The effect on patient and health provider satisfaction regarding health care delivery using the teleconsultation program of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University-School of Medicine (ADZU-SOM) in rural Western Mindanao

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effect of a Teleconsultation Program on health care provider and patient satisfaction regarding health care delivery. It is a descriptive cohort that described the satisfaction of health care providers and patients with the combined web (moodle) and Short Message Service (SMS)-based system of teleconsultation of the ADZU-SOM. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort that included Municipal Health Officers from Region IX and Sulu and their patients. Questionnaires on satisfaction with the Teleconsultation program was given and filled up. Utilization of the mode of teleconsultation was monitored. RESULTS: The study included 8 municipal health officers and 39 patients who completed questionnaires on satisfaction with the Teleconsultation program. Only 35% of physician-respondents and 36.4% of patient-respondents returned the questionnaires. The most common method of referring is through mobile phone SMS. High satisfaction rating was noted by both health providers and patients but concerns were raised regarding the costs of the system. The respondents felth that privacy issues were kept confidential with the system. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, given the preference for mobile phones among Filipino rural physicians in municipal health units, telemedicine applications should be developed specifically for use in that platform.