A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study of Telemedicine Delivered via iPads in Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND: We investigated the feasibility and safety of a video-based telemedicine system, delivered via a tablet, in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: In a randomized, crossover, open-label pilot trial, we compared a telemedicine period (regular visits every two months with intermediate video calls via an iPad mini) with a control period (regular visits every two months), both lasting 6 months. We included 10 patients diagnosed with PD according to the British Brain Bank criteria, aged 20–75 years. The primary outcome was the PD questionnaire summary index (PDQ-39 SI). Secondary outcomes included the Hoehn and Yahr Stage and scores on the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) part I–IV, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analog scale for satisfaction. RESULTS: Both study periods were completed by 10 patients with PD. Friedman's test revealed that there were no significant differences between the two periods in primary and secondary outcomes (p > 0.05). With respect to visual analog scale scores for satisfaction, participants indicated high satisfaction with the telemedicine system. The number of extra hospital visits and phone calls did not differ between the periods. There were no adverse events or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that a telemedicine system delivered via a tablet could successfully be used by patients as a part of their care. Further studies investigating the use of telemedicine to replace in-person visits are warranted. This trial is registered with UMIN000015536.