Journal of Palliative Care & Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: The CoVID-19 pandemic paved a way for telehealth and was considered as the â�?�?new normalâ�?. Satisfaction influences the decision making users, but satisfaction does not solely come from the patient but also from caregivers. This study determined patient and caregiver satisfaction and experiences with the use of telehealth services. Methods: A cross-sectional sequential explanatory design was utilized. Patients and caregivers from May to August 2022 at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital Department Of Internal Medicine initially answered the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), followed by exploring their experiences with telehealth through key informant interviews. A score of ï�?³ 4 over 5 from the TSQ showed a higher satisfaction score. Pearson R correlation, Spearman Correlation, Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact Test, and Mann Whitney U test were used in the quantitative phase, while inductive thematic analysis was utilized for the qualitative phase. Results: A total of 182 patients and caregivers participated in the first phase, while 11 respondents were interviewed. There were 146 patients and 36 caregivers with mean age of 41.48 �?± 12.7. The TSQ scores ranges from 4.32 to 4.62, and 96.7% of the participants had overall score of ï�?³4 over 5. Age and location had significant association with telehealth services. The qualitative phase introduced three themes 1) Telemedicine: Improving Quality of Life in the Digital Age, 2) Limiting Consequences of the Primary Setup Shift in Consultations, and 3) Nuances of Traditional and Modern Health Services. Conclusion: Telemedicine improved the overall quality of life of patients and caregivers. Creating a convenient, efficient, economical, safe, and comfortable health care service where actual needs of patients and caregivers are met.

Biography

Christine Gertrude Tan is resident in training in Internal Medicine at University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Philippines. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in in Nursing and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital.