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Muehlensiepen F, Petit P, Knitza J, Welcker M, Vuillerme N. Prediction of the acceptance of telemedicine among rheumatic patients: a machine learning-powered secondary analysis of German survey data. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:523-534. [PMID: 38206379 PMCID: PMC10866795 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Telemedicine (TM) has augmented healthcare by enabling remote consultations, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients, thereby improving healthcare access and patient outcomes. However, successful adoption of TM depends on user acceptance, which is influenced by technical, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Leveraging machine learning (ML) to accurately predict these adoption factors can greatly contribute to the effective utilization of TM in healthcare. The objective of the study was to compare 12 ML algorithms for predicting willingness to use TM (TM try) among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and identify key contributing features. We conducted a secondary analysis of RMD patient data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey. Twelve ML algorithms, including logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and neural network (deep learning) were tested on a subset of the dataset, with the inclusion of only RMD patients who answered "yes" or "no" to TM try. Nested cross-validation was used for each model. The best-performing model was selected based on area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC). For the best-performing model, a multinomial/multiclass ML approach was undertaken with the consideration of the three following classes: "yes", "no", "do not know/not answered". Both one-vs-one and one-vs-rest strategies were considered. The feature importance was investigated using Shapley additive explanation (SHAP). A total of 438 RMD patients were included, with 26.5% of them willing to try TM, 40.6% not willing, and 32.9% undecided (missing answer or "do not know answer"). This dataset was used to train and test ML models. The mean accuracy of the 12 ML models ranged from 0.69 to 0.83, while the mean AUROC ranged from 0.79 to 0.90. The XGBoost model produced better results compared with the other models, with a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 91% and positive predictive value of 84%. The most important predictors of TM try were the possibility that TM services were offered by a rheumatologist, prior TM knowledge, age, self-reported health status, Internet access at home and type of RMD diseases. For instance, for the yes vs. no classification, not wishing that TM services were offered by a rheumatologist, self-reporting a bad health status and being aged 60-69 years directed the model toward not wanting to try TM. By contrast, having Internet access at home and wishing that TM services were offered by a rheumatologist directed toward TM try. Our findings have significant implications for primary care, in particular for healthcare professionals aiming to implement TM effectively in their clinical routine. By understanding the key factors influencing patients' acceptance of TM, such as their expressed desire for TM services provided by a rheumatologist, self-reported health status, availability of home Internet access, and age, healthcare professionals can tailor their strategies to maximize the adoption and utilization of TM, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for RMD patients. Our findings are of high interest for both clinical and medical teaching practice to fit changing health needs caused by the growing number of complex and chronically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Muehlensiepen
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, 38000, Grenoble, France.
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Seebad 82/83, 15562, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany.
| | - Pascal Petit
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Johannes Knitza
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Institute for Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Welcker
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum für Rheumatologie Dr M Welcker GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Vuillerme
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
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2
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van der Ven J, van den Bemt BJF, Wielsma S, Flendrie M, Verhoef LM. The Use of Remote Consultations and Associated Factors in Rheumatology: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study of Follow-Up Consultations Before, During, and After COVID-19. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:72-80. [PMID: 37652748 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the use of remote consultations (RCs) and the influence of consultation, health care provider (HCP), and patient characteristics on the choice for remote or face-to-face consultation. METHODS A monocenter retrospective cohort study was conducted on follow-up consultations of patients with rheumatic diseases from January 1, 2019 to January 16, 2023, using data from electronic health records. Trends in the proportion of RCs before, during, and after COVID-19 were studied. Cross-classified multilevel logistic regression models were built to account for clustering of consultations (level 1) within both patients and HCPs (level 2). The influence of consultation, patient, and HCP characteristics on the type of consultation was assessed. RESULTS 157,028 consultations of 30,215 unique patients seen by 64 HCPs were included in the data set. After an initial sharp increase in RC use at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of RCs decreased toward a seemingly steady state at around 30%. 