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Gill G, Zankar S, Goulet D, Liddy C, Afkham A, Keely E. Characterizing Types of Diabetes Clinical Questions and Answers Provided via eConsults. Can J Diabetes 2024; 48:269-272. [PMID: 38290662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gurleen Gill
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Zankar
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danica Goulet
- Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amir Afkham
- Ontario Health East, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Nabelsi V, Lévesque-Chouinard A. Successful Electronic Consultation Service Initiative in Quebec, Canada With Primary Care Physicians' and Specialists' Experiences on Acceptance and Use of Technological Innovation: Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e52921. [PMID: 38814689 PMCID: PMC11176886 DOI: 10.2196/52921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic consultation (eConsult) is an eHealth service that allows primary care providers (PCPs) to electronically consult specialists regarding their patients' medical issues. Many studies have demonstrated that eConsult services improve timely access to specialist care; prevent unnecessary referrals; improve PCPs', specialists', and patients' satisfaction; and therefore have a large impact on costs. However, no studies have evaluated PCPs' and specialists' acceptance of eConsult services in Quebec, Canada, and worldwide. OBJECTIVE This exploratory study aims to identify factors affecting eConsult service acceptance by PCPs and specialists in urban and rural primary care clinics across 3 regions in the province of Quebec, Canada, by integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Task-Technology Fit (TTF) models and user satisfaction. This research was designed to broaden and assist in scaling up this effective eHealth service innovation across the province. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey was sent to all PCPs (n=263) and specialists (n=62) who used the eConsult Quebec Service between July 2017 and May 2021. We proposed a unified model integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model and TTF model and user satisfaction by endorsing 11 hypotheses. The partial least squares was used to investigate factors influencing the acceptance of the eConsult Quebec Service. RESULTS Of the 325 end users, 136 (41.8%) users responded (PCPs: 101/263, 38.4%; specialists: 35/62, 57%). The results of the analysis with partial least squares method indicate that 9 of our 11 hypotheses are supported. The direct relationships uniting the various constructs of the model highlighted the importance of several key constructs and predominant correlations. The results suggest that satisfaction is the key driver behind the use of the eConsult Quebec Service. Performance expectancy (P<.001) and effort expectancy (P=.03) can have a positive impact on behavioral intention (BI), and BI (P<.001) can impact adoption. TTF has an influence on performance expectancy (P<.001), adoption (P=.02), and satisfaction (P<.001). However, the results show that there is no direct effect between social influence (P=.38) and BI or between facilitating conditions (P=.17) and adoption. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a better understanding of the factors influencing PCPs' and specialists' intention to adopt the eConsult Quebec Service. Furthermore, this study tests a research model and a technology that have never been explored in Quebec until now. On the basis of the results, the service is a good fit to meet the users' need to improve access to specialized medical advice. Therefore, the results of our study have made a valuable contribution to the implementation of the service by policy makers in order to maximize acceptance, use, adoption, and success across the province of Quebec. Moreover, after 4 successful years, the eConsult Quebec pilot project is now the Conseil Numérique digital consultation service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Nabelsi
- Department of Administrative Sciences, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Annabelle Lévesque-Chouinard
- GMF-U de la Haute-Ville du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et des services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Sainte-Foy, QC, Canada
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Seven NA, Truitt KA, Dierkhising RA, Young NP. Electronic Consultations in a Community Neurology Practice: A Retrospective Study Informing Best Practice. Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2024; 8:17-27. [PMID: 38186924 PMCID: PMC10767252 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe our practice of electronic consultations (e-consults) and assess safety and risk factors for subsequent face-to-face consultations. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study of all e-consults completed in a community neurology practice between May 5, 2018, and June 31, 2019, was completed. Clinical and demographic variables were compared between the successful and unsuccessful (defined by presence of subsequent face-to-face consultation) cohorts. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox regression model. Kaplan-Meier probability analysis (with 95% CIs) of subsequent face-to-face consultation was performed. Case examples highlighting potential harm were summarized. Results In total, 302 e-consults were reviewed. The most frequent referrals were for headache (n=125, 41.4%), dysesthesia (n=40, 13.2%), and abnormal imaging finding (n=27, 8.9%). The most common e-consult questions were for treatment (57.6%) and diagnostic evaluation (48.0%) recommendations. Moreover, 24.8% (n=75) of e-consults were followed by face-to-face consultations, with primary risk factors including female sex (HR, 1.9), referral for headache (HR, 1.7), and final diagnosis of migraine (HR, 2.0) or long-term migraine (HR, 5.0). Potential harm related to delayed diagnosis/treatment was identified in 6 (2.0%) patients with migraine and 4 (1.3%) without migraine presenting to emergency department. Conclusion Utilization of e-consults may safely improve access to neurologic expertise and prevent the need for some visits, which may have required a face-to-face visit. In patients with chronic migraine, e-consults should be considered short-term and followed by face-to-face consultation as soon as access allows. Neurologists performing e-consults should be able to triage patients to face-to-face consultation, particularly when diagnosis is uncertain or the neurologic examination may help guide appropriate testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ross A. Dierkhising
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Sequeira GM, Asante PG, Bocek K, Kahn NF, Sethness JL, Hodax JK, Kidd KM, Pratt W, Christakis DA, Richardson LP. Evaluating an Electronic Consultation Platform to Support Pediatric Primary Care Providers in Caring for Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:595-600. [PMID: 37624647 PMCID: PMC10877380 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: An electronic consultation (e-consult) platform was implemented to support pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) in providing gender-affirming care to transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adolescents. Following implementation, a study was conducted to (1) explore how access to this e-consult platform impacts PCP confidence and referral patterns, (2) describe the content of questions, and (3) evaluate PCP's perspectives regarding platform usability. Methods: Following each submission, providers completed a 17-item survey. A total of 20 providers submitted 38 e-consults and 26 follow-up surveys between October 2021 and December 2022. Results: All PCPs reported a high overall value and increased confidence caring for TNB adolescents. Nearly one in five (19%) felt it allowed them to avoid submitting a specialty referral. Mean System Usability Scale score was 78.2 indicating good usability. Conclusion: This e-consult platform shows great promise in increasing PCP confidence providing gender-affirming care adolescents. More widespread utilization could help improve access to care and decrease specialty care referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M. Sequeira
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peter G. Asante
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin Bocek
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Janis L. Sethness
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Juanita K. Hodax
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kacie M. Kidd
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Wanda Pratt
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dimitri A. Christakis
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laura P. Richardson
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Karunananthan S, Bonacci G, Fung C, Huang A, Robert B, McCutcheon T, Houghton D, Hakimjavadi R, Keely E, Liddy C. What do primary care providers want to know when caring for patients living with frailty? An analysis of eConsult communications between primary care providers and specialists. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:76. [PMID: 38225619 PMCID: PMC10790473 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a complex condition that primary care providers (PCPs) are managing in increasing numbers, yet there is no clear guidance or training for frailty care. OBJECTIVES The present study examined eConsult questions PCPs asked specialists about patients with frailty, the specialists' responses, and the impact of eConsult on the care of these patients. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING ChamplainBASE™ eConsult located in Eastern Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Sixty one eConsult cases closed by PCPs in 2019 that use the terms "frail" or "frailty" to describe patients 65 years of age or older. MEASUREMENTS The Taxonomy of Generic Clinical Questions (TGCQ) was used to classify PCP questions and the International Classification for Primary Care 3 (ICPC-3) was used to classify the clinical content of each eConsult. The impact of eConsult on patient care was measured by PCP responses to a mandatory survey. RESULTS PCPs most frequently directed their questions to cardiology (n = 7; 11%), gastroenterology (n = 7; 11%), and endocrinology (n = 6; 10%). Specialist answers most often pertained to medications (n = 63, 46%), recommendations for clinical investigation (n = 24, 17%), and diagnoses (n = 22, 16%). Specialist responses resulted in PCPs avoiding referral in 57% (n = 35) of cases whereas referrals were still required in 15% (n = 9) of cases. Specialists responded to eConsults in a median 1.11 days (IQR = 0.3-4.7), and 95% (n = 58) of cases received a response within 7 days. Specialists recorded a median of 15 min to respond (IQR = 10-20), with a median cost of $50.00 CAD (IQR = 33.33 - 66.66) per eConsult. CONCLUSIONS Through the analysis of questions and responses submitted to eConsult, this study provides novel information on PCP knowledge gaps and approaches to care for patients living with frailty. Furthermore, these analyses provide evidence that eConsult is a feasible and valuable tool for improving care for patients with frailty in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathya Karunananthan
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Ave #516F, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Celeste Fung
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- St Patrick's Home of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Allen Huang
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Benoit Robert
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Perley Health Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tess McCutcheon
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Deanne Houghton
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ramtin Hakimjavadi
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Breton M, Smithman MA, Lamoureux-Lamarche C, Keely E, Farrell G, Singer A, Dumas Pilon M, Bush PL, Nabelsi V, Gaboury I, Gagnon MP, Steele Gray C, Hudon C, Aubrey-Bassler K, Visca R, Côté-Boileau É, Gagnon J, Deslauriers V, Liddy C. Strategies used throughout the scaling-up process of eConsult - Multiple case study of four Canadian Provinces. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2023; 100:102329. [PMID: 37329836 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND eConsult is a model of asynchronous communication connecting primary care providers to specialists to discuss patient care. This study aims to analyze the scaling-up process and identify strategies used to support scaling-up efforts in four provinces in Canada. METHODS We conducted a multiple case study with four cases (ON, QC, MB, NL). Data collection methods included document review (n = 93), meeting observations (n = 65) and semi-structured interviews (n = 40). Each case was analyzed based on Milat's framework. RESULTS The first scaling-up phase was marked by the rigorous evaluation of eConsult pilot projects and the publication of over 90 scientific papers. In the second phase, provinces implemented provincial multi-stakeholder committees, institutionalized the evaluation, and produced documents detailing the scaling-up plan. During the third phase, efforts were made to lead proofs of concept, obtain the endorsement of national and provincial organizations, and mobilize alternate sources of funding. The last phase was mainly observed in Ontario, where the creation of a provincial governance structure and strategies were put in place to monitor the service and manage changes. CONCLUSIONS Various strategies need to be used throughout the scaling-up process. The process remains challenging and lengthy because health systems lack clear processes to support innovation scaling-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylaine Breton
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil Campus, Longueuil, QC, Canada.
