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. 2022 Mar 21;3(1):93-100.
doi: 10.1089/tmr.2021.0053. eCollection 2022.

Satisfaction and Concerns with Telemedicine Endocrine Care of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Rahat Ahmed  1 , Margaret Greenfield  1 , Christopher P Morley  2 , Marisa Desimone  1
Affiliations

Satisfaction and Concerns with Telemedicine Endocrine Care of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Rahat Ahmed et al. Telemed Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with chronic health conditions are at high risk for severe COVID-19 infections, making telemedicine for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) particularly relevant. There are limited data regarding provider perspectives on caring for patients with CF using telemedicine, particularly for those with CFRD.

Methods: Surveys were administered to patients with CF (with and without CFRD) and to adult and pediatric endocrinologists who specialize in CF. Data were collected using Research Electronic Data Capture; t-tests were used to compare total mean scores of Likert scale questions. The differences in responses were performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. Variables were assessed for normality and we performed the Mann-Whitney test. No change in the results of the hypothesis test was found. All results were analyzed using SPSS version 27.

Results: Eighteen patients (n = 9 CFRD) and 21 providers responded. Both groups reported high satisfaction with telemedicine overall (83.3%; 71.4%), convenience (94.4%; 85.7%), and adequate time during the visit (94.4%; 76.2%), and the majority would recommend telemedicine to others (94.4%; 95.2%). Lack of in-person examination components was of more concern to providers than patients: height/weight (p < 0.001), vitals (p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.001). There was no difference in provider perception in treatment of CFRD compared to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Common themes of open-ended questions included ease in attending telemedicine appointments (patients) and decrease in "no shows" (providers).

Discussion: Patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine was high. The lack of typical components of face-to-face visits was more concerning for providers when compared to patients. Provider concern regarding lack of components specific to diabetes was similar regarding CFRD and T1D.

Keywords: cystic fibrosis; cystic fibrosis-related diabetes; telehealth; telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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