Authors: (including presenting author): :
Ma HY(1), Leung CL(1), Cheung WW(1), Lee PF(1), Yim CW(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Telemedicine
Keyword 4: :
Digital literacy
Introduction: :
Telemedicine offers significant potential to enhance access, efficiency, and patient-centered care in rheumatology outpatient settings. However, barriers such as preference for face-to-face consultations and digital literacy limit its adoption. This study evaluated the telemedicine (implemented in July 2024) experiences of 100 rheumatology patients at the United Christian Hospital (UCH). Reasons for both adopting and against telemedicine were investigated. These insights explore the role of nurse-led interventions in addressing these challenges.
Objectives: :
1. To identify facilitators and barriers to telemedicine adoption among rheumatology patients. 2. To explore associations between demographics (e.g., education) and barriers/preferences. 3. To pilot and assess nurse-led strategies designed to improve adoption and patient experience.
Methodology: :
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in early 2025 at the rheumatology clinic of UCH, targeting existing adult patients with chronic rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis 57%, psoriatic arthritis 15%, systemic lupus erythematosus/axial spondyloarthritis 5% each). A structured questionnaire collected quantitative data on demographics, telemedicine awareness and usage, satisfaction/experience, barriers, adoption reasons, plus qualitative open-ended feedback. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and chi-square tests for associations. Non-users’ barriers and users’ dislikes (from satisfaction scores, reported problems, and comments) were thematically summarized. Following the survey, a nurse-led pilot telehealth onboarding was initiated in 2025 to test feasibility.
Result & Outcome: :
The cohort included 14% aged 18-40, 47% aged 41-60, and 39% aged over 60. 76% female; education level: 63% secondary, 21% tertiary. 13% primary and 3% no formal education. Telemedicine usage was 18%, with 52% of users having middle school education and 48% tertiary, suggesting higher education with greater adoption. 55% were aware of telehealth services, while 45% were not, indicating an outreach gap. Among users, convenience (e.g., time and travel saving) was the main adoption driver, with 77% reporting satisfaction (mean 4.2/5) and 48% willingness to continue, 33% situational. Commonly reported issues included technical challenges, communication difficulties, and medication-related delays (16% each). For non-users, the primary reason was preference for face-to-face contact (45%), followed by digital literacy challenges (30%). Lower education correlated with digital barriers (e.g., unfamiliarity with operations, chi-square p=0.027). The pilot’s nurse-led telehealth intakes in Q4 2025 confirmed viability, with smooth workflow, no incidents, and improved confidence. Outcomes suggest nurse-led models can bridge gaps, optimize resources, and enhance equity in rheumatology care.