90% of the variance in the use of RCs can be attributed to the consultation level, whereas 4% and 6% can be attributed to the patient and HCP level. Longer consultation durations and time since last consultation decreased the odds for a RC, as did higher patient age, shared care, and longer disease duration. Higher travel distance, consultation density, and patient digital access increased the odds for a RC. CONCLUSION The COVID pandemic resulted in a structural increase in the use of RCs. Although several patient characteristics are associated with the type of consultation, most variance resulted from consultation characteristics compared with patients and HCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey van der Ven
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Research and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J F van den Bemt
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Research and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabien Wielsma
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Rheumatology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Flendrie
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Research and Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Rheumatology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lise M Verhoef
- Sint Maartenskliniek, Department of Research, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Avouac J, Marotte H, Balsa A, Chebbah M, Clanche SL, Verhagen LAW, Filková M, Mueller RB, Mongey AB, Taylor PC. Teleconsultation in rheumatology: A literature review and opinion paper. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 63:152271. [PMID: 37813005 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2023.152271] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we review published literature on "telerheumatology", a term describing the use of telemedicine in rheumatology. This field has received considerable recent attention through the development of efficient digital technologies, resulting in a good level of satisfaction among patients and health care professionals. In 2020, the social distancing constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated more widespread adoption worldwide. Telerheumatology is particularly suited for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have achieved a sustained therapeutic target of remission or low disease activity. To facilitate remote consultations and meet expectations of rheumatologists and patients, international and national guidelines have recently been proposed and existing tools, such as Patient-Reported Outcomes questionnaires, have had to be digitally adapted. In addition, telerheumatology toolkits are proposed by the Arab League of Associations for Rheumatology (ArLAR), the Association of American Medical College (AAMC), and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for all learners, from medical students to practicing clinicians, encouraging the acquisition of telehealth skills and facilitating their integration into their routine clinical practice. The main benefits reported for this mode of health care are greater access to specialty care, flexibility, reduced rates of missed appointments, as well as improved patient engagement and autonomy. Limitations include the absence of physical examination. However, to implement telerheumatology effectively and widely in daily clinical practice, some barriers still need to be addressed. These include training of health care professionals, technological restrictions and reimbursement mechanisms. Despite the advantages of telerheumatology, it is not intended to replace face-to-face visits, but rather as a way to enhance access to care, service delivery and health care support for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Avouac
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP Centre - Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Hubert Marotte
- SAINBIOSE, INSERM U1059, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France; Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Saint-Etienne,42055 Saint-Etienne, France; CIC 1408, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Alejandro Balsa
- Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital La Paz, Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid,28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Chebbah
- Public Health Expertise, Département Affaires Médicales, 10 boulevard de Sébastopol, 75004 Paris, France
| | - Solenn Le Clanche
- Public Health Expertise, Département Affaires Médicales, 10 boulevard de Sébastopol, 75004 Paris, France
| | | | - Mária Filková
- Institute of Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Peter C Taylor
- Norman Collison Professor of Musculoskeletal Sciences at the Botnar Research Centre, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
