Satisfaction Level of the Oral Medicine Patients Using Teledentistry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Factor Analysis

J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2021 Jul 30;11(4):414-420. doi: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_72_21. eCollection 2021 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this article is to describe oral medicine patients' satisfaction level with teledentistry services during COVID-19 pandemic by a factor analysis.

Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oral Medicine Clinic in 31 patients who used teledentistry services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic under informed consent. Questionnaire modification was validated with the Rasch model analysis and components that contribute to satisfaction were analyzed by the factor analysis. A total of satisfaction scores were then categorized into five levels (very dissatisfied; not satisfied; moderate; satisfied and very satisfied).

Results: The questionnaire shows Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 and a reliability item of 0.95 with a separation of 4.49. The factor analysis shows two components that contribute to satisfaction, namely, components convenience and communication. One hundred percent of the subjects were in the satisfied and very satisfied categories.

Discussion: The Rasch model can determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire used more accurately. The components of convenience and communication are the main things that are considered when patients choose teledentistry services.

Conclusion: Oral medicine patients' satisfaction level with teledentistry services during the COVID-19 pandemic was 100% in the satisfied and very satisfied categories, with contributing factors being convenience and communication.

Keywords: COVID-19; factor analysis; patient satisfaction; teledentistry.