TeCC (TeleMedicine, Cystic Fibrosis, Corona-Virus) study in a previous telemedicine-naive centre: clinical challenges, outcomes, and user experience in the first six months of a global pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 made it necessary to establish telemedicine as a first default for reviews in a previously telemedicine-naive clinic. Objectives: To establish and assess telemedicine in the first 6 months of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Utilising a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, we established a ‘Covid Pack’ of medical equipment (sent to each patient) and a suitable video conference platform to replicate the in-person clinic format. The virtual clinic was then rolled out (94 patients reviewed in the first 6 months). A retrospective chart review comparing patients’ clinical metrics pre- and post-rollout was then conducted. Usability and Acceptance were also measured with patients (p) and staff (s) via a number of standardised surveys System Usability Scale (SUS), TeleHealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), IT Familiarity, and our own quality-survey. Results: The Covid Pack permits adequate spirometric assessment of patients (mean bias −2.5%). Preliminary data collected from 52 patients and 11 staff members show an overall positive response to our remoteclinics. The SUS received a median score of 90 (p) and 87.5 (s) out of 100. The TUQ received a total score of 6.52 (p) and 6.1 (s) out of 7, with ease of Use and Learnability as the highest-rated category in the TUQ (median 7, range 3.6–7) and Reliability as the lowest-rated category (median 5.33, range 2–7). The IT Familiarity questionnaire received an average median score of 1 (very familiar) from both groups. Qualitative data collected via a custom survey show that while patients and staff are positive to the convenience of the remote clinic, the facility for an in-person. face-to-face review remains important, as does good WiFi connection. Conclusion: Initial 6-month data are positive for the remote clinic as a first default during the pandemic. Preliminary data shows a positive trend for the usability and acceptance by all stakeholders, but it is not a replacement for physical clinics.