Telemedicine Usability and Satisfaction among Pediatric Rheumatology Patients and their Caregivers during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic opened an opportunity to explore the role of telemedicine in pediatric rheumatology clinic as well as patient satisfaction with virtual visits.

Objective: To determine the usability and satisfaction rate of telemedicine among pediatric rheumatology patients and their caregivers.

Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among patients and caregivers consulting via telemedicine at a pediatric rheumatology clinic of University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP - PGH), a tertiary government hospital. Collected data included socio-demographics and the validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ).

Results: There were 39 (55.7%) patients and 31 (44.3%) primary caregivers included in the study. Across all usability factors, the response of primary caregivers did not significantly differ from those of patients. The average scores across all questions for both patients and primary caregivers were 5.96±1.19 and 6.04±1.34, respectively. This showed a high level of agreement that they were highly satisfied with telemedicine experience. Among the different usability factors, questions related to usefulness obtained the highest mean score for both patients (6.11±1.17) and primary caregivers (6.12±1.38). While the lowest mean score was observed on questions related to reliability, 5.65±1.33 for patients and 5.89±1.31 for primary caregivers.

Conclusion: Pediatric rheumatology patients as well as their caregivers are generally highly satisfied with telemedicine during this time of pandemic. With high patient and caregiver satisfaction, telemedicine could be an option for ambulatory patient care even after pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; caregiver satisfaction; patient satisfaction; pediatric rheumatology; telehealth usability questionnaire; telemedicine.