Internet-Based and Mobile-Based General Practice: Cross-Sectional Survey

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Abstract
Journal of Medical Internet Research - International Scientific Journal for Medical Research, Information and Communication on the Internet #Preprint #PeerReviewMe: Warning: This is a unreviewed preprint. Readers are warned that the document has not been peer-reviewed by expert/patient reviewers or an academic editor, may contain misleading claims, and is likely to undergo changes before final publication, if accepted, or may have been rejected/withdrawn. Readers with interest and expertise are encouraged to sign up as peer-reviewer, if the paper is within an open peer-review period. Please cite this preprint only for review purposes or for grant applications and CVs (if you are the author). Background: As a promising technology for the promotion of quality healthcare, mHealth is increasing in the world. To make full use of the advantages, an increase of internet hospitals established in China. However, there is no study of the service scope and patient satisfaction of the internet hospital yet. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the features of outpatients in general practice clinic of the internet hospital in order to provide the references for general practitioners (GPs) who will work for online clinic. Methods: Data were collected from the internet hospital of the first affiliated hospital, Zhejiang University between February 2016 and February 2017. Patients logon the internet hospital with the computer or mobile phone. The information included patients’ characteristics and the information of diseases. Results: There were totally 715 visits. According to the system classification, the former five ones were musculoskeletal system (12.73%), the digestive system (11.33%), the reproductive system (9.23%), urinary tract (7.69%) and the endocrine system (6.58%). According to the management, 451 patients (63.08%) should visit the offline clinic, 181 patients (25.31%) had received medication or test appointment, 9 people (1.26%) should use emergency department, and 74 people (10.35%) need supportive counseling. All patients received the corresponding health education. According to the diagnosis, 563 patients (78.74%) are diagnosed, while 152 individuals (21.26%) are medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS). Conclusions: Internet- and mobile-based online practice is feasible and convenient for patients with high satisfaction. Patients with chronic disease, health consultation and health education are suitable for internet hospital.

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