Patient Satisfaction of Telemedicine in Pediatric and Young Adult Type 1 Diabetes Patients During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of the use of telemedicine and telenursing in children and young adults with Type 1 Diabetes and their families followed in the Regional Pediatric Diabetes Center of Giannina Gaslini Institute (Liguria, Italy). An anonymous survey form was administered to 290 patients (138 filled out by caregivers and 152 by patients). The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first one included a series of questions related to the patient's personal and medical data; the second one was directed toward the satisfaction in the use of telemedicine and telenursing during Covid-19 pandemic. The data collected showed that 92.4% of the population was overall very satisfied with the quality of the service provided. Satisfaction was much higher especially in those who live outside of the province of Genoa (p = 0.017) and in those on insulin pump treatment (p = 0.037). Telemedicine and telenursing have an essential role in diabetology and are highly appreciated in our Center, where most patients prefer to continue regular follow-up via video-call as well as in person. Telenursing was also proved to be an effective and appreciated tool for educating and supporting patients using insulin pumps and glucose sensors.

Use of Telemedicine in Pediatric Services for 4 Representative Clinical Conditions: Scoping Review

“…Use in preference to usual care was explored in 4 studies. In 1 study [ 63 ], families reported use of telehealth beyond the coronavirus pandemic was not wanted, and in 3 studies [ 50 , 64 , 68 ], parents emphasized it was wanted to supplement but not substitute in-person clinics.…”

Efecto De Una Intervención De Teleenfermería en Contexto Pandemia Para Prevenir Anemia Infantil: Estudio Piloto en Lambayeque, Perú

“…Con todo, la teleenfermería es una solución para responder a estos desafíos y necesidades de eficiencia a distancia y limitaciones de costos (27) . Asimismo, tiene muchos beneficios en la situación actual y es una medida práctica y confiable en la planificación e implementación efectiva de intervenciones que tienen un impacto positivo en la salud pública (28,29) , por tanto, la teleenfermería debe ser incorporada en la formación universitaria e impulsada a través de cursos y seminarios (30) .…”

Use of Telemedicine Healthcare Systems in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Disease or in Transition Stages of Life: Consensus Document of the Italian Society of Telemedicine (SIT), of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (SIPPS), of the Italian Society of Pediatric Primary Care (SICuPP), of the Italian Federation of Pediatric Doctors (FIMP) and of the Syndicate of Family Pediatrician Doctors (SIMPeF)

“…In fact, the process of the visit (downloading and sharing data) and the objectives of the visit (empowerment of the patient and family to achieve good glycemic control) are the same as those of the traditional visit. A survey was also carried out among patients and parents, concerning the satisfaction with the televisits performed [ 48 ]. From this survey, 90% of the respondents stated that they were very satisfied with the telemedicine service, that they had no problems communicating with the doctors and that they received adequate attention for their condition.…”