Table 1_Caregiver perceptions of telemedicine in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: a nationwide Spanish survey.docx

Logistical benefits (time saving, reduced travel) were highly valued (77% satisfied), whereas perceived clinical benefit for the patient was low. Rehabilitative therapies (speech, occupational) showed stronger preference for in-person format (>50%). In clinical trials (prior participation 41%), telemedicine was seen as improving comfort and accessibility but was limited by absence of physical examination (24%) and personal interaction.</p>Discussion<p>Among caregivers of patients with DEEs, telemedicine was valued for its logistical benefits but not considered clinically equivalent, particularly for rehabilitative therapies and physical examination.

These results should be interpreted cautiously, as telemedicine use in our sample relied predominantly on telephone and email, with very limited adoption of videoconferencing, the standard modality in neurological telemedicine, which restricts conclusions about its clinical equivalence. Tailored hybrid models preserving in-person high-complexity care and improved digital strategies are needed to address caregiver expectations and service-specific requirements.

Findings should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory.</p>