Patient perceptions and satisfaction of telemedicine use in rheumatology during the covid-19 pandemic: A single-center, descriptive study in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

Background: Telemedicine became the emergent means of providing and continuing medical care due to the COVID 19 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, perception, and satisfaction with the use of telemedicine among patients with rheumatic diseases. An understanding of our patients' experiences can be utilized to provide access to care, improve gaps in delivery of care, and improve healthcare disparities. Method(s) Filipino patients with rheumatic disease who had telehealth visits between June 2020 and August 2021 in St Luke's Medical Center Outpatient Department participated in an online survey. Information on demographics, diagnosis, knowledge and experience on telemedicine, and perspectives on benefits and limitations of telemedicine were collected. Result(s) There were 70 respondents 52.9% with SLE, 25.7% with RA, 10% with osteoarthritis, 5.7% with psoriatic arthritis, 2.9% with scleroderma. Results showed that 64.3% are familiar with the use of video conference platforms. Facebook messenger was the most used (85.7%). Half of respondents have used telemedicine on their own, while 33% required assistance. The remaining respondents have not used telemedicine due to lack of experience or awareness on how to proceed with consults. The reasons for using telemedicine were restrictions of the pandemic (82.9%), limited access to clinics (31.4%), and disability (1.4%). Most remain satisfied with telemedicine (75.7%), 50% of patients stated that telemedicine was comparable to an in-clinic visit, and 85.7% (N = 60) would recommend its use. Conclusion(s) Filipinos with rheumatic disease are knowledgeable on online platforms and telemedicine, however, it is important to note the digital divide. Patients need assistance and improved awareness on accessing remote care. Providing continuity of healthcare can lead to less complications and better outcomes despite pandemic restrictions. There is an overall favorable satisfaction for care. Half the respondents remain satisfied with telemedicine. Rheumatologists need further studies on benefits and outcomes on providing remote healthcare.