CO₂ emissions, costs, and satisfaction in telemedicine versus face‐to‐face follow‐up of pediatric celiac disease
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: emissions, costs, and satisfaction associated with TM versus face-to-face (FTF) visits for follow-up of pediatric patients with celiac disease (CeD). METHODS: CeD patients (2-16 years), attending follow-up visits, were invited to choose between FTF or TM visits via Google Meet. Data on carbon footprint, cost, usability, and satisfaction (telehealth usability questionnaire [TUQ]), and dietary adherence (celiac dietary adherence test [CDAT]) were collected using Google Forms. RESULTS: Between March 2023 and November 2024, 300 patients were invited and 131 included (58 TM, 73 FTF). Baseline characteristics were similar (gender, age, and respondent). CDAT scores were comparable (p = 0.9). Compared to FTF, TM visits were shorter (30 vs. 75 min), with lower CO₂ emissions (0.08 vs. 24.00 kg), fewer lost workdays (18.9% vs. 81.1%), and reduced costs (€0.55 vs. €15.7; all p < 0.001); satisfaction was high except for "reliability" (median score: 16). CONCLUSIONS: TM is a sustainable alternative for CeD follow-up, reducing CO₂ emissions, costs, and time. High satisfaction supports broader TM implementation in line with environmental goals.
DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.70302
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4417486489