Objective: To face the COVID-19 pandemic, our intensive care and hospitalization units were expanded, surgical activity was limited to urgent and non-delayed procedures and teleconsultations were increased in order to minimize face-to-face consultations. The objective of this work was to learn users' satisfaction with teleconsultations performed during the pandemic as well as its benefits, applications and areas for improvement.
Methods: Cross-sectional study through a questionnaire with 26 closed questions and 5 open ones, grouped in 9 dimensions: patient characteristics; the query; treatment; utility; resolution; security; satisfaction; face-to-face modality and opportunities for improvement. Necessary sample size: 307 (confidence: 95%; error: 3%; expected satisfaction: 92%). Definitive sample: 352. Stratified random sampling by specialty. Period: March 16th-May 25th 2020. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical program SPSS vs.27.0. 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Statistical significance was established at p<0.05.
Results: Patient profile: age 54 (SD: 18.6) years; 213 (60.5%) women. Calls made by doctors (298; 84.7%) and nurses (15; 4.3%); 342 (97.2%) attended at home. Reasons: follow-up (223; 63.4%); first consultation (45; 12.8%); result's report (23; 6.5%) and manage an appointment (50; 14.2%). 29 (8.62%) were directed to another center. 335 (95.44%; 95% CI: 93.26%-97.62%) patients were satisfied and 309 (91.96%; 95% CI: 89.06%-94.87%) would recommend them. 351 (99.72%; 95% CI: 99.16%-99.99%) felt they were treated with kindness; 336 (95.96%; 95% CI: 93.81%-98.11%) considered sufficient care; 309 (95.96%; 95% CI: 93.81%-98.11%) were able to solve doubts; 311 (96.58%; 95% CI: 94.60%-98.57%) calmed down; for 245 (69.6%; 95% CI: 65.98%-74.67%) it was as useful as the face-to-face session; equally safe (240; 69.57%; 95% CI: 64.71%-74.42%) and beneficial (338; 96.02%; 95% CI: 94.25%-98.26%).
Conclusions: The high satisfaction expressed by users, the benefits verified and the high resolution of the teleconsultations, makes us consider expanding these services after the pandemic.
Objetivo: Para afrontar la pandemia por COVID-19, ampliamos la unidad de cuidados intensivos y hospitalización, limitando la actividad quirúrgica a las urgentes y no-demorables, minimizando las consultas presenciales y aumentando las teleconsultas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la satisfacción de nuestros usuarios con las teleconsultas realizadas durante la pandemia, beneficios, aplicaciones y áreas de mejora.
Metodos: Estudio transversal con un cuestionario con 26 preguntas cerradas y 5 abiertas, agrupadas en 9 dimensiones: características del paciente, la consulta, trato, utilidad, resolución, seguridad, satisfacción, modalidad presencial y oportunidades de mejora. Tamaño muestral necesario: 307 (confianza: 95%; error: 3%; satisfacción esperada: 92%). Muestra definitiva: 352. Muestreo aleatorio estratificado por especialidad, entre el 16 marzo a 25 mayo. El análisis estadístico se hizo con el programa estadístico SPSS vs. 27.0. Se calcularon los intervalos de confianza al 95%. La significación estadística se estableció en p<0,05.
Resultados: Perfil del paciente: edad 54,0 (SD: 18,6) años; 213 (60,5%) mujeres. Llamadas realizadas por médicos (298; 84,7%) y enfermeros (15; 4,3%); 342 (97,2%) atendidas en el hogar. Motivos: seguimiento (223; 63,4%); primera consulta (45; 12,8%); informar resultado (23; 6,5%) y gestionar cita (50; 14,2%). Fueron direccionados a otro centro 29 (8,62%). Estaban satisfechos 335 (95,44%; IC95%: 93,26%-97,62%) pacientes y 309 (91,96%; IC95%: 89,06%-94,87%) las recomendarían. Se sintieron tratados con amabilidad 351 (99,72%; IC95%: 99,16%-99,99%); 336 (95,96%; IC95%: 93,81%-98,11%) consideraron la atención suficiente; 309 (95,96%; IC95%: 93,81%-98,11%) pudieron resolver dudas; 311 (96,58%; IC95%: 94,60%-98,57%) se tranquilizaron; para 245 (69,6%; IC 95%: 65,98%-74,67%) fue tan útil como la presencial; igual de segura (240; 69,57%; IC95%: 64,71%-74,42%) y beneficiosa (338; 96,02%; IC 95%: 94,25%-98,26%).
Conclusiones: La alta satisfacción manifestada por los usuarios, los beneficios constatados y la gran resolución de las teleconsultas, nos hace plantearnos ampliar estos servicios tras la pandemia.
Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemic; Patient satisfaction; Remote consultation; Spain; Telehealth.