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Leong R, Sanderson KE, Klassen AF, Ratcliffe EM, Zuniga-Villanueva G. Comparing the suitability of virtual versus in-person care: Perceptions from pediatricians. J Telemed Telecare 2025; 31:667-672. [PMID: 37904516 PMCID: PMC12095875 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231205329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic compelled a portion of healthcare to be delivered virtually. As the pandemic waned, health systems strived to find a balance between re-incorporating in-person care while maintaining virtual care. To find when virtual or in-person encounters are more appropriate, we surveyed pediatricians' perceptions when comparing the suitability of virtual care to in-person care.MethodsWe surveyed a Canadian tertiary-level pediatric hospital where pediatricians assessed whether specific clinical encounters or tasks were more or less effective virtually than when performed in person. Pediatricians also rated the importance of clinical and patient factors when deciding if a patient needs to be seen in person.ResultsOf 160 pediatrics faculty members, 56 (35%) responded to the survey. When assessing different types of clinical encounters, triage, multidisciplinary meetings, discharge, and follow ups were more likely to favor virtual encounters. However, first consultations and family meetings were more likely to favor in-person encounters. Regarding clinical tasks, pediatricians were more likely to endorse explaining test results, offering treatment recommendations, and obtaining patient histories virtually. On the contrary, there was a preference for physical examinations, assessing patients visually, and assessing developmental milestones to be performed in person. When deciding if a patient should be seen in person versus virtual, pediatricians rated the patient's condition and communication barriers as the most important factors favoring an in-person appointment.DiscussionThese results offer an initial framework for pediatricians when choosing which encounter type may be most appropriate for their patients between virtual or in-person appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Leong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Kate E Sanderson
- Hamilton Health Sciences Centre for Evidence-Based Implementation, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anne F Klassen
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gregorio Zuniga-Villanueva
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
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Bajwa NM, Perron NJ, Braillard O, Achab S, Hudelson P, Dao MD, Lüchinger R, Mazouri-Karker S. Has telemedicine come to fruition? Parents' and pediatricians' perceptions and preferences regarding telemedicine. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:1332-1339. [PMID: 38555380 PMCID: PMC11522004 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03172-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine has increasingly become a viable option for patient care and may increase access to care. The aim of our study was to evaluate both parent and pediatrician perceptions, preferences, and acceptability regarding the use of different telemedicine modalities. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of both parents and pediatricians in Geneva, Switzerland in 2021. The questionnaire focused on digital literacy, preferences, acceptability, advantages, and disadvantages regarding telemedicine (phone, email, video, and instant message). Descriptive statistics and comparisons of preferences and perceptions (Pearson Chi2 and logistic regression) were performed. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-two parents and 45 pediatricians participated. After face-to-face consultations, parents and pediatricians preferred the phone for simple medical advice, discussion of parameters, acute or chronic problems, and psychological support. Email was preferred for communication of results and prescription renewal. Main reasons for using telemedicine were avoiding travel and saving time. Disadvantages were lack of physical examination, technical problems, and unsuitability of the reason for consultation. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the factors that influence acceptance and satisfaction with telemedicine is vital for its successful implementation. Convenience, quality of care, trust, strong pediatrician-parent relationships, technical reliability, user-friendliness, and privacy considerations play significant roles in shaping parent and pediatrician attitudes toward telemedicine. IMPACT The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the expansion of the use of telemedicine in pediatric care. Few studies have addressed parent and pediatrician perceptions and preferences regarding telemedicine. Both parents and pediatricians consider certain telemedicine modalities (phone, email, video, and instant message) pertinent in only specific clinical situations. Advantages of telemedicine outweigh disadvantages with parents and pediatricians appreciating the increased access to care, time savings, and avoiding transport. However, the lack of a physical examination remains a significant disadvantage. Convenience, quality of care, trust, strong pediatrician-parent relationship, technical reliability, user-friendliness, and privacy considerations play significant roles in shaping attitudes towards telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Bajwa
- Department of General Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Noelle Junod Perron
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Medical Directorate, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Braillard
- Primary Care Division, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Clinical and Sociological Research Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Training and Research in Mental Health, Geneva, Switzerland
- Treatment Centre ReConnecte, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Hudelson
