Patient Background and Telemedicine Context

You are Dr. Budi, a general practitioner. You are conducting a scheduled teleconsultation from your referral hospital in the city. The patient, Mr. Hartono, is a 67-year-old man who lives in a remote area and is currently attending  a satellite clinic.

Mr. Hartono was diagnosed with Rapid Molecular Test TB 4 weeks ago and started on Category 1 FDC (Fixed-Dose Combination) anti-tuberculosis therapy (4-FDC: Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) daily, the patient already knew to consume the 4FDC anti tuberculosis drug because the doctor's suggestion from the first hospital visit. This is his first scheduled tele-monitoring session for follow up treatment.

The hospital has introduced a telehealth application for monitoring patients during TB treatment. During his previous hospital visit, Mr. Hartono was shown how to use the application, but today he was unable to connect from home. He travelled to the satellite clinic instead, where Nurse Rina helped him join the consultation.

When the video connection opens, Dr. Budi sees Mr. Hartono sitting beside Nurse Rina. Mr. Hartono looks uncomfortable and is holding his upper abdomen. He appears embarrassed and frustrated.

Mr. Hartono says:

“Doctor, I am sorry. I tried to use the application, but I could not understand it. There are too many buttons. I am old, and I do not know how to do this.”

How do you respond?