Authors (including presenting author) :
Shih FY(1), Wu KW(1), Ho SKL(1), Cheng SWS(1), Luk HM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital
Introduction :
Amidst the accelerated digitalization spurred by COVID-19, telehealth, especially telegenetics, gains significance. While Western studies affirm telehealth's viability, Hong Kong's stance on telegenetics remains unclear. Bridging this gap, exploring public acceptance and perspectives is crucial.
Objectives :
The study aims to explore public acceptance and interest in telehealth for genetic counseling in Hong Kong, identifying factors that influence satisfaction and collecting feedback for service improvement.
Methodology :
Employing a cross-sectional approach, the study involved phone survey and interview with patients and relatives who attended the Genetic & Genomic TeleClinic at the Hong Kong Children's Hospital. In phone survey, a validated 'Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire' was adopted to assess public satisfaction in telegenetics quantitatively, while phone interview delved into qualitative aspects of satisfaction, acceptance and concerns.
Result & Outcome :
In this study, 32 participants were recruited to evaluate their experience with telegenetics services. All participants expressed satisfaction with the quality of the telegenetics services provided, indicating a high level of contentment with the genetic counseling received through telemedicine. All participants unanimously agreed that telemedicine is an acceptable method of healthcare delivery, and they found the healthcare provided through telemedicine to be consistent with the traditional model. They perceived telemedicine as a convenient alternative, highlighting reduced travel time and minimized waiting periods in clinics as notable benefits. A significant majority of participants (93.8%, n=30/32) expressed their belief that telemedicine effectively fulfilled their healthcare needs, emphasizing the effectiveness of communication with healthcare providers. However, during phone interviews, some concerns were raised, particularly regarding technical issues such as suboptimal video or audio quality. Despite lacking prior telehealth experience, 96.9% of participants (n=31/32) expressed their willingness to choose telegenetics in the future if given the option. This study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating public acceptance of telehealth, specifically in the context of genetic counseling services in Hong Kong. It addresses the growing global demand for telehealth consultations, highlighting the potential of telemedicine to effectively meet healthcare needs. To further advance our understanding, it is recommended that further research be conducted, particularly in larger trials, to explore additional factors that may influence satisfaction, such as the complexity of diagnoses or types of results.
