Patient experience of Manchester Virtual Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes Clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: In April 2020, CFRD MDT started a Virtual Clinic (VC) to provide diabetes care at home to limit risk of COVID-19. To maintain quality of care, we used a new model. 1 week pre-clinic patient completed food and blood glucose diary plus questionnaires returning them via LibreView, Diasend or email. The CFRD MDT reviewed data (diabetologist, CF physician, diabetes nurse and dietitian) and planned management, then contacted patient with plan. Objective: Assess patient experience of VC to guide service development. Method: 15 questions designed on SurveyMonkey with patient representative. Survey sent to patients seen April-Nov. Patients invited to fill out the survey once even if >1 VC. Reminder email + text links sent 7 days later. Results: Survey distributed to 56 patients, response rate 50%. 88% returned food and blood glucose diaries pre-clinic. Majority (84%) uploaded data via LibreView and 100% of respondents found it easy to send. Participants reported positive experiences of VC. Reported advantages included less travel to clinic (63%), ability contact team between clinic (44%), able to upload glucose data at home (41%), VC reduces risk cross-infection (42%), able to contact MDT more frequently (37%). 64% reported no disadvantages (20% felt less personal). 58% would like option of Video consultations in future. Conclusion: Overall responses indicate positive reception of telehealth in the CFRD clinic. The introduction of VC enabled more regular monitoring of diabetes control using novel technology such as LibreView, Diasend and Dexcom CLARITY. The majority of patients found technology easy to use. Patients appreciated the frequent contact with the CFRD team, with support from their own homes reducing the barrier of travel on accessing treatment. Patients highlighted reduced risk of cross-infection during COVID-19 when they had heightened concerns. Future developments include the introduction of video-conferencing which patients feel will enhance the consultations.