Telemedicine (TM) is one more tool at modern medicine service at care of Type 1 Diabetes (DM1) moreover in remote areas. However, the reality from the families’ use and perceptions is not known
Qualitative exploratory study, from the content of TM conversation and interviews to 21 families that uses TM for care with DM1 between 2016 and 2018, from Aconcagua remote rural area.
Our sample included children aged 11,4+- 4,04 years; treatment MDI (85,7%), CSII (14,3%); hospital visits 2,83 +- 1,38 per year. A1c average from 8,52 +- 2,17% (2016) to 7.9 +- 1,25% (2018). We analized 716 TM conversations mainly instant messaging (93,15%) with 12,35 ± 10.05 times per year and per family. The main themes for consultation were administrative (medical control and supplies) (35.3%), glycemic variability and insulin therapy (27.2%), urgencies management (20,5%), social support (11%) and education (5,8%). Satisfaction was optimal (100%) principally because of geographic and economic accessibility of TM, medical support availability to respond, educate and resolve daily difficulties, teamwork with professionals in the aim to improve metabolic control and quality of life. However, families identified more needs from TM to optimize its use, especially from remote rural areas.
Integrate TM into diabetes care program is a pillar of care and follow-up of youth and support families. However, there are still many pending challenges, including those recognized by the families, among the access, the new technologies, the technical conditions and the integration of peer support that should be reflected in future practices and studies.