Use of Internet social networks in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (strategic telemedicine in the coronary age)

Diagnosis, treatment, and improvement of health care require accurate information available at the right time. Today, wide-ranging developments in the application of telemedicine have begun around the world, from simple medical consultations via cell phone and email to sending radiographs, laboratory results, and even telemedicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using Internet social networks as one of the telemedicine strategies in diagnosing and treating diabetic foot ulcers during coronary artery disease.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted by interviewing and forming a specialized team with four specialists from the Wound and Tissue Healing Center of Tehran Jihad University of Medical Sciences and reviewing 200 patient records of patients referred to the center in May to November 2016. The checklist contains information such as the use, and non-use of Internet social networks in sending wound images, type of service received by the patient, native and non-native of the patient (in Tehran), referral, type of network used (Telegram, WhatsApp) was set. The collected data were analyzed using Spss software version 16. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Likert scale. In the evaluation phase, 100 patients were randomly selected as the sample size (equivalent to half of the patients). Questionnaires were sent by email to 50 patients and were delivered to 50 patients in person, and answers were received. Expert opinions on the effectiveness of this method were also obtained in the interview session.Results: Based on the analysis of this study's results, 80% of the patients referred to the Wound Healing Center used these networks to receive consultations and referrals. Of the 200 cases reviewed in this study, 106 were male, and 94 were female. 32% had used remote counseling by submitting a picture of their wound before the first visit. Also, 75% of patients were natives and residents of Tehran, and 25% were non-natives. 67% of patients responding to the evaluation questionnaire were satisfied with physicians' advice using Telegram and WhatsApp.Conclusion: This study shows the significant role and impact of the Internet and mobile social networks in diagnosing and providing remote counseling for diabetic foot ulcer patients. Raising these patients' awareness about a variety of telemedicine strategies, including social networks during the corona, is emphasized. Strengthening infrastructure and increasing Internet networks' speed to send quality images of wounds are among the points that can be upgraded. The use of Internet social networks during the corona is recommended as a low-cost and accessible method for these patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Telemedicine ، Diabetic foot ulcer ، Internet social networks ، Follow-up.