Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Feb 9, 2020
Date Accepted: May 20, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: May 24, 2020
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Feasibility of real-time internet-based teleconsultation in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Telemedicine is currently flourishing in rural and emergency settings but its routine implementation in chronic neurological disorders develops more hesitatingly.
Objective:
To demonstrate the feasibility of planned real-time audiovisual teleconsultation over the internet in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
Twenty subjects with MS presenting at a specialized MS center in Belgium were recruited for this study. One teleconsultation was scheduled in each participant. The approach was considered feasible if at least 80% of the planned visits could be completed at the foreseen moment. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by means of 5-point Likert scales containing the categories very unsatisfied, unsatisfied, neutral, satisfied and highly satisfied.
Results:
Seventeen out of twenty teleconsultations were successfully completed (85%). Failures were due to patients not responding (2/20) and technical issues (1/20). Rates of patients declaring themselves satisfied or highy satisfied were 17/17 for technical quality, 15/17 for convenience and 16/17 for overall quality of care.
Conclusions:
Planned real-time audiovisual teleconsultation over the internet is feasibile and highly appreciated in patients with MS.
Citation
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