| | - Mélanie Ann Smithman
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil Campus, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | | | - Erin Keely
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gerard Farrell
- Department of Family Medicine, Memorial University, St-John, NFL, Canada
| | - Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Maxine Dumas Pilon
- Collège Québécois des Médecins de Famille, Family Medicine Center, St-Mary's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Paula Louise Bush
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Nabelsi
- Département des sciences administratives, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gaboury
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil Campus, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | | | - Carolyn Steele Gray
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum, Research Institute, Sinai Health System, University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Hudon
- Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Regina Visca
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Élizabeth Côté-Boileau
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil Campus, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Justin Gagnon
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Deslauriers
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil Campus, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Breton M, Lamoureux-Lamarche C, Smithman MA, Keely E, Pilon MD, Singer A, Farrell G, Bush PL, Hudon C, Cooper L, Nabelsi V, Côté-Boileau É, Gagnon J, Gaboury I, Gray CS, Gagnon MP, Visca R, Liddy C. Scaling-Up eConsult: Promising Strategies to Address Enabling Factors in Four Jurisdictions in Canada. Int J Health Policy Manag 2023; 12:7203. [PMID: 38618827 PMCID: PMC10590220 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.7203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective healthcare innovations are often not scaled up beyond their initial local context. Lack of practical knowledge on how to move from local innovations to large-system improvement hinders innovation and learning capacity in health systems. Studying scale-up processes can lead to a better understanding of how to facilitate the scale-up of interventions. eConsult is a digital health innovation that aims to connect primary care professionals with specialists through an asynchronous electronic consultation. The recent implementation of eConsult in the public health systems of four Canadian jurisdictions provides a unique opportunity to identify different enabling strategies and related factors that promote the scaling up of eConsult across jurisdictions. METHODS We conducted a narrative case study in four Canadian provinces, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Newfoundland & Labrador, over a 3-year period (2018-2021). We observed provincial eConsult committee meetings (n=65) and national eConsult forums (n=3), and we reviewed internal documents (n=93). We conducted semi-structured interviews with key actors in each jurisdiction (eg, researchers, primary care professionals, specialists, policy-makers, and patient partners) (n=40). We conducted thematic analysis guided by the literature on factors and strategies used to scale up innovations. RESULTS We identified a total of 31 strategies related to six key enabling factors to scaling up eConsult, including: (1) multi-actor engagement; (2) relative advantage; (3) knowledge transfer; (4) strong evidence base; (5) physician leadership; and (6) resource acquisition (eg, human, material, and financial resources). More commonly used strategies, such as leveraging research infrastructure and bringing together various actors, were used to address multiple enabling factors. CONCLUSION Actors used various strategies to scale up eConsult within their respective contexts, and these helped address six key factors that seemed to be essential to the scale-up of eConsult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylaine Breton
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mélanie Ann Smithman
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Maxine Dumas Pilon
- Collège québécois des médecins de famille, Family Medicine Center, St-Mary’s Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MN, Canada
| | - Gerard Farrell
- Department of Family Medicine, Memorial University, St. John, NL, Canada
| | - Paula Louise Bush
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Hudon
- Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Lynn Cooper
- Canadian Injured Workers Alliance, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Véronique Nabelsi
- Département des sciences administratives, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | | | - Justin Gagnon
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gaboury
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Carolyn Steele Gray
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum, Research Institute, Sinai Health System, University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Regina Visca
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Sequeira GM, Kahn NF, Ricklefs C, Collin A, Asante PG, Pratt W, Christakis D, Richardson LP. Barriers Pediatric PCP's Identify To Providing Gender-Affirming Care For Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:367-374. [PMID: 37294258 PMCID: PMC10802986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Both affirming environments and access to gender-affirming medical care have a positive impact on the mental health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth, however, many TGD youth experience barriers in accessing this care. Pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) can play an important role in expanding access to gender-affirming care for TGD youth; however, few currently provide this care. The purpose of this study was to explore pediatric PCPs' perspectives regarding barriers they experience to providing gender-affirming care in the primary care setting. METHODS Pediatric PCPs who had sought out support from the Seattle Children's Gender Clinic were recruited via email to participate in semistructured, one-hour Zoom interviews. All interviews were transcribed and then subsequently analyzed in Dedoose qualitative analysis software using a reflexive thematic analysis framework. RESULTS Provider participants (n = 15) represented a wide range of experiences with respect to years in practice, number of TGD youth seen, and practice location (urban, rural, suburban). PCPs identified both health system and community-level barriers to providing gender-affirming care to TGD youth. Health system-level barriers included: (1) lack of foundational knowledge and skills, (2) limited clinical decision-making support, and (3) health system design limitations. Community-level barriers included (1) community and institutional biases, (2) provider attitudes regarding gender-affirming care provision, and (3) challenges identifying community resources to support TGD youth. DISCUSSION A multitude of health system and community-level barriers must be overcome in the pediatric primary care setting to ensure that TGD youth receive timely, effective, and more equitable gender-affirming care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Nicole F Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Colbey Ricklefs
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Arin Collin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Peter G Asante
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Wanda Pratt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Dimitri Christakis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Laura P Richardson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
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Taylor DM, Nimmo AM, Caskey FJ, Johnson R, Pippias M, Melendez-Torres G. Complex Interventions Across Primary and Secondary Care to Optimize Population Kidney Health: A Systematic Review and Realist Synthesis to Understand Contexts, Mechanisms, and Outcomes. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 18:563-572. [PMID: 36888919 PMCID: PMC10278806 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.0000000000000136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CKD affects 850 million people worldwide and is associated with high risk of kidney failure and death. Existing, evidence-based treatments are not implemented in at least a third of eligible patients, and there is socioeconomic inequity in access to care. While interventions aiming to improve delivery of evidence-based care exist, these are often complex, with intervention mechanisms acting and interacting in specific contexts to achieve desired outcomes. METHODS We undertook realist synthesis to develop a model of these context-mechanism-outcome interactions. We included references from two existing systematic reviews and from database searches. Six reviewers produced a long list of study context-mechanism-outcome configurations based on review of individual studies. During group sessions, these were synthesized to produce an integrated model of intervention mechanisms, how they act and interact to deliver desired outcomes, and in which contexts these mechanisms work. RESULTS Searches identified 3371 relevant studies, of which 60 were included, most from North America and Europe. Key intervention components included automated detection of higher-risk cases in primary care with management advice to general practitioners, educational support, and non-patient-facing nephrologist review. Where successful, these components promote clinician learning during the process of managing patients with CKD, promote clinician motivation to take steps toward evidence-based CKD management, and integrate dynamically with existing workflows. These mechanisms have the potential to result in improved population kidney disease outcomes and cardiovascular outcomes in supportive contexts (organizational buy-in, compatibility of interventions, geographical considerations). However, patient perspectives were unavailable and therefore did not contribute to our findings. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and realist synthesis describes how complex interventions work to improve delivery of CKD care, providing a framework within which future interventions can be developed. Included studies provided insight into the functioning of these interventions, but patient perspectives were lacking in available literature. PODCAST This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2023_05_08_CJN0000000000000136.mp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic M. Taylor
- Renal Service, North Bristol NHS Trust, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ailish M. Nimmo
- Renal Service, North Bristol NHS Trust, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Fergus J. Caskey
- Renal Service, North Bristol NHS Trust, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Johnson
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Pippias
- Renal Service, North Bristol NHS Trust, United Kingdom
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
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10
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Singer A, Ireland L, Sepehri Z, Brown K, Turner K, Liddy C, Keely E, Oppenheimer L. Evaluation of BASE eConsult Manitoba: patient perspectives on the use of electronic consultation to improve access to specialty advice in Manitoba. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:131. [PMID: 36755243 PMCID: PMC9909129 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of waiting to access specialist expertise may contribute to poorer health outcomes and causes distress for patients and providers. One solution to improve access to specialist care is to use innovative tools such as remote asynchronous electronic consultation (eConsult). Modeled after the Champlain BASE™ (Building Access to Specialist Advice) eConsult service, BASE™ eConsult Manitoba was launched in 2017 to help address long waits for patients to access specialist advice. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate patients' experiences after obtaining a BASE™ eConsult Manitoba service in their primary care setting. METHODS Patients whose Primary Care Providers (PCPs) used BASE™ eConsult as part of their care were asked to participate and complete a telephone-based or online 29-question survey between January 2021 and October 2021. The survey questions were created in consultation with patient partners and based on questions asked in studies done in other jurisdictions. RESULTS Of the 36 patients who chose to participate, 29 completed the entire survey (80%). Two-thirds (n = 22) agreed that eConsult has been helpful in their situation, and over 80% (n = 24) of participants agreed that eConsult was an acceptable way to access specialist care. During the visit when their PCP sent the eConsult, 7 patients were expecting to be referred to a specialist for a face-to-face consultation. Over half of all respondents (n = 15) reported that before the eConsult occurred, their PCP asked them what questions they wanted to be answered by the specialist. Almost all of these respondents' questions were fully answered by the eConsult. All of the respondents were satisfied with the experience of receiving an eConsult. CONCLUSION Using eConsult is an acceptable way to improve access to specialist advice from patients' perspectives. Consideration should be given to expanding the use of eConsult services to improve access to specialist expertise for PCPs and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, D009-780 Bannatyne Ave., MB, Winnipeg, R3E 0W2, Canada.
