Validation of the Italian-Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire in inflammatory bowel disease patients in Italy

Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino). 2025 Sep;71(3):181-193. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5985.25.03957-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is increasingly used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), improving access to specialized care. Assessing patient satisfaction is crucial to optimize telemedicine services. The Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ) is widely adopted, but its cross-cultural validity requires evaluation. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Italian version of the TSQ (I-TSQ) for IBD care.

METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at two IBD centers in Italy between June and October 2024. The TSQ was translated and culturally adapted following international guidelines, including forward-backward translation and pilot testing. Structural validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA). Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Participants completed the I-TSQ after telemedicine consultations via an online platform.

RESULTS: A total of 180 patients participated. Factor analyses supported a three-factor model: Quality of Care, similarity to Face-to-Face Encounters, and Perception of Interaction. CFA confirmed a good model fit (χ²<inf>(62)=</inf>212.547, P=0.183; CFI=0.926; RMSEA=0.047; SRMR=0.097). Internal consistency was good (McDonald Omega = 0.88). Most patients (80%) reported that telemedicine positively impacted their disease management, and 87% found technology access easy or very easy.

CONCLUSIONS: The Italian version of the TSQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing satisfaction with telemedicine in IBD care. Its use may support the integration of telemedicine into hybrid, patient-centered care models.

PMID:41190919 | DOI:10.23736/S2724-5985.25.03957-9