1
|
Talal AH, Sofikitou EM, Wang K, Dickerson S, Jaanimägi U, Markatou M. High Satisfaction with Patient-Centered Telemedicine for Hepatitis C Virus Delivered to Substance Users: A Mixed-Methods Study. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:395-407. [PMID: 35925809 PMCID: PMC10024261 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: While telemedicine may increase health care access for vulnerable populations, data are limited on whether people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD) are satisfied with telemedicine. We assessed PWOUD satisfaction with telemedicine and identified factors that increase telemedicine satisfaction. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected persons enrolled at 12 opioid treatment programs (OTPs) throughout New York State. Participants successfully completed HCV treatment either through telemedicine integrated into OTPs (N = 238) or through offsite referral (N = 106). We evaluated Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) response scores at the initial and final health care encounters and subsequently interviewed telemedicine study participants (N = 25) to assess their experiences with telemedicine. Results: All participants (N = 344) successfully completed HCV treatment. We observed no differences in PSQ scores between telemedicine and in-person encounters (98.3% and 98.7% of telemedicine participants provided PSQ scores of satisfied or highly satisfied at each timepoint, respectively). Study participants indicated that attributes associated with high telemedicine encounter satisfaction included: (1) communicating study information, (2) gaining trust, and (3) delivering patient-centered care. Participants weighted "General Satisfaction" and "Time Spent with Doctor" higher than "Accessibility and Convenience," and female participants were significantly more satisfied than males. Satisfaction with health care delivery among all participants increased significantly comparing timepoints. Conclusions: Participants were highly satisfied with HCV telemedicine encounters equivalent to in-person encounters. Communication augments trust facilitating delivery of patient-centered care through telemedicine. Participants value empathy and trust with providers over accessibility and convenience. In summary, PWOUD are highly satisfied with the facilitated telemedicine model and value empathetic and trusting providers. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02933970.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
- Address correspondence to: Andrew H. Talal, MD, MPH, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 875 Ellicott Street, Suite 6090, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Elisavet M. Sofikitou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kejia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Suzanne Dickerson
- Division of Biobehavioral Health and Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Urmo Jaanimägi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilkens R, Dolinger M, Burisch J, Maaser C. Point-of-Care Testing and Home Testing: Pragmatic Considerations for Widespread Incorporation of Stool Tests, Serum Tests, and Intestinal Ultrasound. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1476-1492. [PMID: 34995530 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breaking through the biologic therapy efficacy plateau for inflammatory bowel disease requires the strategic development of personalized biomarkers in the tight control model. After risk stratification early in the disease course, targeted serial monitoring consistently to assess clinical outcomes in response to therapy allows for quick therapeutic adjustments before bowel damage can occur. Point-of-care intestinal ultrasound performed by the treating gastroenterologist is an accurate cross- sectional biomarker that monitors intestinal inflammation in real-time, enhances patient care, and increases shared understanding to help achieve common treatment goals. Combining intestinal ultrasound during a clinic visit with existing serum and stool biomarkers in a home testing setup with electronic health monitoring allows for an optimized, patient-centered personalized treatment algorithm that may improve treatment outcomes. Here, we review the current state, pragmatic considerations, and future implications of point-of-care testing and home testing for noninvasive inflammatory bowel disease monitoring in the tight control model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rune Wilkens
- Gastrounit, Division of Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children, Adolescents and Adults, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark; Digestive Disease Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Michael Dolinger
- Susan and Leonard Feinstein Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Johan Burisch
- Gastrounit, Division of Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children, Adolescents and Adults, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark
| | - Christian Maaser
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Outpatient Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|