| | - Laurie Ireland
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, D009-780 Bannatyne Ave., MB Winnipeg, R3E 0W2 Canada ,grid.422680.aNine Circles Community Health Centre, 705 Broadway Ave. , Winnipeg, MB R3G 0X2 Canada
| | - Zahra Sepehri
- grid.444944.d0000 0004 0384 898XDepartment of Internal Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, P219 – 780 Bannatyne Ave, MB Winnipeg, R3E 0W2 Canada
| | | | - Kevin Turner
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609eConsult Centre of Excellence, University of Manitoba Alumni, Winnipeg, MB R33 0W2 Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- grid.418792.10000 0000 9064 33337 C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada ,grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada ,grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada ,grid.412687.e0000 0000 9606 5108Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Luis Oppenheimer
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, MB Canada
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11
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Sequeira GM, Kahn NF, Bocek KM, Shafii T, Asante PG, Christakis DA, Pratt W, Richardson LP. Pediatric Primary Care Providers' Perspectives on Telehealth Platforms to Support Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youths: Exploratory Qualitative Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e39118. [PMID: 36719714 PMCID: PMC9929719 DOI: 10.2196/39118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to gender-affirming care services for transgender and gender-diverse youths is limited, in part because this care is currently provided primarily by specialists. Telehealth platforms that enable primary care providers (PCPs) to receive education from and consult specialists may help improve the access to such services. However, little is known about PCPs' preferences regarding receiving this support. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore pediatric PCPs' perspectives regarding optimal ways to provide telehealth-based support to facilitate gender-affirming care provision in the primary care setting. METHODS PCPs who had previously requested support from the Seattle Children's Gender Clinic were recruited to participate in semistructured, 1-hour web-based interviews. Overall, 3 specialist-to-PCP telehealth modalities (tele-education, electronic consultation, and telephonic consultation) were described, and the participants were invited to share their perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of each modality, which modality would be the most effective, and the most important characteristics or outcomes of a successful platform. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis framework. RESULTS The interviews were completed with 15 pediatric PCPs. The benefits of the tele-education platform were developing a network with other PCPs to facilitate shared learning, receiving comprehensive didactic and case-based education, having scheduled education sessions, and increasing provider confidence. The drawbacks were requiring a substantial time commitment and not allowing for real-time, patient-specific consultation. The benefits of the electronic consultation platform were convenient and efficient communication, documentation in the electronic health record, the ability to bill for provider time, and sufficient time to synthesize information. The drawbacks of this platform were electronic health record-related difficulties, text-based communication challenges, inability to receive an answer in real time, forced conversations with patients about billing, and limitations for providers who lack baseline knowledge. With respect to telephonic consultation, the benefits were having a dialogue with a specialist, receiving compensation for PCP's time, and helping with high acuity or complex cases. The drawbacks were challenges associated with using the phone for communication, the limited expertise of the responding providers, and the lack of utility for nonemergent issues. Regarding the most effective platform, the responses were mixed, with 27% (4/15) preferring the electronic consultation, 27% (4/15) preferring tele-education, 20% (3/15) preferring telephonic consultation, and the remaining 27% (4/15) suggesting a hybrid of the 3 models. CONCLUSIONS A diverse suite of telehealth-based training and consultation services must be developed to meet the needs of PCPs with different levels of experience and training in gender-affirming care. Beyond the widely used telephonic consultation model, electronic consultation and tele-education may provide important alternative training and consultation opportunities to facilitate greater PCP independence and promote wider access to gender-affirming care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Sequeira
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicole F Kahn
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kevin M Bocek
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Taraneh Shafii
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Peter G Asante
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Wanda Pratt
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Laura P Richardson
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Job J, Nicholson C, Calleja Z, Jackson C, Donald M. Implementing a general practitioner-to-general physician eConsult service (eConsultant) in Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1278. [PMID: 36280832 PMCID: PMC9589630 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08663-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In response to lengthy wait times for specialist outpatient appointments, electronic consultation (eConsult) services have developed globally, providing asynchronous, secure and timely communication between general practitioner (GP) and specialist. This study aims to track adoption of a Queensland eConsultant service in two Australian Primary Health Networks (Western Queensland and Brisbane South) to understand key barriers and enablers to adoption and inform modification of the implementation strategy. Methods Our theory-informed mixed-methods evaluation assessed implementation between July 2020 and March 2022. Adoption and implementation activities were prospectively recorded in bespoke tracking spreadsheets with implementation activities coded against the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) strategies. Semi-structured interviews with GPs and stakeholders informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were conducted to understand determinants of implementation. Results Of the 40 practices invited to take part in the eConsultant service, 20 (50%) enrolled. Of the 97 GPs who consented, 38 sent at least one Request for Advice (RFA) to the eConsultant with a total of 112 RFA sent. Implementation was predominantly guided by eight strategies. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 GPs and 4 stakeholders (12 from rural/remote regions, 11 females and two sole practitioners). Interviewees felt the eConsultant service supported outpatient appointment avoidance and provided efficient, timely access to specialist support for GPs and their patients. Barriers identified to using eConsultant related to digital infrastructure, competing priorities, and keeping the service ‘front of mind’. Key enablers identified were the relative advantage of eConsultant over other options, patient benefits and COVD-19 facilitating the use of digital technology. Conclusions This evaluation highlighted service enablers as well as user priorities for broader implementation. A focus on a well-integrated digital system and availability of a variety of eConsultant specialties are seen as key strategies to embedding the eConsultant option in GP advice processes in Australia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08663-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Job
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ-MRI Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia
| | - Caroline Nicholson
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ-MRI Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia ,Integrated Care and Innovation Translation, Mater Misericordiae Ltd, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zoe Calleja
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ-MRI Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia
| | - Claire Jackson
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ-MRI Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Primary Care Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maria Donald
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ-MRI Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Level 8, Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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13
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O'Neill LB, Bhansali P, Rush M, Stokes S, Todd S, Shah NH. Development and Implementation of a Peer Curbside Consult Service for Pediatric Hospitalists. Hosp Pediatr 2022; 12:e330-e338. [PMID: 36097876 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2021-006348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the development and implementation of a Peer Curbside Consult Service (PCCS) for a pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) division. METHODS We developed a pilot intervention with hospitalists at a freestanding children's hospital to provide peer consultation services for challenging clinical cases. Postconsultation surveys collected from both the requesting and consulting hospitalists provided feedback about the program. The 12-point Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist is used to describe the process for program creation and implementation. RESULTS The PCCS has provided 60 consultations in the first 2 years since implementation in April 2020 and supports a large PHM division with >75 members who practice at a tertiary care, freestanding children's hospital and 7 affiliate sites. Hospitalists request peer consultation for challenging clinical cases. The consultations were typically conducted in person or via telephone. Currently, 11 PHM faculty members within the division volunteer as consultants, with 2 assigned per week. Electronic postconsultation experience surveys were received from 70% of requesting and 89% of consultant hospitalists. We also provide preliminary data from this pilot intervention in the Supplemental Information. CONCLUSIONS We successfully established a peer consult service that provided just-in-time clinical decision support across the various practice sites. Through transparent reporting using the TIDieR checklist, other divisions may be able to replicate and adapt their own peer consult program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B O'Neill
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Priti Bhansali
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Margaret Rush
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Stacey Stokes
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Stephanie Todd
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Neha H Shah
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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Doshmangir L, Doshmangir P, Beyrami HJ, Alizadeh G, Gordeev VS. Policy options to reduce patient visits in specialized service centers: A case study in speciality and subspeciality clinics in Iran. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Doshmangir
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management & Medical Informatics Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Hossein Jabbari Beyrami
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Gisoo Alizadeh
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, School of Management & Medical Informatics Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
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Liddy C, Mitchell R, Guglani S, Mihan A, Sethuram C, Miville A, Keely E. The Provincial Spread and Scale of the Ontario eConsult Service: Evaluation of the First 2 Years. Ann Fam Med 2022; 20:262-265. [PMID: 35606133 PMCID: PMC9199054 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports on a multimethod cross-sectional study of the Ontario electronic consultation (eConsult) service. Utilization and closeout survey data from July 2018 through June 2020 were analyzed using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Requesting clinicians submitted 60,474 eConsults, and monthly cases increased from 1,487 in July 2018 to 4,179 in June 2020. The median specialist response time was 1 day. An originally contemplated referral was avoided in 51% of cases. Ontario eConsult showed successful uptake across Ontario, demonstrating continued spread and scale, and offering a template for trailblazers looking to implement digital health innovations in their own jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada .,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rhea Mitchell
- eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheena Guglani
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariana Mihan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claire Sethuram
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Miville
- eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Pego-Reigosa JM, Peña-Gil C, Rodríguez-Lorenzo D, Altabás-González I, Pérez-Gómez N, Guzmán-Castro JH, Varela-Gestoso R, Díaz-Lambarri R, González-Carreró-López A, Míguez-Senra O, Bóveda-Fontán J, Charle-Crespo Á, Caramés-Casal FJ, Barbazán-Álvarez C, Hernández-Rodríguez Í, Maceiras-Pan F, Rodríguez-López M, Melero-González R, Rodríguez-Fernández JB. Analysis of the implementation of an innovative IT solution to improve waiting times, communication with primary care and efficiency in Rheumatology. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:60. [PMID: 35022061 PMCID: PMC8754366 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe in detail an innovative program based on telemedicine for semi-automated prioritization of referrals from Primary Care (PC) to Rheumatology, for reproducibility purposes, and to present the results of the implementation study. METHODS The context and situation were carefully analyzed, paying attention to all processes in place, referral numbers, waiting times, and number of complementary tests prior to discharge from Rheumatology. The composition of the team, aims, users, scope, and implementation phases were defined. Eight process indicators were established and measured before and 32 months after the program implementation. RESULTS The program, which includes IT circuits, algorithms based on response to specific guideline-based checklists, e-consultation, and appointments based on priority, was fully implemented in our health area after a pilot study in two PC centers. After implementation, 6185 rheumatology referrals showed an e-consultation response delay of 8.95 days, and to first face-to-face visit (after e-consultation) of 12.6 (previous delay before program implementation was 83.1 days). Resolution by e-consultation reached 20% (1195 patients did not need seeing the rheumatologist to have the problem solved), and 1369 patients (32%) were discharged after the first visit. The overall resolution rate was 44.0% (2564 discharges/5830 e-consultations). From a random sample of 100 visits, only 10% of patients needed additional complementary tests to make a diagnosis and decision by Rheumatology (20.9% decrease from previous period). CONCLUSION A careful analysis of the situation and processes, with implementation of simple IT circuits, allows for the improvement of the efficiency and resolution of problems in Rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Pego-Reigosa
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
- IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases) Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Peña-Gil
- Cardiology Department, Santiago de Compostela Health Area, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Service of Research, Education, and Innovation, Galician Health Service, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Irene Altabás-González
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
- IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases) Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Naír Pérez-Gómez
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
- IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases) Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - John Henry Guzmán-Castro
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ceferino Barbazán-Álvarez
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Íñigo Hernández-Rodríguez
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Francisco Maceiras-Pan
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
- IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases) Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Marina Rodríguez-López
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
| | - Rafael Melero-González
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Vigo, Vigo Health Area, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
- IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases) Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, Alto do Meixoeiro s/n, 36200 Vigo, Spain
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Anderson E, Vimalananda VG, Orlander JD, Cutrona SL, Strymish JL, Bokhour BG, Rinne ST. Implications of Electronic Consultations for Clinician Communication and Relationships: A Qualitative Study. Med Care 2021; 59:808-815. [PMID: 34116530 PMCID: PMC8360667 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong relationships and effective communication between clinicians support care coordination and contribute to care quality. As a new mechanism of clinician communication, electronic consultations (e-consults) may have downstream effects on care provision and coordination. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to understand primary care providers' and specialists' perspectives on how e-consults affect communication and relationships between clinicians. RESEARCH DESIGN Qualitative study using thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. SUBJECTS Six of 8 sites in the VISN 1 (Veterans Integrated Service Network) in New England were chosen, based on variation in organization and received e-consult volume. Seventy-three respondents, including 60 clinicians in primary care and 3 high-volume specialties (cardiology, pulmonology, and neurology) and 13 clinical leaders at the site and VISN level, were recruited. MEASURES Participants' perspectives on the role and impact of e-consults on communication and relationships between clinicians. RESULTS Clinicians identified 3 types of e-consults' social affordances: (1) e-consults were praised for allowing specialist advice to be more grounded in patient data and well-documented, but concerns about potential legal liability and increased transparency of communication to patients and others were also noted; (2) e-consults were perceived as an imperfect modality for iterative communication, especially for complex conversations requiring shared deliberation; (3) e-consults were understood as a factor influencing clinician relationships, but clinicians disagreed on whether e-consults promote or undermine relationship building. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians have diverse concerns about the implications of e-consults for communication and relationships. Our findings may inform efforts to expand and improve the use of e-consults in diverse health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Anderson
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
| | - Varsha G. Vimalananda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Jay D. Orlander
- Medical Service, VA Boston Healthcare System
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Sarah L. Cutrona
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
| | - Judith L. Strymish
- Medical Service and Section of Infectious Diseases, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge
| | - Barbara G. Bokhour
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
| | - Seppo T. Rinne
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford
- Section of Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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18
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Lee MS, Nambudiri VE. Electronic consultations and clinician burnout: An antidote to our emotional pandemic? J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 28:1038-1041. [PMID: 33313867 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Health information technology is a major source of clinician burnout due to increased administrative burden and inefficient work processes. Electronic consultations (eConsults) represent a promising innovation to improve access to specialty care by reducing wait times for specialist visits and reducing unnecessary in-person specialist visits. While eConsults have clear benefits for patients and healthcare systems, their potential effects on provider burnout should be considered. Using a framework which outlines that the loss of autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the main contributing factors to clinician "amotivation" and burnout, we discuss the use of eConsults and their potential to mitigate or exacerbate burnout for primary care providers and specialists, as well as recommendations for implementation of eConsults to reduce burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vinod E Nambudiri
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
Abstract
NEW TECHNOLOGIES HAVE FACILITATED DOCTOR–PATIENT EMAIL CONSULTATIONS (E-CONSULTATIONS). GUIDELINES FOR E-CONSULTATION USE IN DENMARK STATE THAT THEY SHOULD BE USED FOR SIMPLE, CONCRETE AND NON-URGENT QUERIES; HOWEVER, A SMALL-SCALE DANISH STUDY SUGGESTED THAT DOCTORS ENCOUNTER E-CONSULTATIONS THAT DO NOT MATCH THE GUIDELINES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO EXPLORE WHETHER E-CONSULTATIONS IN DENMARK REFLECT RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THEY SHOULD BE SIMPLE, SHORT, CONCRETE AND WELL DEFINED, AND IF NOT, WHAT FORMS OF COMPLEXITY ARE EVIDENT. WE INDUCTIVELY ANALYSED 1,671 E-CONSULTATIONS FROM 38 PATIENTS AGED 21–91 YEARS COMMUNICATING WITH 28 DOCTORS, 6 NURSES, 1 MEDICAL STUDENT AND 8 SECRETARIES. RESULTS SHOWED BOTH QUANTITATIVE COMPLEXITY IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF INTERACTION TURNS, COMMUNICATIVE PARTICIPANTS, AND QUESTIONS ASKED, AND QUALITATIVE COMPLEXITY RELATING TO PATIENTS’ PSYCHOSOCIAL CONTEXTS AND GPS’ BIOMEDICAL DISEASE PERSPECTIVE. THUS, DESPITE EXISTING GUIDELINES AND THE LEANNESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EMAIL MEDIUM, MULTIPLE FORMS OF COMPLEXITY WERE EVIDENT. THIS MISMATCH HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR THEORETICAL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS THE VALUE OF RE-EXAMINING EXISTING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES REGARDING EXPECTATIONS FOR E-CONSULTATION USE.
