Open AccessUse and perception of telemedicine in people with type 1 diabetes during the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results of a global survey
Author(s) -
Scott Sam N.,
Fontana Federico Y.,
Züger Thomas,
Laimer Markus,
Stettler Christoph
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2398-9238
DOI - 10.1002/edm2.180
Subject(s) - telemedicine , pandemic , medicine , perception , health care , covid-19 , family medicine , medical emergency , disease , psychology , pathology , neuroscience , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , economic growth
The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced rapid reconsideration as to the way in which health care is delivered. One potential means to provide care while avoiding unnecessary person‐to‐person contact is to offer remote services (telemedicine). This study aimed to (1) gather real‐time information on the use and perception of telemedicine in people living with type 1 diabetes and (2) assess the challenges, such as restricted access to health care and/or medical supplies. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was widely distributed between 24 March and 5 May 2020 using an open‐access web‐based platform. Data were analysed descriptively, and results were stratified according to age, sex and HbA 1c . Results There were 7477 survey responses from individuals in 89 countries. Globally, 30% reported that the pandemic had affected their healthcare access due to cancelled physical appointments with their healthcare providers. Thirty‐two per cent reported no fundamental change in their medical follow‐up during this period, with 9% stating that no personal contact was established with their doctors over the duration of the study. Twenty‐eight per cent received remote care through telephone (72%) or video‐calls (28%). Of these, 86% found remote appointments useful and 75% plan to have remote appointments in the future. Glucose control, indicated by HbA 1c , was positively associated with positive perception of telemedicine. In males, 45% of respondents with an HbA 1c > 9% rated telemedicine not useful compared to those with lower HbA 1c, while 20% of females with an HbA 1c > 9% rated it not useful (χ 2 = 14.2, P = .0016). Conclusion Remote appointments have largely been perceived as positive in people with type 1 diabetes with the majority (75%) stating that they would consider remote appointments beyond the pandemic. Age and level of education do not appear to influence perception of telemedicine, whereas poor glucose control, particularly in males, seems to negatively affect perception.