title: Evaluation of Telehealth for Preclinic Assessment and Follow-Up in an Interprofessional Rural and Remote Memory Clinic.
abstract: Using data from a sample of 169 patients, this study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of telehealth videoconferencing for preclinic assessment and follow-up in an interprofessional memory clinic for rural and remote seniors. Patients and caregivers are seen via telehealth prior to the in-person clinic, and followed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, one year, and yearly. Patients are randomly assigned to in-person (standard care) or telehealth for the first follow-up, then alternating between the two modes of treatment, prior to 1-year follow-up. On average, telehealth appointments reduce participants' travel by 426 km per round trip. Findings show that telehealth coordinators rated 85% of patients and 92% of caregiversas comfortable or very comfortable during telehealth. Satisfaction scales completed by patient-caregiver dyads show high satisfaction with telehealth. Follow-up questionnaires reveal similar satisfaction with telehealth and in-person appointments, but telehealth is rated as significantly more convenient. Predictors of discontinuing follow-up are greater distance to telehealth, old-age patient, lower telehealth satisfaction, and lower caregiver burden.
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Debra G
authors: DG
authors: Morgan
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Crossley
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Kirk
authors: First Nations University of Canada, CANADA.
authors: Lesley
authors: L
authors: McBain
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Norma J
authors: NJ
authors: Stewart
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Carl
authors: C
authors: D'Arcy
authors: University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CANADA.
authors: Dorothy
authors: D
authors: Forbes
authors: Loma Linda Medical Centre, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
authors: Sheri
authors: S
authors: Harder
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Vanina
authors: V
authors: Dal Bello-Haas
authors: University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA.
authors: Jenny
authors: J
authors: Basran