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Rikin S, Epstein EJ, Gendlina I. Rapid implementation of Inpatient eConsult Programme addresses new challenges for patient care during COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ INNOVATIONS 2021; 7:271-277. [PMID: 34192016 PMCID: PMC7944413 DOI: 10.1136/bmjinnov-2020-000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At the early epicentre of the COVID-19 crisis in the USA, our institution saw a surge in the demand for inpatient consultations for areas impacted by COVID-19 (eg, infectious diseases, nephrology, palliative care) and shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE). We aimed to provide timely specialist input for consult requests during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing an Inpatient eConsult Programme. METHODS We used the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance implementation science framework and run chart analysis to evaluate the reach, adoption and maintenance of the Inpatient eConsult Programme compared with traditional in-person consults. We solicited qualitative feedback from frontline physicians and specialists for programme improvements. RESULTS During the study period, there were 46 available in-person consult orders and 21 new eConsult orders. At the peak of utilisation, 42% of all consult requests were eConsults, and by the end of the study period, utilisation fell to 20%. Qualitative feedback revealed subspecialties best suited for eConsults (infectious diseases, nephrology, haematology, endocrinology) and influenced improvements to the ordering workflow, documentation, billing and education regarding use. DISCUSSION When offered inpatient eConsult requests as an alternative to in-person consults in the context of a surge in patients with COVID-19, frontline physicians used eConsult requests and decreased use of in-person consults. As the demand for consults decreased and PPE shortages were no longer a major concern, eConsult utilisation decreased, revealing a preference for in-person consultations when possible. CONCLUSIONS Lessons learnt can be used to develop and implement inpatient eConsults to meet context-specific challenges at other institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Rikin
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Eric J Epstein
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Inessa Gendlina
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Qi M, Cui J, Li X, Han Y. Perceived Factors Influencing the Public Intention to Use E-Consultation: Analysis of Web-Based Survey Data. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e21834. [PMID: 33470934 PMCID: PMC7857952 DOI: 10.2196/21834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unbalanced distribution of medical resources is becoming a major challenge, particularly in the selection of doctors. e-Consultation could provide patients with more choices of doctors and break the constraints of time and space. However, the acceptance of e-consultation is still poor and the mechanism of adoption is unclear. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the public intention to use e-consultation and explore the effect path of the factors and behavior intention. Methods The hypotheses of our research model were developed based on the technology acceptance model and perceived risk theory. A web-based survey was conducted by an electronic questionnaire collection platform; this survey that consisted of a 29-item questionnaire with 5-point Likert scales was completed by 934 respondents. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Item evaluation and reliability, validity, path loading, goodness of fit, and multiple group analysis were used to check the moderation effects. Results The standardized factor loadings of the items were between 0.551 and 0.873. The composite reliability of 9 constructs ranged from 0.706 to 0.840. The average variance extracted ranged from 0.387 to 0.640. The fitness indices showed that the collected data fitted well with the research model. Perceived usefulness was the strongest positive factor effecting behavior intention (β=.399, P<.001). Perceived ease of use had a positive effect on behavior intention but it was not statistically significant (β=.117, P=.07) and it had a positive effect on perceived usefulness (β=.537, P<.001). Perceived risk could be well explained by financial risk (β=.972, P<.001), privacy risk (β=.774, P<.001), social risk (β=.871, P<.001), time risk (β=.894, P<0.001), and psychological risk (β=.774, P<.001). Perceived risk had negative effects on perceived usefulness (β=–.375, P<.001) and behavior intention (β=–.297, P<.001). Personal innovativeness had a positive influence on perceived ease of use (β=.241, P<.001) and a slight effect on behavior intention (β=.124, P=.001). Age (χ258=133.5, P<.001) and usage experience (χ258=82.5, P=.02) had a slight moderation effect on the paths. Conclusions Perceived usefulness and perceived risk have significant effects on public intention to use e-consultation. Therefore, platform and manufacturer must improve the function of e-consultation, which will promote the public intention to use e-consultation fundamentally. In order to control the perceived risk of public, government should play an important role in enforcing management of e-consultation markets and approving corresponding medical insurance policies. Besides, personal innovativeness had an effect on behavior intention. Moreover, the paths of factors had some heterogeneity among people with different characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the strategies to fit more groups better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaojie Qi
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiyu Cui
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Li
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Youli Han
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Rikin S, Zhang C, Lipsey D, Deluca J, Epstein EJ, Berger M, Tomer Y, Arnsten JH. Impact of an Opt-In eConsult Program on Primary Care Demand for Specialty Visits: Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Implementation Study. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:832-838. [PMID: 32779140 PMCID: PMC7652962 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND eConsult programs have been instituted to increase access to specialty expertise. Opt-in choice eConsult programs maintain primary care physician (PCP) autonomy to decide whether to utilize eConsults versus traditional specialty referrals, but little is known about how this intervention may impact PCP eConsult adoption and traditional referral demand. OBJECTIVE We assessed the feasibility of implementing an opt-in choice eConsult program and examined whether this intervention reduces demand for in-person visits for primary care patients requiring specialty expertise. DESIGN Stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial conducted from July 2018 to June 2019. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen primary care practices in a large, urban academic health care system. INTERVENTION Our intervention was an opt-in choice eConsult available in addition to traditional specialty referral; our implementation strategy included in-person training, audit and feedback, and incentive payments. MAIN MEASURES Our implementation outcome measure was the eConsult rate: weekly proportion of eConsults per PCP visit at each site. Our intervention outcome measure was traditional referral rate: weekly proportion of referrals per PCP visit at each site. We also assessed PCP experiences with questionnaires. KEY RESULTS Of 305,915 in-person PCP visits, there were 31,510 traditional referrals to specialties participating in the eConsult program, and 679 eConsults. All but one primary care site utilized the opt-in choice eConsult program, with a weekly rate of 0.05 eConsults per 100 PCP visits by the end of the study period. The weekly rate of traditional referrals was 11 per 100 PCP visits at the end of the study period; this represents a significant increase in traditional referral rate after implementation of eConsults. PCPs were generally satisfied with the eConsult program and valued prompt provider-to-provider communication. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of an opt-in choice eConsult program resulted in widespread PCP adoption; however, this did not decrease the demand for traditional referrals. Future studies should evaluate different strategies to incentivize and increase eConsult utilization while maintaining PCP choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Rikin
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Lipsey
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Deluca
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Epstein
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Matt Berger
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yaron Tomer
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for pediatric orthopaedic surgery consultation has grown rapidly, leading to longer wait times for elective consultation in some regions. Some specialties are addressing this increased demand through electronic consultation services. We wanted to examine the impact of pediatric orthopaedic e-consultations in Canada's Eastern Ontario region. METHODS We developed a cross-sectional study of all the cases directed to a pediatric orthopaedic surgery specialist using the Champlain Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation (BASE) eConsult service over a 2-year period and examined their impact on in-person referrals, time of e-consultation and primary care satisfaction as well as types of clinical questions that were asked. RESULTS Electronic consultations avoided in-person appointments in 68% of the submitted cases. The median response by specialists received by the primary care providers (PCPs) was <20 hours. A total of 69% of consultations involve >1 type of clinical questions, most commonly about basic trauma/fracture care and management recommendations. Ninety-seven percent of the PCPs found the overall value for the care of the patients to be good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study demonstrates the effective and timely use of eConsult in pediatric orthopaedic surgery. It also shows a significant reduction in the number of in-person consultations required and demonstrates a high satisfaction rate by PCPs using the service. CLINICAL RELEVANCE In addition to the efficacy and time-sensitive care provided to the patients, the study shows that, professionally, 89% of PCPs found this service to be excellent or good. The broader implications of electronic consultation on overall quality of care, population health, and patient satisfaction requires further investigation.
