Jesús López-Torres1, Joseba Rabanales2, Rafael Fernández3, Francisco J López4, Llanos Panadés5, Victoria Romero4. 1. Centro de Salud Universitario Zona IV de Albacete, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España. Electronic address: jesusl@sescam.org. 2. Facultad de Enfermería de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España. 3. Centro de Salud de Villarrobledo (Albacete), Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Villarrobledo, Albacete, España. 4. Centro de Salud de Almansa (Albacete), Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Almansa, Albacete, España. 5. Centro de Salud Zona V-B de Albacete, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, España.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a telemedicine program on self-perceived health in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care, as well as patient acceptance of and satisfaction with this program. METHOD: We conducted an 18-month follow-up through telemedicine in 52 diabetic patients. The study design was non-experimental (before and after). In addition to weekly electronic transmission of fasting glucose levels, we regularly provided advice to patients about healthy habits. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed when mean blood glucose values were compared during follow-up. However, at the end of participation, the mean score in self-perceived health was significantly higher than at the initial assessment (70.5±12.8 vs. 62.8±15.0, p=0.02). After 18 months of participation in the telemedicine program, 57.7% of patients were satisfied and 38.5% were very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Although glycemic control did not improve during the follow-up, electronic transmission of information was found to be feasible and satisfactory for patients. The patients reported a higher level of self-perceived health.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a telemedicine program on self-perceived health in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care, as well as patient acceptance of and satisfaction with this program. METHOD: We conducted an 18-month follow-up through telemedicine in 52 diabeticpatients. The study design was non-experimental (before and after). In addition to weekly electronic transmission of fasting glucose levels, we regularly provided advice to patients about healthy habits. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed when mean blood glucose values were compared during follow-up. However, at the end of participation, the mean score in self-perceived health was significantly higher than at the initial assessment (70.5±12.8 vs. 62.8±15.0, p=0.02). After 18 months of participation in the telemedicine program, 57.7% of patients were satisfied and 38.5% were very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Although glycemic control did not improve during the follow-up, electronic transmission of information was found to be feasible and satisfactory for patients. The patients reported a higher level of self-perceived health.
Authors: Patricia Rodríguez-Fortúnez; Josep Franch-Nadal; José A Fornos-Pérez; Fernando Martínez-Martínez; Hector David de Paz; María Luisa Orera-Peña Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-06-22 Impact factor: 2.692