Uso de telemedicina en pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2perspectiva de médicos, farmacéuticos y pacientes: estudio EnREDa2

Abstract

Objective: To describe patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 perceptions about telemedicine, and to identify preferences on telemedicine resources. Methods: An observational, crosssectional study was conducted. Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n=1,036) completed a survey. Results: Blood glucose values were recorded by 85,9% of the patients while data such as lifestyle habits were only recorded by 14,4% of the patients. Previous experience in telemedicine was reported by 9,8% of the patients, from whom 70,5% were satisfied with its service and 73,5% considered that the use of telemedicine had optimized their T2DM management. However, most patients noted aspects to be improved such as userfriendliness (81,4%), interaction with the medical team (78,4%) and time required for recording/transferring data (78,4%). Experienced patients had better perception about telemedicine usefulness than naïve patients for all listed aspects (p<0,05). Among naïve patients, 38,2% expressed their willingness to participate in telemedicine programs, but only 4,7% were invited to do so. Patients considered that physicians (77,5%) and pharmacists (75,5%) encouragement can boost use of TM. Conclusions: Telemedicine is well accepted by patients, especially that one based on glucometers. Nevertheless, in order to promote telemedicine use, easier and time-saving programs for patient-physician interaction should be optimized.