JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and user acceptance of telehealth in managing patients with chronic conditions, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). However, the rates of telehealth service use in various patient groups have been low and declined over time. This may affect important health outcomes. Telehealth service adoption in patients undergoing CAPD has been recognized as a key challenge that requires further exploration.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the rates of telehealth service use over 4 months, identify factors influencing its use, and examine the relationship between telehealth service use and health outcomes in Thai people undergoing CAPD.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study on patients undergoing CAPD who were randomly enrolled in a telehealth project for 4 months. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including the demographic form, the Health Literacy Scale, the Perceived Usefulness Questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Patient-doctor Relationship Questionnaire, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36. Additionally, Google Analytics was used to obtain the actual use of the telehealth service. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and regression analyses.

Results:

A total of 159 patients were included in this study. The mean rate of telehealth service use throughout 4 months was 62.06 (standard deviation (SD)=49.71) times. The first month had the highest rate of telehealth service use (mean (M)=23.48; SD=16.28), and the third month had the lowest rate (M=11.09; SD=11.48). All independent variables jointly explained 25.1% of the sample variances in telehealth service use. Perceived usefulness (β=0.393; P=<.001), employment status (β=-0.206; P=.004), and perception of illness (β=-0.201; P=.005) significantly influenced telehealth service use. Regarding the relationship between telehealth service use and health outcomes, the rates of telehealth service use positively influenced the quality of life (β=0.241; P=.002) and reduced the peritonitis rate (odds ratio=0.980; 95% confidence interval, 0.962-0.997; P=.026).

Conclusions:

This study provides valuable insight into the factors that impact telehealth service adoption, which consequently affects health outcomes in patients undergoing CAPD.