P12 Teleconsultations for Eczema in CHildren (TECH) feasibility study: a UK online survey of young people and parents

Abstract

Abstract Providing teleconsultations for appropriate patients is a priority for outpatient service transformation, yet little evidence exists on their effectiveness and acceptability in paediatric eczema. We conducted a UK-wide online patient and parent survey to explore experiences of eczema teleconsultations. Further objectives included determining patient preferences and costs incurred with different appointments. Young people (13-16 years) and parents of children (0-16 years) with eczema, who had had a follow-up teleconsultation under secondary/tertiary care dermatology were eligible. Ethical approval was sought and a Jisc Online survey was advertised on social media for 12 weeks. Data was analysed descriptively in Microsoft Excel. There were 51 responses (31 parents, 20 adolescents) from across the UK. Most participants were receiving topical treatment, with 8 on systemic therapy. Of those who had experience of face-to-face appointments, 31/42 (73.8%) were ‘satisfied or very satisfied’, compared with 19/46 (41.3%) for telephone, 10/14 (71.4%) for video and 4/10 (40%) for online/mobile messaging. 49 (96.1%) participants reported they would feel ‘happy or very happy’ if their next appointment was face-to-face, compared with 14 (27.5%) for telephone, 14 (27.5%) for video and 6 (11.8%) for online/mobile messaging. 34 (66.7%) participants’ first-choice consultation was face-to-face, followed by 8 (15.7%) preferring a combination of face-to-face and telephone. Many commented that face-to-face was better for assessing the skin. These results, along with a qualitative interview study currently underway, provide an insight into the experiences and preferences of young people and parents regarding eczema follow-up and will help inform a future trial.