The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on telemedicine in pediatric diabetes centers in Italy: Results from a longitudinal survey

Abstract

Aims: In March and April 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our previous survey of Italian pediatric diabetes centers showed that 75% of telemedicine use was voluntary. We hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a picklock to overcome barriers to telemedicine regulation, use, and reimbursement.

Methods: Between March 22nd and April 12th, 2021, the same survey administered in 2020 was sent to all 68 Italian pediatric diabetes centers belonging to the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ISPED) to collect data on the demographic variables of respondents; information about the center; the use, codification, and reimbursement of telemedicine; and used tools. Descriptive data were evaluated to establish how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed telemedicine practice.

Results: Eighty-two percent of responder centers reported an increase in the use of telemedicine, with televisits by video calling implemented in over half of centers. There was a significant increase in the number of centers formally tracking telemedicine use and obtaining reimbursement from the national health service (42% vs. 29% and 62% vs. 32%; p < 0.001, respectively). No reimbursement was provided to centers not using televisits.

Conclusions: From a voluntary procedure with a lack of traceability, telemedicine has become a new structured reality that may help our pediatric patients beyond this pandemic.

Keywords: Continuous glucose monitoring; Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion; Insulin pump; Pediatric diabetes; Telemedicine.

Fig. 1

Percentage of centers with codification of and reimbursement for telemedicine activities at the start of and during the pandemic among regions and in the whole country. † p < 0.01 and ‡ <0.05, Fisher’s exact test between regions; * p < 0.01 and § p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test before and during the pandemic.