Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Andrew Yat Wang Fung(1), Jinghao Han(1), Pak Kei Fung(1), Eric Kam Pui Lee(2), Shirley Yue Kwan Choi(1), Long Yee Cheng(1), Wing Kit Leung(1), Shuk Yun Leung(1), Maria Kwan Wa Leung(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Family Medicine, New Territories East Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, China (2) JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Introduction :
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations gained widespread acceptance across various specialty clinics and designated fever clinics locally. This study explores the potential extension of teleconsultation services to manage patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in general outpatient clinics (GOPC).
Objectives :
We aim to assess the feasibility of teleconsultations among DM patients in GOPC through the HAGo video-conferencing system in terms of recruitment, attendance, and patients’ satisfaction.
Methodology :
Eligible patients were continuously screened in a DM consultation room during 18-25/7/2023 until 78 participants were recruited. Inclusion criteria targeted stable diabetics (HbA1c < 8%), aged 18 to 80, proficient in Chinese or English, owning a smartphone, having experience with mobile applications, and agreeing to monitor blood pressure at home. Teleconsultations conducted through HAGo covered drug compliance, blood pressure, and blood sugar control. Feasibility of the intervention was considered good if 80% or more of the consultations were completed. Satisfaction and acceptability were assessed using the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), with a score > 56/70 considered a satisfactory experience for the patient.
Result & Outcome :
Out of 380 screened patients, 236 were eligible and 78 participated (Mean age: 64.2 +/- 8.5, M:F = 46/32). Most participants (83.3%) cited convenience and reduced transportation time as reasons for utilizing teleconsultations. Face-to-face preference (67.1%) and lack of technical support (29.7%) were the primary reasons for refusal. The recruitment rate was 33.1% (78/236). Five participants dropped out before consultation due to technical concerns (3/5), payment issues (1/5), and a lack of drug delivery (1/5). The attendance rate was 93.6% (73/78), with three participants transitioning to phone teleconsultation (4.1%) and one participant converting to face-to-face consultation (1.4%) due to new symptoms. The response rate to the TSQ was 90.4% (66/73), revealing high satisfaction (average TSQ score: 56.2/70). In conclusion, this pilot study demonstrates good feasibility and acceptance of teleconsultations for DM patients in GOPC. These findings offer valuable insights for integrating telecare into routine management of DM and other chronic illnesses.
