1
|
Bassi M, Dufour F, Strati MF, Franzone D, Scalas M, Lionetti B, Spacco G, Rizza F, Sburlati P, Casalini E, Parodi S, d’Annunzio G, Minuto N. Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop users' satisfaction of telemedicine and telenursing in pediatric and young adult type 1 diabetes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249299. [PMID: 37711248 PMCID: PMC10497768 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The aim of the study was to evaluate the satisfaction of the use of telemedicine and telenursing in children and young adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) using Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop systems (AHCL) with a focus on the role of connectivity, data download and the ease of technical steps in the set and sensor change procedures. Methods An online anonymous survey was administered to AHCL users. The questionnaire consisted of five Clusters: Cluster A-B-C included questions related to the general satisfaction in the use of telemedicine, Cluster D was focused on the role of data download and connectivity, Cluster E was related to satisfaction in telenursing and Cluster F to the perception of ease of execution of the technical steps like changing the infusion set and the sensor. Results We collected 136 completed questionnaires. 83.8% of AHCL users were overall satisfied with the quality of the telemedicine service. 88.2% of patients downloaded AHCL data before visits and the overall quality of televisits (data sharing, connectivity, ease of use) was satisfactory for 85.3% of users. Telenursing support during set and sensor change procedures was considered effective by 98% of AHCL users. The sensor and insulin infusion set change procedure is perceived as different for the two systems: set change simpler for Medtronic (p = 0.011) users, while sensor change was simpler for Tandem users (p = 0.009). Conclusion Telemedicine and telenursing have an essential role in diabetology and are highly appreciated in AHCL users. The nurse support in the education of the use of AHCL systems is effective and must be implemented. Unfortunately, not all patients have the technological tools needed for downloading data at home and using telemedicine services; this represents an important challenge for the future of diabetology and for the equity in accessibility to care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bassi
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Dufour
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marina Francesca Strati
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Franzone
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marta Scalas
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Lionetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giordano Spacco
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizza
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Prisca Sburlati
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Casalini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Parodi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Minuto
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although telemedicine and telehealth services have been a part of type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinical care for several decades, the expansion of in-home telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased interest in long-term use as part of routine care. This review highlights the current literature regarding telemedicine in T1D care as well as the benefits and barriers to use in a postpandemic world. RECENT FINDINGS Telemedicine has increased patient contact with healthcare providers, allowing for more frequent insulin dose adjustments and improvements in glycemic outcomes. In addition to routine clinical care, T1D device training and mental healthcare have been successful through telemedicine. Significant barriers to continued telemedicine care exist, including patient access and technology knowledge, language, and loss of face-to-face interaction. Healthcare providers additionally face unpredictable reimbursement and loss of continuity across state lines, and lack of resources and training for device downloads and telemedicine software. SUMMARY Telemedicine can be successfully used in T1D care and has the potential to significantly impact glycemic and long-term outcomes. Due to continued interest for in-person visits by people with T1D and providers, it is likely that long-term telemedicine use will include a hybrid format.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Cobry
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes Institution, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Silva C, Zhang Q, Bone JN, Amed S. Anthropometric Measurements and Laboratory Investigations in Children and Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Can J Diabetes 2022; 46:S1499-2671(22)00087-9. [PMID: 35987748 PMCID: PMC9009070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim in this study was to compare rates of anthropometric, blood pressure (BP) and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) measurements and laboratory screening for hypothyroidism, nephropathy and dyslipidemia in children and youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), 1 year before and after the onset of COVID-19. METHODS Clinical data were analyzed from a voluntary registry of children and youth with T1D followed at the BC Children's Hospital between March 2019 and 2021. Logistic and Poisson mixed-effect models were used. RESULTS Four hundred forty patients, with median (interquartile range) age and time since diagnosis 12.7 (9.5 to 15.4) and 4.7 (2.6 to 7.9) years, respectively, were included. Clinic visits were all in-person before March 2020, and 99% via telemedicine afterward. The number of visits per patient was 2 (2 to 3), with a 6% increase during the pandemic (relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.10). There was a substantial decrease in height, weight and BP measurements (RR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.36; RR, 0.34, 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.38; RR, 0.005, 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.014, respectively); only 49% of patients had anthropometric and 1% BP data during the pandemic year, compared with >97% before the pandemic. A1C measurements dropped from 3 (2 to 4) to 1 (1 to 2) per patient per year (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.57). Rates of screening investigations were suboptimal before the pandemic, and these rates continued to decline. CONCLUSIONS Shifting to telemedicine allowed ongoing care during the pandemic, but the frequency of anthropometric, BP and A1C measurements decreased dramatically. A combined telemedicine/in-person model may be needed to ensure adequate care for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Qian Zhang
- Research Informatics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey N Bone
- Research Informatics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shazhan Amed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|