Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
RCT
Participants
16 CF patients terminally ill were randomized to telemedicine or standard care alone
Interventions
Patients in the telemedicine group had an ISDN line installed in their home and were given a videoconferencing unit connected to their home television set. Telemedicine patients had weekly videoconferences from home for a clinical assessment, psychological support and the opportunity for discussion with any member of the multidisciplinary team.
Outcome measures
Anxiety levels were measured before and after the conferences.
Main results
Eleven subjects completed the baseline assessment and seven patients completed the study (4 on telemedicine and 3 in the control arm). A total of 71 home videoconferences were conducted during the study. After six months there were no significant differences in quality of life, anxiety levels, depression levels, admissions to hospital or clinic attendances, general practitioner calls or intravenous antibiotic use between the two groups. However, there was a significant improvement in perception of body image for those in the telemedicine group and the patients liked and valued the service.
Authors' conclusions
The use of telemedicine can enhance the support that a specialist unit can provide for the patient and their family, and may reduce outpatient clinic attendances
Keywords: Adult; Caregivers; Home; Home Care Services; Lung Transplantation; non pharmacological intervention - psyco-soc-edu-org; non pharmacological intervention - surg; telemedicine; transplantation; Depression; Mental Disease-Psychiatric Conditions; Organization;