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Gonçalves-Bradley DC, J Maria AR, Ricci-Cabello I, Villanueva G, Fønhus MS, Glenton C, Lewin S, Henschke N, Buckley BS, Mehl GL, Tamrat T, Shepperd S. Mobile technologies to support healthcare provider to healthcare provider communication and management of care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 8:CD012927. [PMID: 32813281 PMCID: PMC7437392 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012927.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread use of mobile technologies can potentially expand the use of telemedicine approaches to facilitate communication between healthcare providers, this might increase access to specialist advice and improve patient health outcomes. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of mobile technologies versus usual care for supporting communication and consultations between healthcare providers on healthcare providers' performance, acceptability and satisfaction, healthcare use, patient health outcomes, acceptability and satisfaction, costs, and technical difficulties. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and three other databases from 1 January 2000 to 22 July 2019. We searched clinical trials registries, checked references of relevant systematic reviews and included studies, and contacted topic experts. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing mobile technologies to support healthcare provider to healthcare provider communication and consultations compared with usual care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and EPOC. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 19 trials (5766 participants when reported), most were conducted in high-income countries. The most frequently used mobile technology was a mobile phone, often accompanied by training if it was used to transfer digital images. Trials recruited participants with different conditions, and interventions varied in delivery, components, and frequency of contact. We judged most trials to have high risk of performance bias, and approximately half had a high risk of detection, attrition, and reporting biases. Two studies reported data on technical problems, reporting few difficulties. Mobile technologies used by primary care providers to consult with hospital specialists We assessed the certainty of evidence for this group of trials as moderate to low. Mobile technologies: - probably make little or no difference to primary care providers following guidelines for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD; 1 trial, 47 general practices, 3004 participants); - probably reduce the time between presentation and management of individuals with skin conditions, people with symptoms requiring an ultrasound, or being referred for an appointment with a specialist after attending primary care (4 trials, 656 participants); - may reduce referrals and clinic visits among people with some skin conditions, and increase the likelihood of receiving retinopathy screening among people with diabetes, or an ultrasound in those referred with symptoms (9 trials, 4810 participants when reported); - probably make little or no difference to patient-reported quality of life and health-related quality of life (2 trials, 622 participants) or to clinician-assessed clinical recovery (2 trials, 769 participants) among individuals with skin conditions; - may make little or no difference to healthcare provider (2 trials, 378 participants) or participant acceptability and satisfaction (4 trials, 972 participants) when primary care providers consult with dermatologists; - may make little or no difference for total or expected costs per participant for adults with some skin conditions or CKD (6 trials, 5423 participants). Mobile technologies used by emergency physicians to consult with hospital specialists about people attending the emergency department We assessed the certainty of evidence for this group of trials as moderate. Mobile technologies: - probably slightly reduce the consultation time between emergency physicians and hospital specialists (median difference -12 minutes, 95% CI -19 to -7; 1 trial, 345 participants); - probably reduce participants' length of stay in the emergency department by a few minutes (median difference -30 minutes, 95% CI -37 to -25; 1 trial, 345 participants). We did not identify trials that reported on providers' adherence, participants' health status and well-being, healthcare provider and participant acceptability and satisfaction, or costs. Mobile technologies used by community health workers or home-care workers to consult with clinic staff We assessed the certainty of evidence for this group of trials as moderate to low. Mobile technologies: - probably make little or no difference in the number of outpatient clinic and community nurse consultations for participants with diabetes or older individuals treated with home enteral nutrition (2 trials, 370 participants) or hospitalisation of older individuals treated with home enteral nutrition (1 trial, 188 participants); - may lead to little or no difference in mortality among people living with HIV (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.22) or diabetes (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.28 to 3.12) (2 trials, 1152 participants); - may make little or no difference to participants' disease activity or health-related quality of life in participants with rheumatoid arthritis (1 trial, 85 participants); - probably make little or no difference for participant acceptability and satisfaction for participants with diabetes and participants with rheumatoid arthritis (2 trials, 178 participants). We did not identify any trials that reported on providers' adherence, time between presentation and management, healthcare provider acceptability and satisfaction, or costs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our confidence in the effect estimates is limited. Interventions including a mobile technology component to support healthcare provider to healthcare provider communication and management of care may reduce the time between presentation and management of the health condition when primary care providers or emergency physicians use them to consult with specialists, and may increase the likelihood of receiving a clinical examination among participants with diabetes and those who required an ultrasound. They may decrease the number of people attending primary care who are referred to secondary or tertiary care in some conditions, such as some skin conditions and CKD. There was little evidence of effects on participants' health status and well-being, satisfaction, or costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Rita J Maria
- Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ignacio Ricci-Cabello
- Primary Care Research Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Simon Lewin
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Brian S Buckley
- Department of Surgery, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Garrett L Mehl
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tigest Tamrat
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sasha Shepperd
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of an electronic consultation platform to connect primary care providers and radiologists and provide opportunities for valuable consultation regarding diagnostic imaging in patients, as well as to identify opportunities for targeted education surrounding high-yield radiology topics. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective review was performed of consultations conducted using the electronic platform from September 2012 to January 2017. Consultations were classified by subspecialty (neuroradiology, thoracic, abdominal, musculoskeletal, or pediatric radiology), question type (workup, surveillance, education, specialist referral query, discharge, or other), anatomy, and pathology. Feedback surveys were completed by primary care providers after each consultation to evaluate timeliness, value, and impact on patient care. RESULTS. A total of 302 consultations were reviewed. Subspecialty breakdown was as follows: abdominal, 94/302 (31%); neuroradiology, 74/302 (25%); musculoskeletal, 61/302 (20%); thoracic, 56/302 (19%); and pediatric, 17/302 (6%). The majority of consultations pertained to patient workup (112/302 [37%]), surveillance of imaging findings (95/302 [31%]), and provider education (48/302 [16%]). Cystic lesions (38/302 [13%]), pain (24/302 [8%]), and bone lesions (21/302 [7%]) were the most queried conditions. Patient management was altered in 167 cases (55%), and unnecessary testing was avoided in 84 (28%). Providers rated the perceived value of the electronic consultation system as excellent in 227 cases (75%). CONCLUSION. The electronic consultation system allowed primary care providers to easily consult with radiologists, was perceived as high value by primary care providers, resulted in altered patient management, and avoided unnecessary imaging tests. We identified follow-up imaging of cystic lesions and imaging workup of pain in patients as opportunities for continuing medical education for primary care providers.
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Hilty DM, Torous J, Parish MB, Chan SR, Xiong G, Scher L, Yellowlees PM. A Literature Review Comparing Clinicians' Approaches and Skills to In-Person, Synchronous, and Asynchronous Care: Moving Toward Competencies to Ensure Quality Care. Telemed J E Health 2020; 27:356-373. [PMID: 32412882 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Research is increasing on asynchronous technologies used by specialist clinicians and primary care, including e-mail, text, e-consultation, and store-and-forward (asynchronous) options. Studies typically describe interventions and care outcomes rather than development of clinical skills for using technology. Methods: This article attempts to compare clinicians' approaches to, and skills for, asynchronous technologies versus in-person and synchronous (i.e., video) care. Literature from technology, health care, pedagogy, and business were searched from 2000 to 2019 for title words, including synchronous (e.g., video, telemental or behavioral health, telepsychiatry), asynchronous (e.g., app, e-consultation, e-mail, text, sensor in a wearable device), education, clinical, and consultation. Results: From a total of 4,812 potential references, two authors (D.M.H., J.T.) found 4,622 eligible for full text review and found 381 articles directly relevant to the concept areas in combination for full text review. However, exclusion criteria subtracted 305, leaving a total of 76 articles. While in-person and synchronous care are similar in many ways, the clinical approach to asynchronous care has many differences. As asynchronous technologies and models of care are feasible and effective, often for consultation, an outline of patient, primary care provider, and specialist clinician goals and skills are presented. Few studies specifically discuss skills or competencies for asynchronous care, but components from published clinical informatics, video, social media, and mobile health competencies were organized into Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education domains. Conclusions: Further implementation of science research is needed for asynchronous technology interventions, as well as clinician competencies using asynchronous technologies, to ensure optimal outcomes for patients in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald M Hilty
- Northern California Veterans Administration Health Care System, Mather, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Burke Parish
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Steven R Chan
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Glen Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Lorin Scher
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Peter M Yellowlees
- Department of Psychiatry, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
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Bleyel C, Hoffmann M, Wensing M, Hartmann M, Friederich HC, Haun MW. Patients' Perspective on Mental Health Specialist Video Consultations in Primary Care: Qualitative Preimplementation Study of Anticipated Benefits and Barriers. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17330. [PMID: 32310139 PMCID: PMC7199141 DOI: 10.2196/17330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to limited access to specialist services, most patients with common mental disorders (depression or anxiety, or both) usually receive treatment in primary care. More recently, innovative technology-based care models (eg, video consultations) have been proposed to facilitate access to specialist services. Against this background, the PROVIDE (Improving Cross-Sectoral Collaboration Between Primary and Psychosocial Care: An Implementation Study on Video Consultations) project aims to improve the provision of psychosocial care through implementing video consultations integrated into routine primary care. Objective From the patients’ perspective, this qualitative preimplementation study explored (1) anticipated benefits from and (2) barriers to implementing mental health specialist video consultations embedded in primary care services and (3) prerequisites for interacting with therapists via video consultations. Methods Using a purposive (ie, stratified) sampling strategy, we recruited 13 patients from primary care practices and a tertiary care hospital (psychosomatic outpatient clinic) for one-off semistructured interviews. In a computer-assisted thematic analysis, we inductively (bottom-up) derived key themes concerning the practicability of mental health specialist video consultations. To validate our results, we discussed our findings with the interviewees as part of a systematic member checking. Results Overall, we derived 3 key themes and 10 subthemes. Participants identified specific benefits in 2 areas: the accessibility of mental health specialist care (shorter waiting times: 11/13, 85%; lower threshold for seeking specialist mental health care: 6/13, 46%; shorter travel distances: 3/13, 23%); and the environment in primary care (familiar travel modalities, premises, and employees: 5/13, 38%). The main barriers to the implementation of mental health video consultations from the patients’ perspective were the lack of face-to-face contact (13/13, 100%) and technical challenges (12/13, 92%). Notably, participants’ prerequisites for interacting with therapists (12/13, 92%) did not seem to differ much from those concerning face-to-face contacts. Conclusions Mental health service users mostly welcomed mental health specialist video consultations in primary care. Taking a pragmatic stance, service users, who are often frustrated about uncoordinated care, particularly valued the embedment of the consultations in the familiar environment of the primary care practice. With respect to interventional studies and implementation, our findings underscore the need to minimize technical disruptions during video consultations and to ensure optimal resemblance to face-to-face settings (eg, by training therapists in consistently reacting to nonverbal cues). Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00012487; https://tinyurl.com/uhg2one
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bleyel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mariell Hoffmann
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Hartmann
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus W Haun
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Agor JK, Sir MY, Pasupathy KS, Foley DA, Scott CG, Elrashidi MY, Young NP, McKie PM. Getting to the Heart of the Matter: A Triage Model to Improve Utilization of Cardiology Consultative Services. MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS: INNOVATIONS, QUALITY & OUTCOMES 2019; 3:476-482. [PMID: 31993566 PMCID: PMC6978585 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Patient and Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K. Agor
- School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis
| | - Mustafa Y. Sir
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kalyan S. Pasupathy
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - David A. Foley
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | | - Paul M. McKie
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Correspondence: Address to Paul M. McKie, MD, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55902.
