Patient Satisfaction With Teleconsultation During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Study For Mental Health Care In Malaysia
- Author:
Elza Othman
1
;
Vincent Giampietro
2
;
Mahadzirah Mohamad
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic; teleconsultation; mental health; patient satisfaction; Malaysia
- From: Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine 2021;21(2):243-251
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: The recent novel coronavirusdisease 2019 (COVID-19)outbreak has led healthcare providersto shift rapidly from on-siteconsultationtowardsteleconsultation. However, knowledgeaboutpatient satisfaction with teleconsultation, particularly formental health care,is limited and demandsfurther investigation.Thisstudyaimedto evaluatepatientsatisfaction with teleconsultationinmental healthcareduring the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed to identifythe leading contributing factors to patient satisfaction with teleconsultation.A convenience sampling method was employed. An online survey was conducted between June 8and August 3, 2020. A 14-item questionnairewas usedtoassess the patient'slevel of satisfaction infourdomains of satisfaction.A total of 106questionnaires were received. Respondents reported a high level of satisfaction with teleconsultation. The convenienceof not having to travel to the health center for consultationwas the leading contributing factor to patientsatisfaction with teleconsultation.However, patients reported that they were least satisfied with teleconsultation because they could notexpress their feelings deeply to the provider.The current study provides preliminary evidence that teleconsultation may be a satisfactory mode of communication during the COVID-19 pandemic for mental health care in Malaysia. Most importantly, consultation in mental health care should carry on to be performed remotelyto prevent the spread of infectious disease.Future research is warranted to provide a better understanding of other factors contributing to patient satisfaction with teleconsultation and ways to improve them.
- Full text:202607091213297965322.2021my0617.pdf
