Evaluation of Telehealth for Preclinic Assessment and Follow-Up in an Interprofessional Rural and Remote Memory Clinic

• DOI: 10.1177/0733464810366564
• Publication Date: 2010-04-08T02:21:39Z
• Authors: Debra G. Morgan; Margaret Crossley; Andrew Kirk; Lesley McBain; Norma J. Stewart; Carl D’Arcy; Dorothy Forbes; Sheri Harder; Vanina Dal Bello-...; Jenny Basran
• Keywords: Telehealth; Videoconferencing

Using data from a sample of 169 patients, this study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility telehealth videoconferencing for preclinic assessment follow-up in an interprofessional memory clinic rural remote seniors. Patients caregivers are seen via prior to in-person clinic, followed at 6 weeks, 12 months, one year, yearly. randomly assigned (standard care) or first follow-up, then alternating between two modes treatment, 1-year follow-up. On average, appointments reduce participants' travel by 426 km per round trip. Findings show that coordinators rated 85% patients 92% caregiversas comfortable very during telehealth. Satisfaction scales completed patient-caregiver dyads high satisfaction with Follow-up questionnaires reveal similar appointments, but is as significantly more convenient. Predictors discontinuing greater distance telehealth, old-age patient, lower satisfaction, caregiver burden.