Effect of modem transmission of blood glucose data on telephone consultation time, clinic work flow, and patient satisfaction for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if modem transmission of blood glucose data by patients with gestational diabetes could provide faster communication of results, increased clinic work-flow efficiency, and equivalent accuracy. Participant and health care provider satisfaction with the technique was also assessed.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to the modem group, which used the Acculink Modem to report blood glucose data, or to the control group, which used the telephone to report the data. Telephone consultation time, clinic visit time, and accuracy of data were measured. Participants and health care providers completed satisfaction questionnaires.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences in telephone consultation time, clinic work-flow efficiency, or accuracy were found between the groups. However, both the modem group and clinic staff were highly satisfied with telemedicine transmission of blood glucose data.


CONCLUSIONS
Telemedicine is a convenient method for monitoring patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. As a result of this study, modem transmission was instituted in our clinic for insulin pump patients interested in using modem technology.
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000097:blood; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D003629:Modems; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
D001786:Blood Glucose