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Meneghini LF, Fortmann AL, Clark TL, Rodriguez K. Making Inroads in Addressing Population Health in Underserved Communities With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Spectr 2019; 32:303-311. [PMID: 31798287 PMCID: PMC6858077 DOI: 10.2337/ds19-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
IN BRIEF Diabetes continues to represent a substantial individual and societal burden for those affected by the disease and its complications in the United States, and especially for racial/ethnic minorities, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, and the underinsured. Although tools and strategies are now available to manage the condition and its associated comorbidities at the patient level, we continue to struggle to gain control of this health burden at the population health level. Most patients are not achieving desired clinical goals and thus continue to be exposed to preventable risks and complications. As the U.S. health system moves toward a more value-based system of reimbursement, there are opportunities to rethink our approaches to patient and population health management and to harness the available tools and technologies to better understand the disease burden, stratify our patient populations by risk, redirect finite resources to high-impact initiatives, and facilitate better diabetes care management for patients and providers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi F. Meneghini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Taylor L. Clark
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA
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Osman MA, Schick-Makaroff K, Thompson S, Bialy L, Featherstone R, Kurzawa J, Zaidi D, Okpechi I, Habib S, Shojai S, Jindal K, Braam B, Keely E, Liddy C, Manns B, Tonelli M, Hemmelgarn B, Klarenbach S, Bello AK. Barriers and facilitators for implementation of electronic consultations (eConsult) to enhance access to specialist care: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001629. [PMID: 31565409 PMCID: PMC6747903 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electronic consultation (eConsult)-provider-to-provider electronic asynchronous exchanges of patient health information at a distance-is emerging as a potential tool to improve the interface between primary care providers and specialists. Despite growing evidence that eConsult has clinical benefits, it is not widely adopted. We investigated factors influencing the adoption and implementation of eConsult services. METHODS We applied established methods to guide the review, and the recently published Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews to report our findings. We searched five electronic databases and the grey literature for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles and full texts to identify studies that reported barriers to and/or facilitators of eConsult (asynchronous (store-and-forward) use of telemedicine to exchange patient health information between two providers (primary and secondary) at a distance using secure infrastructure). We extracted data on study characteristics and key barriers and facilitators were analysed thematically and classified using the Quadruple Aim framework taxonomy. No date or language restrictions were applied. RESULTS Among the 2579 publications retrieved, 130 studies met eligibility for the review. We identified and summarised key barriers to and facilitators of eConsult adoption and implementation across four domains: provider, patient, healthcare system and cost. Key barriers were increased workload for providers, privacy concerns and insufficient reimbursement for providers. Main facilitators were remote residence location, timely responses from specialists, utilisation of referral coordinators, addressing medicolegal concerns and incentives for providers to use eConsult. CONCLUSION There are multiple barriers to and facilitators of eConsult adoption across the domains of Quadruple Aim framework. Our findings will inform the development of practice tools to support the wider adoption and scalability of eConsult implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Liza Bialy
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Knowledge Translation platform, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robin Featherstone
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Knowledge Translation platform, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia Kurzawa
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deenaz Zaidi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ikechi Okpechi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Syed Habib
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Soroush Shojai
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kailash Jindal
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Branko Braam
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Departments of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- CT Lamont Primary Healthcare Research Centre, Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Braden Manns
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brenda Hemmelgarn
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott Klarenbach
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aminu K Bello
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Scaling up eConsult for access to specialists in primary healthcare across four Canadian provinces: study protocol of a multiple case study. Health Res Policy Syst 2019; 17:83. [PMID: 31511008 PMCID: PMC6739985 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-019-0483-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canada has been referred to as the land of 'perpetual pilot projects'. Effective innovations often remain small in scale, with limited impact on health systems. Several innovations have been developed in Canada to tackle important challenges such as poor access to services and excessive wait times - one of the most promising innovations that has been piloted is eConsult, which is a model of asynchronous communication that allows primary care providers to electronically consult with specialists regarding their patients' medical issues. eConsult pilot projects have been shown to reduce wait times for specialist care, prevent unnecessary referrals and reduce health system costs. eConsult has been spread throughout Ontario as well as to certain regions in Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Our aim is to understand and support the scale-up process of eConsult in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Our specific objectives are to (1) describe the main components of eConsult relevant to the scale-up process in each province; (2) understand the eConsult scale-up process in each province and compare across provinces; (3) identify policy issues and strategies to scaling up eConsult in each province; and (4) foster cross-level and cross-jurisdictional learning on scaling up eConsult. METHODS We will conduct a qualitative multiple case study to investigate the scaling up of eConsult in four Canadian provinces using a grey literature review, key stakeholder interviews (10 interviews/province), non-participant observations, focus groups and deliberative dialogues. We will identify the main components of eConsult to be scaled up using logic models (obj. 1). Scaling up processes will be analysed using strategies adapted from process research (obj. 2). Policy issues and strategies to scale-up eConsult will be analysed thematically (obj. 3). Finally, a symposium will foster pan-Canadian learning on the process of scaling up eConsult (obj. 4). DISCUSSION This study will likely increase learning and support evidence-based policy-making across participating provinces and may improve the capacity for a pan-Canadian scale-up of eConsult, including in provinces where eConsult has not yet been implemented. This work is essential to inform how similar innovations can reshape our health systems in the evolving information age.
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Wang C, Liddy C, Afkham A, Islam S, Shehata F, Posner G, Keely E. Pathology perspective on gynaecologic malignancy screening questions in electronic consultation. J Telemed Telecare 2019; 27:123-130. [PMID: 31364473 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x19864825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The electronic consultation service, eConsult, is an asynchronous web-based platform for provider-to-provider consultation with specialists. This study described the utilization of eConsult by primary care providers to obtain specialist opinion in gynaecologic malignancy screening, with a specific focus on pathology-related inquiries. METHODS This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of eConsults submitted to obstetrics/gynaecology between September 2011 and December 2016. All questions pertaining to gynaecologic cancer screening and their pathologies were included. Each question was classified based on a pre-determined taxonomy. The mandatory primary care providers' exit surveys were analysed to determine eConsult's influence on patient care, primary care providers' referral patterns, primary care providers' satisfaction and educational value. RESULTS In total, 1,357 electronic consultations were submitted to the obstetrics and gynaecology service during the study period, of which 329 met inclusion criteria. Indications for a screening test based on patient risk factors made up 36% of consults pertaining to gynaecologic malignancy screening and 17% were inquiries about test intervals based on previous results. Primary care providers pointed out gaps in current screening guidelines. In total, 38% of primary care providers reported the eConsult service helped avoid a specialist referral, whereas 47% of primary care providers received new or additional courses of action. Pathology report interpretation accounted for 5% of eConsults and 6% of primary care providers wished for clarification of incidental pathology findings. CONCLUSION This study uncovered areas of uncertainty among primary care providers regarding gynaecologic cancer screening and gaps in current clinical guidelines. Furthermore, the role of pathology consultants in an eConsult platform is explored and may be extrapolated into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, Canada.,Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada
| | - Amir Afkham
- Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Canada
| | - Shahidul Islam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fady Shehata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Glen Posner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada.,Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada
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Nabelsi V, Lévesque-Chouinard A, Liddy C, Dumas Pilon M. Improving the Referral Process, Timeliness, Effectiveness, and Equity of Access to Specialist Medical Services Through Electronic Consultation: Pilot Study. JMIR Med Inform 2019; 7:e13354. [PMID: 31293239 PMCID: PMC6652123 DOI: 10.2196/13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to specialty care remains a major challenge in the Canadian health care system. Electronic consultation (eConsult) services allow primary care providers to seek specialist advice often without needing the patient to go for a face-to-face consultation. It improves overall access to specialists and the referral process using an electronic care consultation service in urban and rural primary care clinics. This study describes the preliminary results of a pilot study with an eConsult service across 3 regions in the province of Quebec, Canada. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to provide a 1-year snapshot of the implementation of the eConsult Quebec Service in rural and urban primary care clinics to improve access to care and the specialty referral process for primary care providers (PCPs). METHODS We established an eConsult service that covers urban and rural communities in 3 regions of Quebec. We conducted a quantitative analysis of all eConsult cases submitted from July 4, 2017, to December 8, 2018. RESULTS For over a year, 1016 eConsults have been generated during the course of this study. A total of 97 PCPs submitted requests to 22 specialty groups and were answered by 40 different specialists. The most popular specialty was internal medicine (224/1016, 22%). Overall, 63% (640/1016) of completed cases did not require a face-to-face visit. PCPs rated the service as being of high or very high value for themselves in 98% (996/1016) of cases. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary data highlight the success of the implementation of the eConsult Quebec Service across 6 primary care clinics. The eConsult platform proves to be effective, efficient, and well received by both patients and physicians. If used more widely, eConsult could help reducing wait times significantly. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec has identified developing a strategic plan to scale eConsults throughout other regions of the province as a top priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Nabelsi
- Département des Sciences Administratives, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Annabelle Lévesque-Chouinard
- Groupe de Médecine de Famille Universitaires de Gatineau du Centre Intégré de Santé et des Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, ON, Canada.,CT Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Maxine Dumas Pilon
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Collège Québécois des Médecins de Famille, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Liddy C, Moroz I, Keely E, Taljaard M, Deri Armstrong C, Afkham A, Kendall CE. Understanding the impact of a multispecialty electronic consultation service on family physician referral rates to specialists: a randomized controlled trial using health administrative data. Trials 2019; 20:348. [PMID: 31182123 PMCID: PMC6558850 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electronic consultation (eConsult) services are secure online applications facilitating provider-to-provider communication. They have been found to improve access to specialist care. However, little is known about eConsult’s impact on family physicians’ referral rates to specialty care. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a multispecialty eConsult service on referral rates from primary care. Methods In this parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial, we recruited primary care providers across Ontario not previously enrolled with eConsult. We randomly assigned participants to intervention and control arms. Participants in the intervention arm received access to eConsult for a period of 1 year while those in the control arm received no access to eConsult. The main outcome was specialist referral rate, expressed as the total number of referrals to (1) specialties available through eConsult, and (2) all medical specialties, per 100 patients seen. Multivariable negative binomial regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention before and after adjusting for provider characteristics, using health administrative data. Results One hundred and thirteen participants were randomized (56 to control and 57 to intervention). For the primary outcome (referrals to eConsult specialties), the results show a statistically significant reduction in the number of referrals in both arms (control-arm Rate Ratio (RR), 0.85, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.91; intervention-arm RR, 0.80, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.85; unadjusted and adjusted RR values almost identical), as compared to the baseline data collected during the 12-month period before randomization, with a non-statistically significant 6% greater reduction in referrals in the intervention arm, compared to the control arm (unadjusted RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.03; adjusted RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.03). Conclusions Our randomized controlled trial of a multispecialty eConsult service demonstrated inconclusive results in terms of the impact of eConsult on physician referral rates. Findings are discussed in light of important limitations associated with conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complex interventions in the primary care context with intent to inform the design and analysis of future trials. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT02053467. Registered prospectively on 3 February 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère St. Annex E, Room 106, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C8, Canada. .,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Isabella Moroz
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère St. Annex E, Room 106, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C8, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Amir Afkham
- Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Claire E Kendall
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère St. Annex E, Room 106, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C8, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Fagerlund AJ, Holm IM, Zanaboni P. General practitioners' perceptions towards the use of digital health services for citizens in primary care: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028251. [PMID: 31061056 PMCID: PMC6502059 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore general practitioners' (GPs) perceptions towards use of four digital health services for citizens: an electronic booking service to make reservations with the GP; an electronic prescription service to request renewal of maintenance drugs; a service for text-based non-clinical enquiries to the GP office and a service for text-based electronic consultation (e-consultation) with the GP. DESIGN A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. SETTING Primary care. PARTICIPANTS Nine GPs who were early adopters of the four services were interviewed. METHOD One moderator presented topics using open-ended questions, facilitated the discussion and followed up with further questions. Phone interviews were conducted, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analysed using the framework method. RESULTS The use of digital services in primary care in Norway is growing, although the use of text-based e-consultations is still limited. Most GPs were positive about all four services, but there was still some scepticism regarding their effects. Advantages for GP offices included reduced phone load, increased efficiency, released time for medical assessments, less crowded waiting rooms and more precise communication. Benefits for patients were increased flexibility, autonomy and time and money savings. Children, the elderly and people with low computer literacy might still need traditional alternatives. CONCLUSIONS More defined and standardised routines, as well as more evidence of the effects, are necessary for large-scale adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inger Marie Holm
