French experience with telemedicine in inflammatory bowel disease: a patients and physicians survey

Abstract

Background and aims The use of telemedicine dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected patients and physicians experience on telemedicine in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods We conducted a nationwide survey between September 2020 and January 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to participants through mailing lists of the national patients' association and IBD expert groups. Results Overall, 300 patients and 110 gastroenterologists filled out the survey. On a 10 points scale of satisfaction with telemedicine, 60% of patients noted a score ≥8 and 52.7% of physicians ≥7. Patients and gastroenterologists felt that the duration of teleconsultations appeared to be shorter than in-person visits in 57.5 and 55.1% of cases, respectively. All participants agreed that telemedicine is appropriate in dedicated situations and not for flare-up consultations. For 55.1% of patients, quality of care was the same via telemedicine, whereas 51.4% of gastroenterologists believed they managed less well their patients. Lack of clinical examination being pointed out as the main limitation of telemedicine. Three-quarters of patients and gastroenterologists would agree to use telemedicine more often in the future. Conclusion Patients and gastroenterologists were satisfied with telemedicine and would be willing to use it in the future. However, telemedicine does not replace in-person visits and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Exploring the Experiences of Virtual Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care in Saskatchewan

“…Generally, most participants in this study and in the extant literature are satisfied with VC delivery and felt that patient care needs are met using this type of technology, especially when an individual's disease activity is stable (i.e., in remission) and appointments are used for routine care and follow-up ( Guillo et al, 2022 ; Kumar et al, 2022 ; Lahat & Shatz, 2021 ; Shah et al, 2021 ). From the perspectives of both patients and providers, the quality of care provided using VC technologies is believed to be equivalent to in-person care, especially for routine, non-emergent appointments ( Guillo et al, 2022 ). However, many individuals with IBD and GCPs believe in-person appointments are important when patients are experiencing a flare or new symptoms have developed.…”

Review article: Telecare in gastroenterology—Within the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond

“…In terms of attendance rates, Australian researchers found that non‐attendance rates in patients with IBD engaging with telecare were similar to those for face‐to‐face appointments (11.4% vs. 10.4%) 18 . A French study exploring patient and health provider attitudes found that all participants agreed that telemedicine is appropriate in dedicated situations and not for IBD ‘flare‐up’ consultations 22 . Furthermore, 55% of patients believed that the quality of care was the same via telemedicine, whereas 51% of gastroenterologists believed that management was suboptimal, mainly due to a lack of physical examination 22 .…”

“…18 A French study exploring patient and health provider attitudes found that all participants agreed that telemedicine is appropriate in dedicated situations and not for IBD 'flare-up' consultations. 22 Furthermore, 55% of patients believed that the quality of care was the same via telemedicine, whereas 51% of gastroenterologists believed that management was suboptimal, mainly due to a lack of physical examination. 22 However, it was recognised that there is scope to adapt practice.…”

“…22 Furthermore, 55% of patients believed that the quality of care was the same via telemedicine, whereas 51% of gastroenterologists believed that management was suboptimal, mainly due to a lack of physical examination. 22 However, it was recognised that there is scope to adapt practice. Lewin and colleagues describe how a comprehensive physical examination can be achieved through video visits and highlight how features of examination, such as assessing work of breathing and assessing skin colour for jaundice, for example, can be performed.…”

Telemedicine: A promising future for inflammatory bowel disease management

“…The results of telehealth interventions have shown to improve treatment adherence, disease activity, treatment surveillance, and knowledge related to the disease itself [ 12 ]. In addition to the patients, gastroenterologists have also demonstrated satisfaction with the incorporation of telemedicine in IBD management [ 13 , 14 ]. Telemedicine has also shown great promise in the management of pregnant females with IBD.…”