Developing a Model for Caring for Diabetes Patients using Telemedicine in Trakan Phuet Phon District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

The Research and development research design was conducted to develop a telemedicine-based diabetes care model and evaluate its effectiveness. The World Health Organization's health system framework was applied. The sample of the study were 30 healthcare professionals and 400 patients with diabetes who received telemedicine care between November 2023 and April 2024. Data were collected using interviews, patient medical records, satisfaction questionnaires, and a model effectiveness assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests for quantitative data and content analysis used for qualitative data.

Results: Healthcare professionals reported overall good management of diabetes care except for financial aspects, which were rated at moderate. Patients' fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c levels significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Participants perceived significant benefits (Mean = 4.60, S.D. = 0.58) from, and the ease of use (Mean = 4.05, S.D. = 0.54) of, the telemedicine-based diabetes care. Overall patient satisfaction was good (Mean = 4.07, S.D. = 0.69). The developed telemedicine-based diabetes care model effectively improved healthcare management, patient access to care, glycemic control, and patient satisfaction.