- Department for Patient Pathways, Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Paolo Zanaboni
- Department for Patient Pathways, Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, Tromsø, Norway
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Liddy C, Moroz I, Joschko J, Horsley T, Kuziemsky C, Burns KK, Kossey S, Mitera G, Keely E. Using an Integrated Knowledge Translation (IKT) Approach to Enable Policy Change for Electronic Consultations in Canada. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 14:19-29. [PMID: 30129432 PMCID: PMC6147367 DOI: 10.12927/hcpol.2018.25551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores our efforts to support the expansion of a regional electronic consultation (eConsult) service on a national level by addressing potential policy barriers. We used an integrated knowledge translation (IKT) strategy based on five key activities leading to a National eConsult Policy Think Tank meeting: (1) identifying potential policy enablers and barriers; (2) engaging national and provincial/territorial partners; (3) including patient voices; (4) undertaking co-design and planning; and (5) adopting a solution-based approach. We successfully leveraged a diverse set of stakeholders in strategic discussions, culminating in actionable suggestions for next steps, which will serve to inform a national implementation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- Clinician Investigator, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
| | - Isabella Moroz
- Research Associate, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
| | - Justin Joschko
- Research Coordinator, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
| | - Tanya Horsley
- Associate Director, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - Craig Kuziemsky
- Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
| | | | - Sandi Kossey
- Senior Director, Canadian Patient Safety Institute, Edmonton, AB
| | - Gunita Mitera
- Director, Program and Practice Support, College of Family Physicians Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - Erin Keely
- Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON
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Liddy C, Moroz I, Keely E, Taljaard M, Mark Fraser A, Deri Armstrong C, Afkham A, Kendall C. The use of electronic consultations is associated with lower specialist referral rates: a cross-sectional study using population-based health administrative data. Fam Pract 2018; 35:698-705. [PMID: 29635449 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmy020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The referral-consultation process can be difficult to navigate. Electronic consultations (eConsults) can help streamline referrals by facilitating inter-provider communication. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the potential effect of eConsult on specialist referral rates in Ontario among family physicians providing comprehensive care. METHODS We conducted a retrospective 1:3 matched cohort study examining total referrals and referrals to all available medical specialties from primary care providers between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015. We used multivariable random effects Poisson regression analysis to compare referral rates between eConsult and non-eConsult users while adjusting for relevant patient and provider characteristics. Referral rates were expressed per physician, per 100 patients and per 100 patient encounters. RESULTS There were 113197 referrals across all medical specialties made by 119 eConsult physicians and 352 matched controls. Referral rates per physician were significantly lower in the eConsult group for all specialty groupings [unadjusted rate ratio (RR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-0.95; adjusted RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85-1.00]. Referral rates per patient were lower among eConsult physicians (unadjusted RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84-0.98) but this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.90-1.02). No statistically significant difference was observed when referrals were expressed per 100 patient encounters. CONCLUSION This is the first Canadian study to examine the potential effect of eConsult on overall referrals at a population level. Our findings demonstrate that using eConsult service is associated with fewer referrals from primary to specialist care, with considerable potential for cost savings to our single-payer system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Isabella Moroz
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology, Public Health, and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Amy Mark Fraser
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Amir Afkham
- Enabling Technologies, Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claire Kendall
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Osman MA, Schick-Makaroff K, Thompson S, Featherstone R, Bialy L, Kurzawa J, Okpechi IG, Habib S, Shojai S, Jindal K, Klarenbach S, Bello AK. Barriers and facilitators for implementation of electronic consultations (eConsult) to enhance specialist access to care: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022733. [PMID: 30269069 PMCID: PMC6169744 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electronic consultations (eConsult), asynchronous exchanges of patient health information at a distance, are increasingly used as an option to facilitate patient care and collaboration between primary care providers and specialists. Although eConsult has demonstrated success in increasing efficiency in the referral process and enhancing access to care, little is known about the factors influencing its wider adoption and implementation by end users. In this paper, we describe a protocol to conduct a scoping review of the literature on the barriers and facilitators to a wider adoption and implementation of eConsult service. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review will be based on the framework pioneered by Arksey and O'Malley and later developed by Levac et al. We will use the guidance for scoping reviews developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute to report our findings. In addition to several electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EBSCOhost and PsycINFO) studies will be identified by including relevant grey literature. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and full texts for inclusion. Studies reporting on barriers and/or facilitators in settings similar to eConsult will be included. Data on study characteristics and key barriers and facilitators will be extracted. Data will be analysed thematically and classified using the Quadruple Aim framework. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval by research ethics board is not required since the review will only include published and publicly accessible data. Review findings will be used to inform future studies and the development of practice tools to support the wider adoption and success of eConsult implementation. We plan to publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal and develop a useful and accessible summary of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robin Featherstone
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit KT Platform, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Liza Bialy
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit KT Platform, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia Kurzawa
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ikechi G Okpechi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Syed Habib
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Soroush Shojai
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kailash Jindal
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott Klarenbach
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aminu K Bello
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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The impact of electronic consultation on a Canadian tertiary care pediatric specialty referral system: A prospective single-center observational study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190247. [PMID: 29320539 PMCID: PMC5761872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Champlain BASE™ (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) is a web-based asynchronous electronic communication service that allows primary-care- practitioners (PCPs) to submit “elective” clinical questions to a specialist. For adults, PCPs have reported improved access and timeliness to specialist advice, averted face-to-face specialist referrals in up to 40% of cases and high provider satisfaction. Objective To determine whether the expansion of eConsult to a pediatric setting would result in similar measures of improved healthcare system process and high provider acceptance reported in adults. Design Prospective observational cohort study. Setting Single Canadian tertiary-care academic pediatric hospital (June 2014–16) servicing 1.2 million people. Participants 1. PCPs already using eConsult. 2.Volunteer pediatric specialists provided services in addition to their regular workload. 3.Pediatric patients (< 18 years-old) referred for none-acute care conditions. Main outcomes and measures Specialty service utilization and access, impact on PCP course-of-action and referral-patterns and survey-based provider satisfaction data were collected. Results 1064 eConsult requests from 367 PCPs were answered by 23 pediatric specialists representing 14 specialty-services. The top three specialties represented were: General Pediatrics 393 cases (36.9%), Orthopedics 162 (15.2%) and Psychiatry 123 (11.6%). Median specialist response time was 0.9 days (range <1 hour-27 days), most consults (63.2%) required <10minutes to complete and 21/21(100%) specialist survey-respondents reported minimal workload burden. For 515/1064(48.4%) referrals, PCPs received advice for a new or additional course of action; 391/1064(36.7%) referrals resulted in an averted face-to-face specialist visit. In 9 specialties with complete data, the median wait-time was significantly less (p<0.001) for an eConsult (1 day, 95%CI:0.9–1.2) compared with a face-to-face referral (132 days; 95%CI:127–136). The majority (>93.3%) of PCPs rated eConsult as very good/excellent value for both patients and themselves. All specialist survey-respondents indicated eConsult should be a continued service. Conclusions and relevance Similar to adults, eConsult improves PCP access and timeliness to elective pediatric specialist advice and influences their care decisions, while reporting high end-user satisfaction. Further study is warranted to assess impact on resource utilization and clinical outcomes.
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Schettini P, Shah KP, O’Leary CP, Patel MP, Anderson JB, Cho AH, Long AL, Bosworth HB, Cameron CB. Keeping care connected: e-Consultation program improves access to nephrology care. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 25:142-150. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x17748350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Health systems are seeking innovative solutions to improve specialty care access. Electronic consultations (eConsults) allow specialists to provide formal clinical recommendations to primary care providers (PCPs) based on patient chart review, without a face-to-face visit. Methods We implemented a nephrology eConsult pilot program within a large, academic primary care practice to facilitate timely communication between nephrologists and PCPs. We used primary care referral data to compare wait times and completion rates between traditional referrals and eConsults. We surveyed PCPs to assess satisfaction with the program. Results For traditional nephrology referrals placed during the study period (July 2016–March 2017), there was a 51-day median appointment wait time and a 40.9% referral completion rate. For eConsults, there was a median nephrologist response time of one day and a 100% completion rate; 67.5% of eConsults did not require a subsequent face-to-face specialty appointment. For eConsults that were converted to an in-person visit, the median wait time and completion rate were 40 days and 73.1%, respectively. Compared to traditional referrals placed during the study period, eConsults converted to in-person visits were more likely to be completed ( p = 0.001). Survey responses revealed that PCPs were highly satisfied with the program and consider the quick turnaround time as the greatest benefit. Discussion Our eConsult pilot program reduced nephrology wait times and significantly increased referral completion rates. In large integrated health systems, eConsults have considerable potential to improve access to specialty care, reduce unnecessary appointments, and optimize the patient population being seen by specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin P Shah
- Duke Primary Care, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - John B Anderson
- Duke Primary Care, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alex H Cho
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrea L Long
- Duke Health Technology Solutions (DHTS), Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hayden B Bosworth
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - C Blake Cameron
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Liddy C, Moroz I, Afkham A, Keely E. Evaluating the Implementation of The Champlain BASE™ eConsult Service in a New Region of Ontario, Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthc Policy 2017; 13:79-95. [PMID: 29274229 PMCID: PMC5749526 DOI: 10.12927/hcpol.2017.25320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To replicate an existing electronic consultation (eConsult) service in a new jurisdiction to test its generalizability. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of all eConsults submitted by providers in the region of Mississauga Halton, Ontario, between January 5, 2015, and May 31, 2016. We compared our results to those from the original pilot in Eastern Ontario. The RE-AIM model served as our study framework. RESULTS Providers submitted 594 patient cases to 46 different specialty groups during the study period. Specialists responded in a median of 1.1 days, with 75% of cases answered within four days. Providers rated the service as having high or very high value for themselves and their patients in 92% of cases. The service yielded a net program cost of $10,321.56. CONCLUSION Our findings resembled those of the initial implementation, though with a faster rate of uptake and lower cost because of the avoidance of start-up and administrative costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- Clinician Investigator, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
| | - Isabella Moroz
- Research Associate, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON
| | - Amir Afkham
- Senior Project Manager - Enabling Technologies, The Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Ottawa, ON
| | - Erin Keely
- Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON
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Liddy C, Drosinis P, Fogel A, Keely E. Prevention of delayed referrals through the Champlain BASE eConsult service. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2017; 63:e381-e386. [PMID: 28807973 PMCID: PMC5555345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the proportion and evaluate the content of eConsults (electronic consultations) in which the Champlain BASE (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) eConsult process prompted a referral to a specialist that was not originally contemplated by the primary care provider (PCP). DESIGN Cross-sectional study of all eConsults submitted between April 15, 2011, and January 31, 2015. SETTING Champlain Local Health Integration Network, a large health region in eastern Ontario. PARTICIPANTS Primary care providers registered to use the Champlain BASE eConsult service. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Answers from a close-out survey-completed by PCPs at the conclusion of each eConsult-stating that specialist referral was not originally contemplated but that the eConsult process had prompted referral. The logs containing the communication exchanged between the PCPs and the specialists were reviewed, and each prompted referral case was categorized by the type of question asked, if pharmaceutical advice was given, if the referral was redirected to a different specialty group, and if the referral was urgent. RESULTS A total of 188 (3.4%) of 5601 eConsults completed during the study period were cases in which PCPs stated that they had originally not contemplated referring the patient to a specialist but that the Champlain BASE eConsult process had prompted referral. Prompted referrals were most often directed to cardiologists (10.6%), dermatologists (10.6%), infectious disease specialists (9.0%), hematologists (9.0%), and urologists (8.5%). The most common questions were about diagnosis (34.0%), drug treatment (18.0%), and management (15.0%). Pharmaceutical advice was given in 28.0% of prompted referral cases, and in 26.0% of cases, the face-to-face referral was redirected to another specialty group. In 5.0% of cases, the specialist stated the referral was urgent. The median specialist response time was 0.96 days (interquartile range 0.17 to 3.80 days). CONCLUSION By providing PCPs with increased access to specialists, the Champlain BASE eConsult service serves an important role in identifying and preventing the potential detrimental consequences of delayed medical referrals across specialty groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Liddy
- Clinician Investigator at the C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre of the Bruyère Research Institute in Ottawa, Ont, Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa, and Primary Care Lead of the Champlain BASE (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) eConsult service.
