Perception of primary caregiver toward virtual pediatric clinics for type 1 diabetes mellitus during COVID-19 pandemic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery Vol. 81; p. 104550
• Main Authors: Alzahrani, Abdullah M., Magliah, Sultan F., Turkistani, Haneen A., Abulaban, Bahaa A., Sabban, Mahmoud F., Mashat, Manar A., Al Shaikh, Adnan M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 01.09.2022
• Subjects: Cross-sectional Study
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104550

BackgroundVirtual phone clinics were adopted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as an alternative to in-person routine outpatient visits amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess primary caregiver perceptions of the virtual phone clinics towards routine care of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). MethodsA cross-sectional research design was employed through a web-based research tool where the primary caregivers of pediatric patients with T1DM participated. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically using independent t-tests and one-way analysis of variance. ResultsIn total, 214 participants were included in this study. The average primary caregiver perception value towards virtual phone clinics was 66.71 ± 23.1%, which suggested a satisfactory perception of their experience. Statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were not found between the mean perception values and demographic characteristics. Higher mean primary caregiver perception values were associated with those who: (1) agreed or strongly agreed to be contented with their current state of health, (2) did not ask their physicians to be physically seen during a virtual visit, (3) preferred having four virtual visits or more, and (4) preferred having single to no in-person visits at all. ConclusionThis study revealed a generally acceptable primary caregiver perception regarding virtual clinics. Telemedicine is recommended for routine treatment alongside regular in-clinic appointments to improve the quality of care for pediatric patients with T1DM.