- Primary Care Division, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Dominicé Dao
- Primary Care Division, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robin Lüchinger
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sanae Mazouri-Karker
- E-health and Telemedicine Division, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Stackpole KM, Kharofa RY, Tucker JM, Novick MB, Fals AM, Bernier AV, Tammi EM, Khoury PR, Siegel R, Paul S, Naramore SK, Moore JM. Telehealth Use in a National Pediatric Weight Management Sample During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Obes 2024; 20:309-320. [PMID: 37440173 PMCID: PMC11302192 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the implementation and access to telehealth-delivered pediatric weight management (PWM) during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic at six US PWM programs (PWMP) using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Methods: The COVID-19 period (COVID) was defined in this retrospective, multisite study as the time when each site closed in-person care during 2020. The Pre-COVID period (Pre-COVID) was an equivalent time frame in 2019. Patients were stratified by visit completion status. Patient characteristics for COVID and Pre-COVID were compared to examine potential changes/disparities in access to care. Results: There were 3297 unique patients included across the six sites. On average, telehealth was initiated 4 days after in-person clinic closure. Compared with Pre-COVID, COVID (mean duration: 9 weeks) yielded fewer total completed visits (1300 vs. 2157) and decreased revenue (mean proportion of nonreimbursed visits 33.30% vs. 16.67%). Among the completed visits, COVID included a lower proportion of new visits and fewer patients who were male, non-English speaking, Hispanic, or Asian and more patients who were Black or lived ≥20 miles from the program site (p < 0.05 for all). Among no-show/canceled visits, COVID included more patients who had private insurance, older age, or a longer time since the last follow-up. Conclusion: Rapid implementation of telehealth during COVID facilitated continuity of PWM care. Clinic volume and reimbursement were lower during COVID and differences in the patient population reached by telehealth emerged. Further characterization of barriers to telehealth for PWM is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M.W. Stackpole
- Center for Better Health and Nutrition, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Roohi Y. Kharofa
- Center for Better Health and Nutrition, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jared M. Tucker
- Health Optimization Services, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Marsha B. Novick
- Department of Pediatrics and Family and Community Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
- Healthy Weight Program for Children and Teens, Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Angela M. Fals
- AdventHealth for Children/AdventHealth Medical Group Pediatric Weight and Wellness, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Angelina V. Bernier
- Metabolic & Obesity Program, Pediatric Endocrinology, UF Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erin M. Tammi
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Philip R. Khoury
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Robert Siegel
- Center for Better Health and Nutrition, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Suzanne Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sara K. Naramore
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
- Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jaime M. Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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4
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Azar R, Chan R, Sarkisian M, Burns RD, Marcin JP, Gotthardt C, De Guzman KR, Rosenthal JL, Haynes SC. Adapting telehealth to address health equity: Perspectives of primary care providers across the United States. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X241238780. [PMID: 38515372 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x241238780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth has the potential to increase access to care for medically underserved patients. This qualitative study aimed to identify telecare practices used during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the needs of patients experiencing homelessness, patients with disabilities, and patients with language preference other than English (LOE). METHODS We conducted a secondary qualitative data analysis of 47 clinician interviews at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) around the country. Using thematic analysis, transcripts were coded by line-by-line by five qualitative researchers. A multidisciplinary team of telehealth experts, researchers and primary care clinicians reviewed memos and excerpts to generate major themes. RESULTS We identified six main areas demonstrating how community providers developed strategies or practices to improve access to care for vulnerable patients: reaching patients experiencing homelessness, serving deaf and hard of hearing patients, improving access for patients with disabilities, serving patients with LOE, improving access for mental and behavioral health services, and educating patients about telehealth. During the pandemic, FQHCs developed innovative solutions to provide access to care for the unhoused, including using telehealth in shelters, vans, and distributing devices like mobile phones and tablets. Telehealth reduced transportation burdens for patients with disabilities and reduced no-show rates for mental health services by adapting group therapy via telehealth features (like break-out rooms) and increasing provider capacity. CONCLUSION Our study identified strategies adopted by FQHCs to serve underserved populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight the need for enduring strategies to improve health equity through telehealth..
