Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng MK(1), To YY(1), Tse ML(1), Tung YL(1)(2), Ho WS(3), Chow PC(2), Fung CW(2), Lee WY(4), Cheng W(4), Tsui PC(1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Specialist Outpatient Clinic, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (2) Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (3) Department of Neurosurgery, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (4) Department of Information Technology, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital
Introduction :
With COVID-19 epidemic, Paediatrics telemedicine had gained its importance. Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH) started the telemedicine service at specialist out-patient clinic (SOPC) for children in December 2020. In the pilot phase, four subspecialty teams joined the program, namely Cardiology, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Metabolic Medicine and Neurosurgery. Tele-consultation was delivered via Telemedicine Queue Management System developed by the Kowloon Central Cluster before the implementation of HA Ho “Telehealth App”.
Objectives :
This survey aimed to evaluate the satisfaction of children and parents after tele-consultation, the feasibility of service delivery and the acceptability to telemedicine.
Methodology :
Patients and/or their parents were invited to fill in an online satisfaction survey after the consultation anonymously. Data from January 2021 to December 2022 were included for analysis. A 5-point Likert Scale (point 1 = least, 5 = most satisfied) was used in the survey.
Result & Outcome :
Results: There were 68 telemedicine clinic attendances (Cardiology: 33.8%, Endocrinology and Diabetes: 33.8%, Neurosurgery: 25%, Metabolic Medicine: 7.4%) in the survey period. Six patients attended two episodes and two attended three episodes. There were 56 respondents (response rate: 82%). For the feasibility, 91% had their own electronic device and did not need to purchase extra device. Concerning the clarity in communication, 94.6%, 94.6% & 96.4% rated ≥4 marks to the clarity of audio, vision, and overall communication respectively. Reducing hospital visits (87.5%), saving travelling time (82.1%) and reducing school leaves (58.9%) were the most selected advantages. No physical examination, internet connection problem and extra hospital visits for drug dispensing were commented by 37.5%, 32.1% & 4% of the respondents as limitations to telemedicine service. Overall, 67.9% welcomed both telemedicine and face-to-face consultation. And 12.5% preferred only telemedicine in the future; 89.3% gave an overall satisfaction score of ≥4. Discussion: Our survey reported high level of satisfaction to telemedicine from the patients’ and parents’ perspectives. Most welcomed telemedicine as an alternative option of consultation in the future. To support the expansion of telemedicine, developing remote electronic vital signs and tele-pharmacy with drug delivery service would be crucial. Enhancement of internet stability during telemedicine is also important.