| | - Paul Drosinis
- Research assistant at the C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre of the Bruyère Research Institute
| | - Adam Fogel
- Summer student at the C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre of the Bruyère Research Institute at the time of writing this paper
| | - Erin Keely
- Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at The Ottawa Hospital, Professor in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ottawa, and Vice-Chair of Education for the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa
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Li J, Liu M, Liu X, Ma L. Why and When do Patients Use e-Consultation Services? The Trust and Resource Supplementary Perspectives. Telemed J E Health 2017; 24:77-85. [PMID: 28686084 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION e-Consultation provides a new way to deliver healthcare services online. With the help of e-Consultation services, patients can gain access to nationwide medical expertise that otherwise would not be available to them. As an online delivery approach, e-Consultation also provides a choice for patients to receive medical advice from online doctors immediately, no matter how far away from the hospital they may be or how late in the day it is. However, the adoption and usage of e-Consultation is still far from satisfactory. Therefore, understanding why and when patients use e-Consultation services are important research questions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Considering that the choice of a healthcare provider is a serious decision, this research uses the trust perspective to explain the e-Consultation service adoption phenomenon. Specifically, trust is conceptualized as a second-order construct consisting of two dimensions: competence and integrity. In addition, e-Consultation is viewed as a supplementary resource to traditional off-line consultation services, and disease type as a contextual factor is hypothesized to focus the context where e-Consultation services are more suitable. A scenario-based survey was conducted to test the proposed research model. We obtained a total of 190 valid questionnaires. RESULTS Our results indicated that trust (p < 0.01) had a positive effect on the intention to use an e-Consultation service. Meanwhile, our results also indicated that the higher the disease is in rarity (p < 0.05), severity (p < 0.01), or urgency (p < 0.05), the lesser the positive effect of trust is on the intention to use an e-Consultation service. CONCLUSIONS Trust is the major driving force of an e-Consultation service adoption. When the disease is high in rarity, severity, or urgency, an off-line healthcare provider is less capable of providing meaningful, qualified, and immediate service. Therefore, there is a decreased positive effect of trust on the intention to use an e-Consultation service for those diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Ma
- School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology , Shanghai, China
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O'Toole A, Joo J, DesGroseilliers JP, Liddy C, Glassman S, Afkham A, Keely E. The association between question type and the outcomes of a Dermatology eConsult service. Int J Dermatol 2017; 56:836-841. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley O'Toole
- Division of Dermatology; Department of Medicine; University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jiyeh Joo
- Faculty of Medicine; University of Ottawa; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre DesGroseilliers
- Division of Dermatology; Department of Medicine; University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Department of Family Medicine; University of Ottawa; Ottawa Ontario Canada
- C.T. Lamont Primary Healthcare Research Centre; Elisabeth Bruyère Research Institute; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Steven Glassman
- Division of Dermatology; Department of Medicine; University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Amir Afkham
- Senior Project Manager; Champlain Local Health Integration Network; Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism; Department of Medicine; University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital; Ottawa Ontario Canada
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Kohlert S, Murphy P, Tse D, Liddy C, Afkham A, Keely E. Improving access to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery expert advice through eConsultations. Laryngoscope 2017; 128:350-355. [PMID: 28573644 DOI: 10.1002/lary.26677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Prolonged wait times have become common. Electronic consultations (eConsults) have been shown in previous studies to reduce unnecessary face-to-face consultations to specialists, but no prior study has investigated the feasibility or efficacy of eConsults in an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OTO-HNS) practice. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational study. METHODS The Champlain BASE eConsult system is a secure web portal allowing primary care physicians (PCPs) to communicate asynchronously with specialists about a patient, without requiring a formal face-to-face consult. The data from all eConsults sent through this portal to OTO-HNS practices between July 2011 and January 2015 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Response time was rapid; over 40% of eConsults received a response within 24 hours, and nearly all eConsults were answered within 7 calendar days. The median response time was nearly 29 times faster than traditional face-to-face consultation. Unnecessary face-to-face referrals were avoided in 33.4% of all eConsults, and in nearly 50% of cases where the PCP initially planned a formal referral. PCPs reported adopting a new or additional course of action over 50% of the time following an eConsult. Eighty-eight percent of PCPs reported the service to be valuable for their patients, and 92% found it valuable for themselves. eConsults require only a limited time commitment from specialists, with over 75% taking less than 10 minutes to complete. CONCLUSIONS eConsultation is a cost-effective system that can lead to decreased wait times, improved communication between PCPs and otolaryngologists, and help guide the development of targeted continuing professional development modules for PCPs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4. Laryngoscope, 128:350-355, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Kohlert
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Murphy
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren Tse
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amir Afkham
- Champlain Local Health Integration Network, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology/Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Young NP, Elrashidi MY, Crane SJ, Ebbert JO. Pilot of integrated, colocated neurology in a primary care medical home. J Eval Clin Pract 2017; 23:548-553. [PMID: 27943579 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES Novel health care delivery models are needed to reduce health care use while delivering effective and safe care. We developed a model of a neurologist integrated and colocated in primary care leveraging "curbside," electronic, and traditional consultations. Our objective was to examine the impact on health care resource use of diagnostic testing and referrals for face-to-face neurological consultation and adverse outcomes associated with electronic and curbside consultations. METHODS Consecutive patients from December 1, 2014, to March 13, 2015, were included in the analysis about whom contact was made between a primary care clinician and a colocated neurologist. RESULTS Over 3.5 months of the pilot, 359 unique patients generated 429 consultations (179 curbsides, 68 electronic consultations, and 182 face-to-face visits). The integrated model resulted in avoidance of 78 face-to-face tertiary neurology consultations, 39 brain magnetic resonance imaging, 50 electromyograms, and 53 other advanced imaging studies. Earlier curbside consultation may have prevented unnecessary testing or face-to-face tertiary neurology consultations in 40 (22%) patients. Earlier face-to-face consultation may have avoided expensive testing in 31 (17%) patients. No cases met criteria for an adverse outcome. The number of referrals to tertiary neurology declined by 64%, and the total number of face-to-face visits per month declined by 25%. CONCLUSION Colocated neurology in a primary care medical home offers a promising intervention to deliver high-value care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Young
- College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Muhamad Y Elrashidi
- College of Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sarah J Crane
- College of Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jon O Ebbert
- College of Medicine, Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,College of Medicine, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Bello AK, Molzahn AE, Girard LP, Osman MA, Okpechi IG, Glassford J, Thompson S, Keely E, Liddy C, Manns B, Jinda K, Klarenbach S, Hemmelgarn B, Tonelli M. Patient and provider perspectives on the design and implementation of an electronic consultation system for kidney care delivery in Canada: a focus group study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014784. [PMID: 28255097 PMCID: PMC5353303 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We assessed stakeholder perceptions on the use of an electronic consultation system (e-Consult) to improve the delivery of kidney care in Alberta. We aim to identify acceptability, barriers and facilitators to the use of an e-Consult system for ambulatory kidney care delivery. METHODS This was a qualitative focus group study using a thematic analysis design. Eight focus groups were held in four locations in the province of Alberta, Canada. In total, there were 72 participants in two broad stakeholder categories: patients (including patients' relatives) and providers (including primary care physicians, nephrologists, other care providers and policymakers). FINDINGS The e-Consult system was generally acceptable across all stakeholder groups. The key barriers identified were length of time required for referring physicians to complete the e-Consult due to lack of integration with current electronic medical records, and concerns that increased numbers of requests might overwhelm nephrologists and lead to a delayed response or an unsustainable system. The key facilitators identified were potential improvement of care coordination, dissemination of best practice through an educational platform, comprehensive data to make decisions without the need for face-to-face consultation, timely feedback to primary care providers, timeliness/reduced delays for patients' rapid triage and identification of cases needing urgent care and improved access to information to facilitate decision-making in patient care. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholder perceptions regarding the e-Consult system were favourable, and the key barriers and facilitators identified will be considered in design and implementation of an acceptable and sustainable electronic consultation system for kidney care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminu K Bello
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anita E Molzahn
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Louis P Girard
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Osman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ikechi G Okpechi
- Divisionof Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jodi Glassford
- Closed Loop Referral Management, eReferral and Alberta Referral Pathways, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie Thompson
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erin Keely
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital-Riverside Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Braden Manns
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kailash Jinda
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott Klarenbach
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brenda Hemmelgarn
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Nurse practitioner malpractice data: Informing nursing education. J Prof Nurs 2017; 33:271-275. [PMID: 28734486 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurse practitioners (NPs) are often identified in medical malpractice claims. However, the use of malpractice data to inform the development of nursing curriculum is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine medical errors committed by NPs. METHODS Using National Practitioner Data Bank public use data, years 1990 to 2014, NP malpractice claims were classified by event type, patient outcome, setting, and number of practitioners involved. RESULTS The greatest proportion of malpractice claims involving nurse practitioners were diagnosis related (41.46%) and treatment related (30.79%). Severe patient outcomes most often occurred in the outpatient setting. Nurse practitioners were independently responsible for the event in the majority of the analyzed claims. CONCLUSION Moving forward, nurse practitioner malpractice data should be continuously analyzed and used to inform the development of nurse practitioner education standards and graduate program curriculum to address areas of clinical weakness and improve quality of care and patient safety.
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Young MJ, Pham J. Improving the electronic nexus between generalists and specialists: A public health imperative? HEALTHCARE-THE JOURNAL OF DELIVERY SCIENCE AND INNOVATION 2016; 4:302-306. [PMID: 27939171 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent changes in healthcare delivery and payment policy have precipitated interest among healthcare providers across the U.S. seeking innovative strategies to achieve higher quality, lower cost care through improved resource-utilization. One dimension of healthcare delivery with distinctive potential for improvement is care coordination between primary care and specialist providers. Optimizing the nexus between PCPs and specialists through innovations including eConsultation platforms portends reductions in unnecessary referrals and testing, and may help align incentives to promote high-value care. Opportunities and challenges surrounding effective and versatile operationalization of such technologies are assessed, focusing on specific public health needs of access and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Young
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Julien Pham
- Dorchester House Community Health Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Caffery LJ, Farjian M, Smith AC. Telehealth interventions for reducing waiting lists and waiting times for specialist outpatient services: A scoping review. J Telemed Telecare 2016; 22:504-512. [PMID: 27686648 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x16670495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We undertook a scoping review of the published literature to identify and summarise key findings on the telehealth interventions that influence waiting times or waiting lists for specialist outpatient services. Searches were conducted to identify relevant articles. Articles were included if the telehealth intervention restructured or made the referral process more efficient. We excluded studies that simply increased capacity. Two categories of interventions were identified - electronic consultations and image-based triage. Electronic consultations are asynchronous, text-based provider-to-provider consultations. Electronic consultations have been reported to obviate the need for face-to-face appointments between the patient and the specialist in between 34-92% of cases. However, it is often reported that electronic consultations are appropriate in less than 10% of referrals for outpatient care. Image-based triage has been used successfully to reduce unnecessary or inappropriate referrals and was used most often in dermatology, ophthalmology and otolaryngology (ENT). Reported reduction rates for face-to-face appointments by specialty were: dermatology 38-88%, ophthalmology 16-48% and ENT 89%. Image-based triage can be twice as effective as non-image based triage in reducing unnecessary appointments. Telehealth interventions can effectively be used to reduce waiting lists and improve the coordination of specialist services, and should be considered in conjunction with clinical requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Caffery
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Australia
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