Telemedicine follow-up after pediatric esophageal atresia repair: parental satisfaction and safety outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate parental satisfaction with telemedicine follow-up after EA repair and identify key technical and clinical predictors of high satisfaction.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey of 151 parent-child dyads who received telemedicine follow-up (video or telephone) within 30 days after EA repair between April 2022 and April 2025. Satisfaction was measured using an adapted Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ), and multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of high satisfaction (TUQ ≥ 4.0). Secondary outcomes included technical difficulties, unscheduled in-person clinic visits, emergency department presentations, and perceived reduction in healthcare burden.

RESULTS

Mean TUQ satisfaction score was 4.28 ± 0.51, with 78.0% reporting high satisfaction. Video consultations (adjusted OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.39-5.41, p = 0.003) and absence of technical problems (adjusted OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.42-6.87, p = 0.004) were independent predictors of high satisfaction. Safety outcomes were favourable: 11.3% required unscheduled in-person visits and 6.0% presented to emergency departments within 30 days, with no significant differences between video and telephone consultations.

CONCLUSION

Telemedicine follow-up after EA repair is associated with high parental satisfaction and acceptable short-term safety. Video capability and technical reliability are primary drivers of satisfaction.