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Thomassen EEK, Berg IJ, Kristianslund EK, Tveter AT, Østerås N. Willingness, perceived facilitators and barriers to use remote care among healthcare professionals - a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1307. [PMID: 38012633 PMCID: PMC10683299 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote care has the potential of improving access to timely care for people with inflammatory joint diseases (IJD), but there is limited knowledge on how this approach is regarded by healthcare professionals (HCP). This study aimed to examine willingness, perceived facilitators, and barriers to use remote care among HCP. METHODS Employees at 20 rheumatology departments in Norway received a digital survey containing 16 statements regarding willingness, perceived facilitators and barriers to use remote care. Statements were scored using numeric rating scales (NRS, 0-10, 10 = strongly agree), and analysed in linear regression models. Open-ended responses with participant-defined facilitators and barriers were analysed using qualitative manifest analysis. RESULTS A total of 130 participants from 17 departments completed the survey. The majority of participants were 45 years or older (n = 84, 54%), 54 (42%) were medical doctors, 48 (37%) nurses, and 27 (21%) were allied healthcare professionals, clinical leaders, or secretaries. A high willingness to use remote care was observed (median NRS: 9, IQR 8-10). The facilitator statement with the highest score was that patients save time and costs by using remote care, whereas the barrier statement with the highest score was the lack of physical examination. Willingness to use remote care was positively associated with the belief that patients wish to use it (β: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.34), that patients in remission need less hospital visits (β: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.43), and if remote care is widely adopted by co-workers (β: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.39). Willingness was negatively associated with mistrust in the technical aspects of remote care (β: -0.26, 95% CI:-0.40, -0.11), and lack of physical examination (β: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.43, -0.06). The open-ended responses showed that technological equipment, eligible patients, user-friendly software, adequate training and work flow could be facilitators, but also that lack of these factors were considered barriers to use remote care. CONCLUSION This study showed that HCP have a high willingness to use remote care, and provides important new knowledge on perceived facilitators and barriers among HCP relevant for implementation of remote care for eligible patients with IJD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inger Jorid Berg
- Centre for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Klami Kristianslund
- Centre for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Therese Tveter
- Centre for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Østerås
- Centre for treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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5
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Barnett R, Clarke C, Sengupta R, Rouse PC. Protocol for a systematic literature review of smartphone apps to support the self-management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: development strategies, theoretical underpinnings and barriers to engagement. Syst Rev 2023; 12:129. [PMID: 37516896 PMCID: PMC10385957 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02276-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) cause significant burden to the individual and society, requiring lifelong management and specialist healthcare resource use. Costing over 200 billion euros per year in Europe, RMDs are the most expensive of all diseases for European healthcare systems. The incidence and burden of RMDs are projected to rise with the ageing global population and increase in sedentary, obesogenic lifestyles. In parallel, there is a global crisis in the rheumatology workforce, whereby capacity to deliver specialist care is being exceeded by demand. Pervasive, scalable mobile health technologies, such as apps, are being developed to support the self-management of RMDs and reduce pressure on healthcare services. However, it is unknown whether these apps are informed by theory or their use supported by an appropriate evidence base. The purpose of this review is therefore to provide a comprehensive overview of the development strategies, interventional components and theoretical underpinnings of existing smartphone apps, designed to support the self-management of RMDs. METHODS Searches will be conducted within PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Reference lists and citing articles of the included studies will be searched. Identified publications will be screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Any discrepancies between reviewers will be resolved by consensus, with input from a third reviewer if required. Data will be extracted on study designs, methods, populations, setting, utilised theoretical frameworks, intervention components, behaviour change techniques, methods to evaluate effectiveness and barriers/facilitators to intervention engagement. Exploratory outcomes include reported effectiveness, acceptability and usability. A systematic, narrative synthesis of evidence will be presented. If appropriate (depending on quality and pool of evidence identified), qualitative meta-summary techniques will be used to combine and summarise qualitative findings regarding barriers/facilitators to intervention engagement. DISCUSSION The results of this systematic literature review will provide insights for healthcare professionals, researchers, app designers and policy makers, to inform future development and implementation of smartphone apps to support self-management of RMDs. Evidence gaps for future research will be identified. Findings will be disseminated through a final manuscript/publication of results and via a conference abstract, patient organisations and social media. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022359704.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie Barnett
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK.
