Background: The interconnection capabilities of mobile device platforms offer the opportunity for efficient delivery of healthcare and afford the potential to increase access to patients with chronic diseases. With the increased incidence of diabetes mellitus in the United States, innovative strategies to improve access to healthcare teams are necessary. The aim of this study was to determine satisfaction and usability of patients and diabetes care team members with videoconferencing capabilities using an iPad®2 (Apple, Cupertino, CA).
Materials and methods: Patients were provided an iPad2 with videoconferencing capabilities using FaceTime® (Apple) (n=34). Patients were scheduled virtual visits with a multidisciplinary diabetes care team. Participants were given a 12-item survey at Day 90 of study enrollment. Members of the diabetes care team were provided a five-item survey at Days 30, 90, and 180 of the study period.
Results: Sixty-five percent of patients reported satisfaction using FaceTime for visits. Seventy-six percent of patients agreed that FaceTime was effective in improving diabetes. Overall satisfaction with technology declined over the study period among members of the diabetes care team.
Conclusions: The results provide practical information on using video technology to conduct chronic disease care. Overall, patients and the diabetes care team reported positive ratings in terms of usability and satisfaction with selected technology for virtual visits. Although limitations using FaceTime virtual visits exist, FaceTime has potential to increase patient access to a multidisciplinary care team. Additional research is warranted to determine economic and clinical outcomes for two-way visual technology.
Keywords: technology; telecommunications; telehealth; telemedicine.