Patient satisfaction among teleophthalmology Consultation service users in jimma medical center, Department of ophthalmology, southwest ethiopia By: dr abdirashid mohamoud (md)

Abstract

Background: The availability of modern ways and means to evaluate and manage patients while keeping social distance have made Teleophthalmology an alternative to consider in the current times. Measurement of patient satisfaction has become an important indicator of the performance, quality of care and acceptance of a telemedicine service. However, there have been few previous studies of patient satisfaction with Teleophthalmology in developing countries. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to measure the level of patient satisfaction with teleophthalmology consultation service in Jimma Medical Centre, department of ophthalmology, Southwest Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was done on a sample of 145 patients who Used The teleophthalmology consultation service from June to September, 2020. The patients were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Pretested, structured questionnaire was Administered with telephone to collect data. The collected data was coded and entered into SPSS version 25.0 for statistical analysis. The results were interpreted. Chi-square test and ANOVA was performed and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Logistic regression was employed to remove the confounding factors. Data was presented using tables and graphs. Results: A total of 145 patients with an average age of 39.5 years were included in the study with a response rate of 88%, from which 112 (77%) were male and 64 (44%) were from Jimma. Approximately 93% of respondents were satisfied with the overall service provided during the teleophthalmology consultation. The telemedicine service was time saving and met their needs. Satisfaction was significantly high if the patients were from Jimma p <0.05, 95% C.I. (0.02-0.23). Majority of patients (98%) believed they were protected from COVID 19 by using this service and all of them recommend the service to others. The respondents also made useful positive comments Conclusion: The overall satisfaction level of the patients was high, demonstrating the use of teleophthalmology consultation service as a desirable option to a majority of patients, considering the availability of face-to-face consultation sessions when needed. Regular patient feedback is necessary to perfect the use of telemedicine in a patient-centered healthcare service