| | | | - Raj Sengupta
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
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Listorti E, Ferrara L, Adinolfi A, Gerardi MC, Ughi N, Tozzi VD, Epis OM. Joining telehealth in rheumatology: a survey on the role played by personalized experience from patients' perspective. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:682. [PMID: 37349713 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic has forced many hospital departments worldwide to implement telehealth strategies for the first time. Telehealth represents the opportunity to increase value for all stakeholders, including patients and healthcare staff, but its success constitutes a challenge for all of them and particularly patients play a crucial role for their needed adherence. This study focuses on the experience of the Rheumatology Unit of Niguarda Hospital in Milan (Italy), where telehealth projects have been implemented for more than a decade with structured design and organized processes. The case study is paradigmatic because patients have experimented personalized mixes of telehealth channels, including e-mails and phone calls, Patient Reported Outcomes questionnaires, and home delivery of drugs. Given all these peculiarities, we decided to deepen patients' perspective through three main aspects related to the adoption of telehealth: (i) the benefits perceived, (ii) the willingness to enrol in future projects, (iii) the preference on the service-mix between remote contacts and in-person visits. Most importantly, we investigated differences in the three areas among all patients based on the mix of telehealth channels experienced. METHODS We conducted a survey from November 2021 to January 2022, enrolling consecutively patients attending the Rheumatology Unit of Niguarda Hospital in Milan (Italy). Our survey comprised an introductory set of questions related to personal, social, clinical and ICT skills information, followed by the central part on telehealth. All the answers were analysed with descriptive statistics and regression models. RESULTS A complete response was given by 400 patients: 283 (71%) were female, 237 (59%) were 40-64 years old, 213 (53%) of them declared to work, and the disease most represented was Rheumatoid Arthritis (144 patients, 36%). Descriptive statistics and regression results revealed that (i) non-users imagined wide-ranging benefits compared to users; (ii) other things being equal, having had a more intense experience of telehealth increased the odds of accepting to participate to future projects by 3.1 times (95% C.I. 1.04-9.25), compared to non-users; (iii) the more telehealth was experienced, the higher the willingness to substitute in-person with online contacts. CONCLUSIONS Our study contributes to enlighten the crucial role played by the telehealth experience in determining patients' preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Ferrara
- CERGAS SDA Bocconi, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Adinolfi
- Rheumatology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Ughi
- Rheumatology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Oscar M Epis
- Rheumatology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
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Bankole AA, Nwaonu J, Saeed J. Impact of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 on Provision of Medical Care to Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease and the Practice of Rheumatology. Cureus 2023; 15:e35402. [PMID: 36987476 PMCID: PMC10040147 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare field that resulted in changes to the way safe and effective medical care is delivered. The effects range from service disruption including ambulatory clinic closure due to both patient and provider concerns, to lack of capacity in hospital services. In rheumatology, there were other effects including viral infection-related autoantibody production, concerns about the use of systemic immunosuppression in the presence of an infectious pandemic and even concerns for viral infection-induced flares of rheumatic disease. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to the rapid adoption of innovative technologies that permitted the introduction and increased use of telemedicine via a number of platforms. Rapid discoveries and innovations led to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents in the management of COVID-19. Scientific advancement and discoveries around COVID-19 infection, symptoms, autoantibody production, chronic sequela and the repurposing of rheumatic immunosuppressive agents led to improved survival and an expanded role for the rheumatologist. Rheumatologists may sometimes be involved in the diagnosis and management of the hospitalized COVID-19 patient. In the ambulatory clinic, a rheumatologist also helps to differentiate between symptoms of long COVID and those of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). Rheumatologists must also grapple with the concerns related to immunosuppressive therapy and the risk of COVID-19 infections. In addition, there are concerns around vaccine effectiveness in people with SARD and those on immunosuppressive medications. Although the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the effects on healthcare resulted in difficulties, both patients and providers have risen to the challenge. The long-term outcome of COVID-19 for the medical system and rheumatologists in particular is not yet fully understood and will need further study. This review concentrates on the changing role of the rheumatologists, improved understanding of rheumatic disease and immunosuppressive therapies in the wake of the pandemic and how this has led to an improvement in the care of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Nwaonu
- Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, USA
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Eysenbach G, Petit P, Knitza J, Welcker M, Vuillerme N. Factors Associated With Telemedicine Use Among Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease: Secondary Analysis of Data From a German Nationwide Survey. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40912. [PMID: 36705950 PMCID: PMC9919449 DOI: 10.2196/40912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated telemedicine (TM) to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, TM experienced a massive upswing. A previous study revealed that physicians' willingness to use TM and actual use of TM are closely connected to their knowledge of TM. However, it remains unclear which factors are associated with patients' motivation to use TM. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the factors that determine patients' willingness to try TM (TM try) and their wish that their rheumatologists offer TM services (TM wish). METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD). Bayesian univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with TM try and TM wish. The predictor variables (covariates) studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age and sex) and health characteristics (eg, disease type and health status). All the variables positively or negatively associated with TM try or TM wish in the univariate analyses were then considered for the Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤2.5). All the analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS Of the total 102 variables, 59 (57.8%) and 45 (44.1%) variables were found to be positively or negatively associated (region of practical equivalence ≤5%) with TM try and TM wish, respectively. A total of 16 and 8 determinant factors were identified for TM try and TM wish, respectively. Wishing that TM services were offered by rheumatologists, having internet access at home, residing 5 to 10 km away from the general practitioner's office, owning an electronic device, and being aged 40 to 60 years were among the factors positively associated with TM try and TM wish. By contrast, not yet being diagnosed with an RMD, having no prior knowledge of TM, having a bad health status, living in a rural area, not documenting one's health status, not owning an electronic device, and being aged 60 to 80 years were negatively associated with TM try and TM wish. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that health status, knowledge, age, and access to technical equipment and infrastructure influence the motivation of patients with RMD to use telehealth services. In particular, older patients with RMD living in rural areas, who could likely benefit from using TM, are currently not motivated to use TM and seem to need additional TM support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascal Petit
- AGEIS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Johannes Knitza
- AGEIS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Welcker
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum für Rheumatologie Dr M Welcker GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Vuillerme
- AGEIS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
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9
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Muehlensiepen F, May S, Zarbl J, Vogt E, Boy K, Heinze M, Boeltz S, Labinsky H, Bendzuck G, Korinth M, Elling-Audersch C, Vuillerme N, Schett G, Krönke G, Knitza J. At-home blood self-sampling in rheumatology: a qualitative study with patients and health care professionals. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1470. [PMID: 36461025 PMCID: PMC9718468 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of the study was to investigate patients' with systemic rheumatic diseases and healthcare professionals' experiences and preferences regarding self-sampling of capillary blood in rheumatology care. METHODS Patients performed a supervised and consecutive unsupervised capillary blood self-collection using an upper arm based device. Subsequently, patients (n = 15) and their attending health care professionals (n = 5) participated in an explorative, qualitative study using problem-centered, telephone interviews. Interview data were analyzed using structured qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Interviewed patients reported easy application and high usability. Patients and health care professionals alike reported time and cost savings, increased independence and flexibility, improved monitoring and reduction of risk of infection during Covid-19 as benefits. Reported drawbacks include limited blood volume, limited usability in case of functional restrictions, and environmental concerns. Older, immobile patients with long journeys to traditional blood collection sites and young patients with little time to spare for traditional blood collection appointments could be user groups, likely to benefit from self-sampling services. CONCLUSIONS At-home blood self-sampling could effectively complement current rheumatology telehealth care. Appropriateness and value of this service needs to be carefully discussed with patients on an individual basis. TRIAL REGISTRATION WHO International Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00024925. Registered on 15/04/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Muehlensiepen
- grid.473452.3Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Center for Health Services Research, Seebad 82/83, Rüdersdorf Bei Berlin, 15562 Rüdersdorf, Germany ,grid.473452.3Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany ,grid.450307.50000 0001 0944 2786AGEIS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Susann May
- grid.473452.3Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Center for Health Services Research, Seebad 82/83, Rüdersdorf Bei Berlin, 15562 Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Joshua Zarbl
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Vogt
- grid.424957.90000 0004 0624 9165Thermo Fisher Scientific, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Boy
- grid.473452.3Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Center for Health Services Research, Seebad 82/83, Rüdersdorf Bei Berlin, 15562 Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Martin Heinze
- grid.473452.3Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Center for Health Services Research, Seebad 82/83, Rüdersdorf Bei Berlin, 15562 Rüdersdorf, Germany ,grid.473452.3Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Boeltz
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hannah Labinsky
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerlinde Bendzuck
- grid.491693.00000 0000 8835 4911Deutsche Rheuma-Liga Bundesverband E.V, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marianne Korinth
- grid.491693.00000 0000 8835 4911Deutsche Rheuma-Liga Bundesverband E.V, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Nicolas Vuillerme
- grid.450307.50000 0001 0944 2786AGEIS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France ,grid.440891.00000 0001 1931 4817Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France ,grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
| | - Georg Schett
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Knitza
- grid.450307.50000 0001 0944 2786AGEIS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany ,grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Factors Impacting Patient Perspectives on Telehealth and Remote Healthcare during COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Study. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS REPORTS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9712143 DOI: 10.1016/j.teler.2022.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A rapid transformation to telehealth was a necessary precaution during the pandemic. This research sought a better understanding of factors impacting patients’ decisions on choosing telehealth. A mixed methods study was conducted with a sample of 276 patients. An online survey was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. This study found that technical issues were the most significant factor preventing patients from using telehealth, among other factors such as waiting time and privacy concern. The results inform policy-makers and healthcare providers on how to optimize telehealth. The limitations of this study and future research directions are also discussed.
