The Implementation of a Digital Healthcare Service for People with Disabilities: A Pilot Study Bok Soo-Kyung1, Song Youngshin2,* 1Professor, Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine 2Professor, College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Munwha-ro, Jung-gu, Republic of Korea *Corresponding Author: Youngshin Song, Professor, College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, South Korea. Email: yssong87@cnu.ac.kr
Online published on 2 February, 2019. Abstract Background/Objectives The purpose of this pilot study was to implement a digital healthcare service, and identify the satisfaction of people with disabilities either in their homes or in facilities who used this service. Method/Statistical analysis People with disabilities residing in community and welfare institutions were recruited. In the pilot study, medical information such as blood sugar, blood pressure, and Braden scale scores were recorded with an online digital healthcare system. Health care providers counseled and educated patients regarding their chronic diseases and rehabilitation-associated risk factors over the course of 6 months. After study completion, their satisfaction was surveyed using the SERVQUAL model. Findings To facilitate this pilot study, 1 university hospital, 2 local clinics, and 5 welfare institutions participated and a total of 166 people with disabilities were recruited. Of the sample, 10 participated in a rehabilitation exercise program. Participants answered a questionnaire regarding their satisfaction with digital healthcare services. The numbers of video conferences, and blood sugar monitoring and blood pressure tests were 474, 4415, and 4251, respectively. After completion of the pilot study, the satisfaction level was scored as 89.63 points, ranging from 0 (no satisfaction)-100 (high satisfaction);thus, demonstrating a high level of satisfaction. Improvements/Applications This pilot study can be used as a basic model for a digital healthcare system and can contribute to the improvement of awareness of digital healthcare services for people with disabilities. Top Keywords Healthcare system, Disability, Satisfaction, Digital, Compliance. Top |