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Multicenter Study
. 2024 Dec 7;16(12):529.
doi: 10.3390/toxins16120529.

Integrating Telemedicine in Botulinum Toxin Type-A Treatment for Spasticity Management: Perspectives and Challenges from Italian Healthcare Professionals

Stefania Spina  1 , Salvatore Facciorusso  1 , Nicoletta Cinone  1 , Luigi Santoro  1 , Anna Castagna  2 , Marina Ramella  2 , Franco Molteni  3 , Andrea Santamato  1 , The Collaborative Working Group
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Integrating Telemedicine in Botulinum Toxin Type-A Treatment for Spasticity Management: Perspectives and Challenges from Italian Healthcare Professionals

Stefania Spina et al. Toxins (Basel). .

Abstract

(1) Background: Telemedicine is a vital tool for enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes at reduced costs. This study aimed to assess the usability of the Maia Connected Care telemedicine platform for managing spasticity in patients receiving botulinum toxin type-A, focusing on the perspectives of Italian physiatrists with expertise in this treatment. (2) Methods: Conducted from March 2023 to June 2023, this multicenter survey involved 15 Italian physicians who used the platform for teleconsultations. Data collected included demographic details, responses to the Telemedicine Usability Questionnaire, and physician insights on patient satisfaction, treatment effectiveness, and implementation challenges in telehealth. (3) Results: The platform demonstrated high usability, with strong physician satisfaction due to its user-friendly interface and quality of interactions. A majority expressed willingness to continue telehealth for spasticity management, noting its effectiveness in improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. Challenges included replicating the depth of in-person consultations and addressing issues like reimbursement and telehealth standardization. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights telemedicine's potential for spasticity management and clinician satisfaction, while underscoring the need for improvements in simulating in-person experiences and addressing systemic issues. The absence of patient perspectives represents a limitation, advocating for future research to optimize telemedicine practices and evaluate long-term clinical impacts.

Keywords: botulinum toxin Type-A; hybrid care model; spasticity; telemedicine; usability.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Stacked bar chart telemedicine usability questionnaire items.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Bar plot of challenges and issues to face in telehealth.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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