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Muehlensiepen F, Petit P, Knitza J, Welcker M, Vuillerme N. Factors Associated With Telemedicine Use Among German General Practitioners and Rheumatologists: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Nationwide Survey. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40304. [DOI: 10.2196/40304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Previous studies have demonstrated telemedicine (TM) to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, TM experienced a massive upswing. However, in rheumatology care, the use of TM stagnated again shortly thereafter. Consequently, the factors associated with physicians’ willingness to use TM (TM willingness) and actual use of TM (TM use) need to be thoroughly investigated.
Objective
This study aimed to identify the factors that determine TM use and TM willingness among German general practitioners and rheumatologists.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey with general practitioners and rheumatologists. Bayesian univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with TM use and TM willingness. The predictor variables (covariates) that were studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age and sex), work characteristics (eg, practice location and medical specialty), and self-assessed knowledge of TM. All the variables positively and negatively associated with TM use and TM willingness in the univariate analysis were then considered for Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤2.5). All analyses were stratified by sex.
Results
Univariate analysis revealed that out of 83 variables, 36 (43%) and 34 (41%) variables were positively or negatively associated (region of practical equivalence≤5%) with TM use and TM willingness, respectively. The Bayesian model averaging analysis allowed us to identify 13 and 17 factors of TM use and TM willingness, respectively. Among these factors, being female, having very poor knowledge of TM, treating <500 patients per quarter, and not being willing to use TM were negatively associated with TM use, whereas having good knowledge of TM and treating >1000 patients per quarter were positively associated with TM use. In addition, being aged 51 to 60 years, thinking that TM is not important for current and future work, and not currently using TM were negatively associated with TM willingness, whereas owning a smart device and working in an urban area were positively associated with TM willingness.
Conclusions
The results point to the close connection between health care professionals’ knowledge of TM and actual TM use. These results lend support to the integration of digital competencies into medical education as well as hands-on training for health care professionals. Incentive programs for physicians aged >50 years and practicing in rural areas could further encourage TM willingness.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telemedicine has quickly become an essential part of modern healthcare, particularly in the management of chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this review is to describe the current use of telehealth, mobile applications and wearable devices in inflammatory bowel disease and potential future applications. RECENT FINDINGS Telemedicine was increasingly used during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Virtual consultations allowed clinical care to continue despite pandemic-related restrictions without compromising the quality of care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It also benefits patients who would not have access to care due to financial or geographical barriers. Mobile applications allow patients with IBD to record disease activity among other metrics, allowing for earlier healthcare provider intervention. Wearable devices are increasingly being explored to monitor physiological indicators of disease activity and flare. SUMMARY Telehealth and remote patient monitoring has been successfully integrated into the care of IBD patients. The advantages of these modalities include better access to specialist care and remote noninvasive disease monitoring. Careful consideration must be given to patient privacy, data protection and equitable access. These modalities have enormous potential to improve patient care through accurate consistent data collection and even the prediction of disease activity.
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Unmet Information Needs of Patients with Rheumatic Diseases: Results of a Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study in Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127071. [PMID: 35742318 PMCID: PMC9222543 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
To effectively self-manage a chronic disease, patients require specific education. In clinical routines, rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals often cannot devote the necessary time to adequately educate their patients. Digital technologies such as mobile applications represent promising tools to overcome this problem. This study aims to identify unmet information needs of patients with rheumatic diseases to inform the conception of a mobile education application. An online national survey was developed together with rheumatic patients and rheumatologists and distributed between June and September 2021 via social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), QR code and email. Self-reported rheumatic patients, rheumatologists, specialized rheumatology nurses (SRN) and self-reported relatives of rheumatic patients were eligible to participate in the survey. Three major topics were addressed: (1) How well do patients feel informed about disease-relevant topics; (2) how important do patients rate different disease-relevant topics; and (3) patient willingness to adopt digital education services. Responses of 254 patients and 53 SRN were analyzed. Most patients were female (91%; n = 231), the median age was 48 years and the most common disease was rheumatoid arthritis (23%; n = 59). Only 24% of patients perceived their disease education level as very good or good compared to an SRN estimate of 42%. The three information topics rated as most important (very/important) were: individual disease (98%), medication (94%) and coping techniques (91%). In total, 89% of patients asserted that they would very likely, likely or rather likely use digital education tools in the future to learn about their condition, and 82% of SRN would very likely, likely or rather likely recommend digital information services to their patients. These findings depict currently unmet patient information needs and a high willingness of patients and SRN to use digital education services. A mobile education application is currently adapted based on these results and will be evaluated in a multicenter study.
