Teledentistry from a patient perspective during the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Objective Evaluation of patient experience when utilising teledentistry during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods We designed a ten-item, five-point Likert-scale questionnaire assessing: 1) patient satisfaction; 2) ease of use; 3) the effectiveness including increasing access to clinical services; 4) reliability of the teledentistry system; and 5) usefulness for patients. Fifty-two patients completed the survey and data was analysed. Results We had a 100% response rate with 52 surveys completed over seven clinics. Patients that used the virtual clinic and telephone consultation had 97% and 94% satisfaction with their experience, respectively. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements indicating that the teledentistry system would be very useful in saving time and a substantial proportion (96%) would use this system again in light of COVID-19. Conclusion Our study has shown positive patient experiences towards the use of teledentistry in all five domains. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers should consider adapting patient pathways and using telehealth as a method of consultation in the recovery planning of services, as well as to reduce the spread of this highly transmissible disease.