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. 2020 Aug 14:1-4.
doi: 10.1038/s41415-020-1919-6. Online ahead of print.

Teledentistry from a patient perspective during the coronavirus pandemic

Naomi Rahman  1 , Shrina Nathwani  2 , Thayalan Kandiah  3
Affiliations

Teledentistry from a patient perspective during the coronavirus pandemic

Naomi Rahman et al. Br Dent J. .

Abstract

Objective Evaluation of patient experience when utilising teledentistry during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods We designed a ten-item, five-point Likert-scale questionnaire assessing: 1) patient satisfaction; 2) ease of use; 3) the effectiveness including increasing access to clinical services; 4) reliability of the teledentistry system; and 5) usefulness for patients. Fifty-two patients completed the survey and data was analysed.Results We had a 100% response rate with 52 surveys completed over seven clinics. Patients that used the virtual clinic and telephone consultation had 97% and 94% satisfaction with their experience, respectively. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements indicating that the teledentistry system would be very useful in saving time and a substantial proportion (96%) would use this system again in light of COVID-19.Conclusion Our study has shown positive patient experiences towards the use of teledentistry in all five domains. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers should consider adapting patient pathways and using telehealth as a method of consultation in the recovery planning of services, as well as to reduce the spread of this highly transmissible disease.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A pie chart to show previous experience with telehealth
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Virtual clinic survey results
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Telephone clinic survey results
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Teaching remote consultation.
    Dobson M. Dobson M. Br Dent J. 2020 Oct;229(7):397-398. doi: 10.1038/s41415-020-2236-9. Br Dent J. 2020. PMID: 33037333 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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