Marissa L H Baranowski1, Vijay Balakrishnan2, Suephy C Chen3. 1. Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. 2. Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Spartanburg, SC. 3. Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Regional TeleHealth Service, Veterans Integrated Services Network 7, Decatur, GA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Teledermatology is comparable to face-to-face visits in providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. However, there are limited data regarding patient satisfaction with teledermatology models that more directly convey provider recommendations to patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient satisfaction with the teledermatology service at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center (AVAMC). METHODS: A cross-sectional, phone-based questionnaire study of 175 AVAMC teledermatology patients was performed to investigate patient satisfaction. Phase One (n=100) compared teleconsultative and models. Phase Two (n=75) compared patients who received one of three possible consult outcomes: (1) reassurance, (2) appointment for biopsy, or (3) appointment for face-to-face evaluation. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in satisfaction between patients who were seen with the telemedicine and teleconsultative models. Patients who received appointments for face-to-face evaluation or biopsy were more satisfied than patients who received reassurance only. Both phases were remarkable for high patient satisfaction among all cohorts. LIMITATIONS: This study was performed at a single VA medical center and is vulnerable to both non-response bias and recall bias. CONCLUSION: Overall, patients are satisfied with teledermatology services at the AVAMC. Strong partnership with referring primary care providers and clear delineation of responsibilities is vital to the teledermatology process.
BACKGROUND: Teledermatology is comparable to face-to-face visits in providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. However, there are limited data regarding patient satisfaction with teledermatology models that more directly convey provider recommendations to patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient satisfaction with the teledermatology service at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center (AVAMC). METHODS: A cross-sectional, phone-based questionnaire study of 175 AVAMC teledermatology patients was performed to investigate patient satisfaction. Phase One (n=100) compared teleconsultative and models. Phase Two (n=75) compared patients who received one of three possible consult outcomes: (1) reassurance, (2) appointment for biopsy, or (3) appointment for face-to-face evaluation. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in satisfaction between patients who were seen with the telemedicine and teleconsultative models. Patients who received appointments for face-to-face evaluation or biopsy were more satisfied than patients who received reassurance only. Both phases were remarkable for high patient satisfaction among all cohorts. LIMITATIONS: This study was performed at a single VA medical center and is vulnerable to both non-response bias and recall bias. CONCLUSION: Overall, patients are satisfied with teledermatology services at the AVAMC. Strong partnership with referring primary care providers and clear delineation of responsibilities is vital to the teledermatology process.