Aliyu
{"title":"Acceptability of Teleconsultation Services for HIV Care in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study.","authors":"Bilkisu Z Iliyasu, Zubairu Iliyasu, Aminatu A Kwaku, Abdullahi Sani, Nafisa S Nass, Taiwo G Amole, Hadiza M Abdullahi, Amina U Abdullahi, Fatimah I Tsiga-Ahmed, Abubakar M Jibo, Humayra A Bashir MBBCh, Hamisu M Salihu, Muktar H Aliyu","doi":"10.1089/tmj.2024.0196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2024.0196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Access to HIV care remains challenging, especially for patients living in remote areas, despite advances in antiretroviral treatment. The acceptability of teleconsultations for routine HIV care post-COVID is not well-explored. We explored factors influencing teleconsultation acceptability among people living with HIV (PLWH) and attending a tertiary care center in Kano, Nigeria. <b>Methods:</b> We used a cross-sectional mixed methods study design. Structured questionnaires were administered to 415 PLWH, supplemented by in-depth interviews with a subsample (<i>n</i> = 20). Logistic regression models and thematic analysis were used for data analyses. <b>Results:</b> Of 415 respondents, 55.7% (<i>n</i> = 231) expressed willingness for teleconsultations. Primary motivations included convenience/efficiency (46.7%, <i>n</i> = 194), elimination of travel expenses (31.8%, <i>n</i> = 132), and remote access to specialist care (17.3%, <i>n</i> = 72). Reasons for reluctance included distrust of technology (61.9%, <i>n</i> = 260) and privacy concerns (37.1%, <i>n</i> = 156). Acceptance was higher among males (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-3.72), participants with at least secondary education (aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.27-4.97), monthly income ≥30,000 Naira (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.21-7.31), currently married (aOR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.16-5.65), and participants without comorbidities (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.18-4.24). PLWH who self-assessed as being in good health (aOR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.44-9.94), used the internet regularly (aOR = 3.12, 95% CI = 2.17-5.37), or were aware of telemedicine (aOR = 3.24, 95% CI = 2.45-7.68) were also more accepting of telehealth services. Themes highlighted the need to offer teleconsultation as an optional service. <b>Conclusion:</b> Teleconsultation acceptance among PLWH was influenced by sociodemographic, clinical, and technology-related factors. Successful integration of teleconsultation services for PLWH in similar settings necessitates targeted educational interventions and assessment of organizational readiness.</p>","PeriodicalId":54434,"journal":{"name":"Telemedicine and e-Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127364","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}