Patient Attitudes Toward Telemedicine for Diabetic Retinopathy (original) (raw)

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of new-onset blindness in adults. Telemedicine is a validated, cost-effective method to improve monitoring. However, little is known of patients' attitudes toward telemedicine for DR. Our study explores factors that influence patients' attitudes toward participating in telemedicine. Ninety seven participants in a university and the Veterans Administration setting completed a survey. Only people with diabetes mellitus (DM) were included. The main outcome was willingness to participate in telemedicine. The other outcomes were perceived convenience and impact on the patient-physician relationship. Participants reported demographic information, comorbidities, and access to healthcare. Analysis was performed with t-tests and multivariable logistic regression. Demographic factors were not associated with the outcomes (all p > 0.05). Patients had decreased odds of willingness if they valued the patient-physician relationship (adjust...