Assessing patient satisfaction with the cystic fibrosis telehealth service

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Telehealth (via videocall) was rapidly implemented by the South Australian Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Service in March 2020 due to the Novel Coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Home spirometers were distributed as part of objective patient assessment. Our aim was to assess patient satisfaction with the telehealth service in CF multidisciplinary clinic via online survey. Methods: All patients of the CF service were invited to complete an online survey designed to assess satisfaction with telehealth, which was undertaken through the consumer organisation Cystic Fibrosis South Australia. A quantitatively driven concurrent mixed-methods design was chosen, with statistical analysis of symmetrical five-point Likert responses using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows v.26 and coding of unstructured responses for thematic analysis. Results: To date 57/160 patients (35.6%) completed the survey, with some item non-responses. 37/57 (64.9%) participants were aged ≤35 years of age, 42/53 (79.2%) had ≥2 telehealth appointments, and 46/53 (86.7%) found it easy/very easy to access. 18/48 (37.5%) of participants had technical issues. Despite this 48/52 (92.3%) felt satisfied/very satisfied with engagement of CF team via telehealth. 38/50 (76%) found telehealth more convenient with significant time saved. The thematic analysis added depth to quantitative analysis by identification of six key themes convenience, ease of access, maintaining the therapeutic relationship, comprehensive care, safety, and patient centred care. Conclusion: Most patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth and would like a hybrid clinic with the option of telehealth or in person review for clinics into the future.