Integrating Telemedicine in Botulinum Toxin Type-A Treatment for Spasticity Management: Perspectives and Challenges from Italian Healthcare Professionals

(1) Background: Telemedicine is a vital tool for enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes at reduced costs. This study aimed to assess the usability of the Maia Connected Care telemedicine platform for managing spasticity in patients receiving botulinum toxin type-A, focusing on the perspectives of Italian physiatrists with expertise in this treatment. (2) Methods: Conducted from March 2023 to June 2023, this multicenter survey involved 15 Italian physicians who used the platform for teleconsultations. Data collected included demographic details, responses to the Telemedicine Usability Questionnaire, and physician insights on patient satisfaction, treatment effectiveness, and implementation challenges in telehealth. (3) Results: The platform demonstrated high usability, with strong physician satisfaction due to its user-friendly interface and quality of interactions. A majority expressed willingness to continue telehealth for spasticity management, noting its effectiveness in improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. Challenges included replicating the depth of in-person consultations and addressing issues like reimbursement and telehealth standardization. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights telemedicine's potential for spasticity management and clinician satisfaction, while underscoring the need for improvements in simulating in-person experiences and addressing systemic issues. The absence of patient perspectives represents a limitation, advocating for future research to optimize telemedicine practices and evaluate long-term clinical impacts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Toxins
Published
2024-12-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16120529
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.48

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article

Integrating Telemedicine in Botulinum Toxin Type-A Treatment for Spasticity Management: Perspectives and Challenges from Italian Healthcare Professionals

Marina Ramella, Andrea Santamato, Anna Castagna, Nicoletta Cinone et al.
4 citations
Toxins
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
1.48
article

Integrating Telemedicine in Botulinum Toxin Type-A Treatment for Spasticity Management: Perspectives and Challenges from Italian Healthcare Professionals

Marina Ramella, Andrea Santamato, Anna Castagna, Nicoletta Cinone, Stefania Spina, Salvatore Facciorusso, Franco Molteni, Luigi Santoro, The Collaborative Working Group The Collaborative Working Group
article en
4 citations

Abstract

(1) Background: Telemedicine is a vital tool for enhancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes at reduced costs. This study aimed to assess the usability of the Maia Connected Care telemedicine platform for managing spasticity in patients receiving botulinum toxin type-A, focusing on the perspectives of Italian physiatrists with expertise in this treatment. (2) Methods: Conducted from March 2023 to June 2023, this multicenter survey involved 15 Italian physicians who used the platform for teleconsultations. Data collected included demographic details, responses to the Telemedicine Usability Questionnaire, and physician insights on patient satisfaction, treatment effectiveness, and implementation challenges in telehealth. (3) Results: The platform demonstrated high usability, with strong physician satisfaction due to its user-friendly interface and quality of interactions. A majority expressed willingness to continue telehealth for spasticity management, noting its effectiveness in improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. Challenges included replicating the depth of in-person consultations and addressing issues like reimbursement and telehealth standardization. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights telemedicine's potential for spasticity management and clinician satisfaction, while underscoring the need for improvements in simulating in-person experiences and addressing systemic issues. The absence of patient perspectives represents a limitation, advocating for future research to optimize telemedicine practices and evaluate long-term clinical impacts.

ToxinsVol. 16(12)
University of Foggia (IT), Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation (IT), Ospedale Valduce (IT)
Merz Pharmaceuticals
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
1.48
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