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Binder-Olibrowska KW, Wrzesińska MA, Godycki-Ćwirko M. Is Telemedicine in Primary Care a Good Option for Polish Patients with Visual Impairments Outside of a Pandemic? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116357. [PMID: 35681942 PMCID: PMC9180207 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With the proliferation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, attention began to turn to the risk of health disparities associated with its use among people with disabilities. Therefore, the present study investigates the level of interest in using teleconsultations (TCs) in primary healthcare among people with visual impairments (PVIs) and identifies their motivations and needs. A total of 219 Polish PVIs were surveyed using a combination of closed and open questions. About 50% of the respondents expressed interest in using TCs. The factor most closely related to the willingness to use TCs was age. The predominant reason for using TCs was to obtain a prescription or referral, and the most highlighted need was the possibility to choose between a TC and an in-person visit. The blind and poor-sighted participants differed in some regards. Our study indicates that TCs, under some conditions, may be a beneficial option for PVIs, and provides some directions for its effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Weronika Binder-Olibrowska
- Department of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lindleya 6, 90-131 Lodz, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Magdalena Agnieszka Wrzesińska
- Department of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lindleya 6, 90-131 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Maciek Godycki-Ćwirko
- Centre for Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcińskiego 20, 90-153 Lodz, Poland;
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Bragazzi NL, Bridgewood C, Watad A, Damiani G, Kong JD, McGonagle D. Harnessing Big Data, Smart and Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Preventing, Early Intercepting, Managing, and Treating Psoriatic Arthritis: Insights From a Systematic Review of the Literature. Front Immunol 2022; 13:847312. [PMID: 35359924 PMCID: PMC8960164 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.847312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatological and dermatological disorders contribute to a significant portion of the global burden of disease. Big Data are increasingly having a more and more relevant role, being highly ubiquitous and pervasive in contemporary society and paving the way for new, unprecedented perspectives in biomedicine, including dermatology and rheumatology. Rheumatology and dermatology can potentially benefit from Big Data. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines, mining “Uno per tutti”, a highly integrated and automated tool/meta-database developed at the University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, and consisting of 20 major scholarly electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE. Big Data- or artificial intelligence-based studies were judged based on the modified Qiao’s critical appraisal tool for critical methodological quality assessment of Big Data/machine learning-based studies. Other studies designed as cross-sectional, longitudinal, or randomized investigations, reviews/overviews or expert opinions/commentaries were evaluated by means of the relevant “Joanna Briggs Institute” (JBI)’s critical appraisal tool for the critical methodological quality assessment. Results Fourteen papers were included in the present systematic review of the literature. Most of the studies included concerned molecular applications of Big Data, especially in the fields of genomics and post-genomics. Other studies concerned epidemiological applications, with a practical dearth of studies assessing smart and digital applications for psoriatic arthritis patients. Conclusions Big Data can be a real paradigm shift that revolutionizes rheumatological and dermatological practice and clinical research, helping to early intercept psoriatic arthritis patients. However, there are some methodological issues that should be properly addressed (like recording and association biases) and some ethical issues that should be considered (such as privacy). Therefore, further research in the field is warranted. Systematic Review Registration Registration code 10.17605/OSF.IO/4KCU2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Postgraduate School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie Bridgewood
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulla Watad
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine B, Rheumatology Unit and Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Giovanni Damiani
- Clinical Dermatology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dennis McGonagle
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom
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