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Azar
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Chan
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | | | - James P Marcin
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Center for Health and Technology, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Keshia R De Guzman
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Rosenthal
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Center for Health and Technology, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sarah C Haynes
- UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Center for Health and Technology, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
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5
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Castillo-Rodenas M, Vicente Gómez JÁ, Fuster-Casanovas A, Miró Catalina Q, Vidal-Alaball J, López Seguí F. Impact of COVID-19 on the Pediatric Primary Care Model in Catalonia: Analysis of Changes in the Number and Type of Face-to-Face and Remote Visits. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e49943. [PMID: 38532544 PMCID: PMC11004613 DOI: 10.2196/49943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The outbreak of COVID-19 has turned the care model of health systems around the world upside down. The health care crisis has led to opportunities for digital health to deliver quality care, and the system has been redirected toward telemedicine. In Catalonia, Spain, as of March 2020, the pattern of visits in primary care pediatric consultations changed, such that face-to-face visits decreased in favor of non-face-to-face visits. Objective This study aimed to analyze variations in the types of pediatric visits in primary care centers in Catalonia before and after the onset of COVID-19. Methods This was a descriptive observational study based on administrative data. The number and type of visits to primary care pediatric services in Catalonia between January 2019 and December 2022 were studied. Results A drop of more than 80% in face-to-face visits and an increase of up to 15 times in remote visits were observed as of March 2020 compared to the previous year. Subsequently, the face-to-face attendance rate began to recover, although it did not reach the same rate as before COVID-19. Non-face-to-face visits were maintained, representing more than 20% of the total after more than 2 years of the pandemic. Conclusions COVID-19 has been the trigger for a transition in the types of visits to primary care pediatric services. The COVID-19 pandemic was a clear catalyst for the integration of telemedicine in Catalan pediatric health care. In this context, although face-to-face consultations have recovered in absolute numbers, after the pandemic period, the weight of telemedicine has increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castillo-Rodenas
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Cardona, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Cardona, Spain
| | | | - Aïna Fuster-Casanovas
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Queralt Miró Catalina
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Josep Vidal-Alaball
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Francesc López Seguí
- Chair in ICT and Health, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
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Peterson IS, Belter LT, Curry MA, Jarecki J. Telemedicine Use, Comfort, and Perceived Effectiveness in the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Community. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:536-544. [PMID: 37566530 PMCID: PMC10877388 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine may increase access to clinical care, particularly for mobility-limited communities such as the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) community. However, much of the information on exposure to and attitudes toward telemedicine in neuromuscular diseases generally and SMA specifically is anecdotal or from focus groups. Gaining greater insight into patient perspectives is important, given telemedicine's potential for expanding access to care and growing use of telemedicine as a result of technology advances and the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cure SMA collected information on the SMA community's exposure to, comfort with, and perceived effectiveness of telemedicine through its 2021 Community Update Survey. The final analytic sample represented 463 SMA-affected individuals, resident in the United States. Descriptive analyses, correlations, and ordered logit regression models were used to characterize the sample and identify predictors of exposure, comfort, and perceived effectiveness. Data were analyzed on weighted and unweighted bases to account for differences between the survey sample and the SMA community. Stratified analyses were used to compare self-completed surveys with caregiver-completed surveys. Results: 463 individuals answered questions about telemedicine. Approximately four-fifths of these respondents had used telemedicine previously. Factors predicting greater likelihood of prior telemedicine use included male gender, increasing income, having received drug treatment for SMA, history of mental illness, and having non-neutral views regarding comfort and perceived effectiveness of telemedicine. Several factors were also significant predictors of comfort with and perceived effectiveness of telemedicine. Stratified analyses indicated differences between self-completed and caregiver-completed surveys. Conclusion: These results can provide insight into patient experiences with telemedicine and can inform approaches to its use by health care professionals and clinical trial sponsors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse S. Peterson
- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, LLP, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Ruskin D, Borsatto J, Szczech K, Tremblay M, D’Alessandro LN, Mesaroli G, Sun N, Munns C, Stinson J. "Working Together": Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals in Providing Virtual Care to Youth with Chronic Pain during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4757. [PMID: 36981665 PMCID: PMC10048812 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset of the coronavirus disease in 2019 necessitated a rapid transition to virtual care for chronic pain treatment. METHODS A mixed methods design was implemented using qualitative interviews and quantitative satisfaction surveys. Interviews were conducted in February 2021 with a sample of healthcare professionals (HCPs; n = 6) who had provided multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) through an outpatient hospital pediatric chronic pain program. Satisfaction surveys were distributed to all MDT professionals employed by the clinic in April 2021 (n = 13 of 20 eligible; 65% response rate). Participants represented medicine, rehabilitation, and mental health professionals. RESULTS Analysis of interviews generated five themes: (1) adaptation to virtual care, (2) benefits of virtual care, (3) limitations of virtual care, (4) shifting stance on virtual care over time, and (5) considerations for implementing virtual care. The satisfaction survey data revealed that respondents were able to effectively provide appropriate diagnoses, recommendations, and/or care plans for pediatric chronic pain via virtual care (n = 12, 92.3%). Detailed survey responses are presented by discipline. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a rich exploration of HCPs' experiences in providing MDT for pediatric chronic pain within a virtual care model. The current results may contribute to the future development of guidelines for virtual care delivery with pediatric chronic pain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Ruskin
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Julia Borsatto
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Klaudia Szczech
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Monique Tremblay
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Lisa N. D’Alessandro
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada
| | - Giulia Mesaroli
- Department of Rehabilitation Services, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Naiyi Sun
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Catherine Munns
- Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Stinson
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
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Tanenbaum ML, Zaharieva DP, Addala A, Prahalad P, Hooper JA, Leverenz B, Cortes AL, Arrizon-Ruiz N, Pang E, Bishop F, Maahs DM. 'Much more convenient, just as effective': Experiences of starting continuous glucose monitoring remotely following Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Diabet Med 2022; 39:e14923. [PMID: 35899591 PMCID: PMC9579993 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Initiating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) shortly after Type 1 diabetes diagnosis has glycaemic and quality of life benefits for youth with Type 1 diabetes and their families. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to a rapid shift to virtual delivery of CGM initiation visits. We aimed to understand parents' experiences receiving virtual care to initiate CGM within 30 days of diagnosis. METHODS We held focus groups and interviews using a semi-structured interview guide with parents of youth who initiated CGM over telehealth within 30 days of diagnosis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Questions aimed to explore experiences of starting CGM virtually. Groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants were 16 English-speaking parents (age 43 ± 6 years; 63% female) of 15 youth (age 9 ± 4 years; 47% female; 47% non-Hispanic White, 20% Hispanic, 13% Asian, 7% Black, 13% other). They described multiple benefits of the virtual visit including convenient access to high-quality care; integrating Type 1 diabetes care into daily life; and being in the comfort of home. A minority experienced challenges with virtual care delivery; most preferred the virtual format. Participants expressed that clinics should offer a choice of virtual or in-person to families initiating CGM in the future. CONCLUSION Most parents appreciated receiving CGM initiation education via telehealth and felt it should be an option offered to all families. Further efforts can continue to enhance CGM initiation teaching virtually to address identified barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly L. Tanenbaum
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dessi P. Zaharieva
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ananta Addala
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Priya Prahalad
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Julie A. Hooper
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Brianna Leverenz
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ana L. Cortes
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nora Arrizon-Ruiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Erica Pang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Franziska Bishop
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David M. Maahs
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, California, USA
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