Key drivers involved in the telemonitoring of covid-19 for self-health management: an exploratory factor analysis

Abstract

Background The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of general practitioners has determined a strong pressure on the Italian health system. This critical issue highlighted the fundamental support of e-health services not only to lighten the workload of doctors, but also to offer patients a health service tailored to real needs. Therefore, the digital engagement platforms represent a valid aid, as they reconcile the efficiency needs of the healthcare system with the benefits for the patients involved. In this perspective, little is known about the main factors associated with use of telemonitoring platforms and their effectiveness. This paper investigates the critical success factors of telemonitoring platforms during COVID-19 in order to understand the mechanisms underlying patient participation with the health engagement platforms. Methods An exploratory factor analysis was used to explain the main dimensions of patient participation in the COVID-19 telemonitoring. A sample of 119 patients with a suspected or confirmed infection was used in the investigation. Moreover, an analysis of variance was calculated to identify the differences between three types of patients (infected, uninfected, with suspected infection) and verify the effectiveness of the platform. Main Findings There are six main factors underlying the use of the COVID-19 telemonitoring platform. “Self-Health Engagement” emerges as a novel factor. Moreover, compared to other platforms, cognitive engagement is a crucial trigger for effective telemonitoring. Discussion By identifying the main triggers involved in the use of health engagement platforms, we can improve the satisfaction of telemonitoring services for appropriate health-crisis management. Furthermore, the COVID-19 telemonitoring platform appears to improve health management for both patients and health care providers as it provides the patient with the necessary tools for Self-Health Management (SHM), as well as helping to enrich the literature on health care. Conclusion A new construct emerges in the study of digital telemonitoring platforms: “health self-engagement”, that is, an engagement based on self-care that demonstrates the decisive role assumed by both digital technology and patient participation in self-management.

Integrated Analgesic Care in the Current Human Monkeypox Outbreak: Perspectives on an Integrated and Holistic Approach Combining Old Allies with Innovative Technologies

“…In addition, mental support should be provided through these systems for a better understanding of stressors and vulnerability as well as for providing faster and better psychological screening and tracking. During the COVID-19 crisis, multiple telemonitoring systems were developed to monitor SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in their home environment [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. These systems should be altered to humanize patient care during the current MPX outbreak but can also be very useful for the management of future viral outbreaks.…”

Let Us Take It into Our Own Hands: Patient Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Second, the remote delivery of care, whether through telemedicine or phone calls, could bring more opportunities for people struggling with health issues, especially for those who are typically overlooked by the healthcare system, such as people with chronical conditions, mental health issues, aging needs, or special needs [ 12 ]. An offsite model of healthcare services could be beneficial for patients [ 29 , 31 , 40 ] as well as healthcare professionals. The usage of the offsite model of healthcare relies on communication between the patients and the healthcare providers, which can lead to improvements in patient–provider communication and subsequently to a more patient-centered approach [ 22 , 33 ].…”

Large-scale real-life implementation of technology-enabled care to maximize hospitals' medical surge preparedness during future infectious disease outbreaks and winter seasons: a viewpoint

“…The recent COVID-19 crisis also demonstrated that digital services could not only ameliorate physician workloads, but also offer patients a personalized health service ( 19 – 21 ). A cohort study in Galicia (Northwestern Spain) proved that proactive at-home telemonitoring of patients with COVID-19, even of those with a high risk for complications, was indeed associated with reduced pressure on hospital capacity and lower mortality rates ( 22 ).…”