JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Patients with rheumatic diseases are known to experience drug-related problems at various times during their treatment. As these problems can negatively influence patients’ health, they should be prevented or resolved as soon as possible, for which patients might benefit from additional support. Telehealth has the potential to continuously provide information and offers the possibility to easily contact a healthcare provider in order to support patients with medication use. Knowledge on factors influencing the patient’s preference for telehealth channels can improve actual use of telehealth channels.

Objective:

Identify factors that influence the preference of patients with rheumatic diseases regarding telehealth channels for support with medication use.

Methods:

A qualitative study with face-to-face interviews was performed among patients with an inflammatory rheumatic disease in the Netherlands. Four telehealth channels were used: a frequently asked questions page, a digital human, an application for text messaging with healthcare providers and an application for video-calling with healthcare providers. Using a semi-structured interview guide based on domains of the capability, opportunity and motivation model for behaviour (COM-B) participants were questioned about 1) their general opinion on the four telehealth channels, 2) factors influencing preference for individual telehealth channels, and 3) factors influencing preference for individual telehealth channels in relation to the other available channels. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and categorically analysed.

Results:

In total, fifteen patients were interviewed (53% female, mean age 55 years (SD 16.8), median treatment duration 41 months (IQR 12-106 months)). Three categories of factors influencing patient preference regarding telehealth channels were identified: 1) Problem-related factors included problems needing visual check, problem specifically related to the patient, and urgency of the problem; 2) Patient-related factors included personal communication preference and patient characteristics; 3) Channel-related factors included familiarity with the telehealth channel, direct communication with a healthcare provider, methods of searching, and conversation history.

Conclusions:

Preference for telehealth channels is influenced by factors related to the problem experienced, the patient experiencing the problem, and telehealth channel characteristics. As preference for telehealth channels varies between these categories, multiple telehealth channels should be offered to enable patients to tailor the support with their medication use to their needs.