Participant satisfaction and comfort with multidisciplinary pediatric telemedicine consultations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure both satisfaction and comfort levels and estimates of cost savings of families with children receiving h ealth care services from a distant pediatric tertiary care center by readil y available telecommunications technologies. Methods: From February 1996 to September 1997, 140 children at a site 840 m iles from the tertiary care center were seen during an evaluative trial of telemedicine consultations (TMC). The TMC visit was the initial encounter w ith the tertiary care specialist for 31 children. After consultation, each family was asked to complete an anonymous quality management survey that as ked for estimates of cost savings and assessed their level of comfort and s atisfaction with 13 other aspects of the TMC encounter. A 3- or 5-point Lik ert scale was used for each question. Comfort scores before and after each consultation were compared by chi(2) analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of satisfaction. Results: 104 of the 140 (74%) families responded. Mean patient estimated co st savings was $1,318 +/- 677. The highest level of comfort was noted by 58 % of respondents before TMC and by 77% after (P = .005). On a 5-point scale , 71% scored 5 (completely satisfied). None scored less than 3. The indepen dent statistically significant predictors of satisfaction were concerns abo ut privacy, comfort with the camera, and perceived specialist comfort. Conclusions: In addition to providing financial savings, TMC is well accept ed by families and children. Those using this new technology must give spec ial attention to issues of patient privacy, camera comfort, and specialist comfort. J Pediatr Surg 34: 137-142. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Co mpany.