1
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Nees J, Struewe F, Schott S. Medical students' knowledge on cancer predisposition syndromes and attitude toward eHealth. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1535-1541. [PMID: 37934269 PMCID: PMC10894105 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07266-4] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) inherit elevated cancer risks. Medical supply gaps for people at risk of CPS cause insufficient outreach and miss potential benefits of individualized care strategies. Increased awareness of CPS and progress in the eHealth sector are untapped sources of health care improvement for affected individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS This study addressed German-speaking medical students with an online questionnaire in respect to their knowledge of CPS, their medical education, and perspectives. The study population (n = 404) reported interest in and knowledge of CPS, supported by a satisfactory and sustainable education for their prospective patient care. The next generation of doctors would implement eHealth to improve medical services. Skepticism about digitization was claimed by students. They were especially concerned about deterioration in the physician-patient relationship, data abuse, dependence on technology, and incorrect diagnoses. CONCLUSION Due to increasing diagnosing of CPS and deeper knowledge, this topic is essential for the curriculum in medical schools. In particular, care providers need know-how on identifying patients at risk for a CPS, certain diagnostic and therapeutic steps, surveillance and prophylactic strategies to improve patients' outcomes. Education in medical school as well as implemented eHealth seems to have potential to meet this demand in an upcoming era of personalized medicine. What does this study add to the clinical work. Medical teaching on cancer predisposition syndromes should be expanded to improve knowledge and individualized and personalized healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Nees
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Farina Struewe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarah Schott
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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2
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Atabaki SM, Shur NE, Munoz RA, Bhuvanendran S, Sable C, Rojas CR, Lopez-Magallon AJ, Clarke JC, Sabouriane CE, Krishnan A, Wessel DL. Direct-to-patient telemedicine: Expanding access to regional pediatric specialty care. J Investig Med 2024; 72:248-255. [PMID: 38102744 DOI: 10.1177/10815589231222197] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Telemedicine is seen as a useful tool in reducing gaps in health care but this technology-enabled care can also exacerbate health inequity if not implemented with a focus on inclusivity. Though many studies have reported improvements as well as exacerbation of disparities in access to care in their telehealth programs, there does not exist a common evaluation tool to assess these programs. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on health care workers and protect medically vulnerable children, in March 2020 we expanded our pre-established specialty and subspecialty direct-to-patient pediatric telemedicine program in a high volume urban pediatric health system. Our program aimed to prevent disparities in pediatric health care. In this study, using a "Pillars of Access" approach as a model to evaluate impact and access to care of our direct-to-patient telemedicine program, we analyzed the patients that were seen pre-COVID versus post-COVID. Our study demonstrated an increase in telemedicine visits for patients from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, and geographically underserved communities. We also observed an increase in telemedicine visits for mental health complaints and for certain categories of high-risk patients. This study was not designed to identify language and cultural barriers to telemedicine. Future identification of these specific barriers is needed. The tool to evaluate telehealth impact/access to care through a "Pillars of Access" approach presented here could serve as a model for implementation of telehealth programs. Our study highlights telemedicine programs as a mechanism to address healthcare inequity and overcome barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Craig Sable
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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3
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Faiçal AVB, Souza EL, Terse-Ramos R. Family perception of a telehealth program for people with cystic fibrosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in northeastern Brazil. J Bras Pneumol 2023; 49:e20230242. [PMID: 37991072 PMCID: PMC10760425 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20230242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana V B Faiçal
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador (BA) Brasil
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador (BA) Brasil
| | - Edna L Souza
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador (BA) Brasil
| | - Regina Terse-Ramos
- . Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador (BA) Brasil
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4
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Fortin K, Dawson J, Scribano PV. Use of Telemedicine for Children in Foster Care. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1705-1712. [PMID: 36976756 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0526] [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] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine studies specific to children in foster care are needed, given unique health care needs and barriers. It is important to utilize lessons learned from telemedicine programs deployed by necessity during the COVID-19 emergency. Objectives: Describe telemedicine health assessments for children in foster care performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compare medical recommendations resulting from telemedicine and in-person assessments. Methods: After navigating barriers specific to children in foster care including consent issues, we implemented a telemedicine program at our specialty clinic for children in foster care when in-person visits were restricted. Outcomes of telemedicine referrals were tracked. After each visit, physicians were asked to rate ability to express themselves, hear and see patients from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) using items from the validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. Recommendations for laboratory work, medication, and health services referrals were recorded and compared with 205 patients seen in-person the year prior. Results: From 91 referrals, 83 (91%) children with a mean age of 9 years completed telemedicine visits. Physicians rated receptive and expressive communications more favorably than visual quality. Most telemedicine patients (77%) received a referral for health care services but had significantly lower rates of laboratory work completion, vision referrals, and prescriptions for new medications compared with 205 patients seen in-person. Conclusions: Results suggest that telemedicine was accessible to most patients and highlighted essential in-person components of comprehensive health assessments. Findings could inform ongoing telemedicine applications and advocacy for underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Fortin
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Judith Dawson
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip V Scribano
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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5
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Mlinaric M, Bonham JR, Kožich V, Kölker S, Majek O, Battelino T, Torkar AD, Koracin V, Perko D, Remec ZI, Lampret BR, Scarpa M, Schielen PCJI, Zetterström RH, Groselj U. Newborn Screening in a Pandemic-Lessons Learned. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:ijns9020021. [PMID: 37092515 PMCID: PMC10123726 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected many essential aspects of public health, including newborn screening programs (NBS). Centers reported missing cases of inherited metabolic disease as a consequence of decreased diagnostic process quality during the pandemic. A number of problems emerged at the start of the pandemic, but from the beginning, solutions began to be proposed and implemented. Contingency plans were arranged, and these are reviewed and described in this article. Staff shortage emerged as an important issue, and as a result, new work schedules had to be implemented. The importance of personal protective equipment and social distancing also helped avoid disruption. Staff became stressed, and this needed to be addressed. The timeframe for collecting bloodspot samples was adapted in some cases, requiring reference ranges to be modified. A shortage of essential supplies and protective equipment was evident, and laboratories described sharing resources in some situations. The courier system had to be adapted to make timely and safe transport possible. Telemedicine became an essential tool to enable communication with patients, parents, and medical staff. Despite these difficulties, with adaptations and modifications, some centers evaluated candidate conditions, continued developments, or began new NBS. The pandemic can be regarded as a stress test of the NBS under real-world conditions, highlighting critical aspects of this multidisciplinary system and the need for establishing local, national, and global strategies to improve its robustness and reliability in times of shortage and overloaded national healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Mlinaric
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, Bohoričeva Ulica 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - James R Bonham
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK
| | - Viktor Kožich
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Charles University-First Faculty of Medicine, and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ondrej Majek
- National Screening Centre, Institute of Health Information & Statistics of the Czech Republic, 128 01 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, Bohoričeva Ulica 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Drole Torkar
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, Bohoričeva Ulica 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vanesa Koracin
- Department of Dermatovenerology, General Hospital Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia
| | - Dasa Perko
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ziga Iztok Remec
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbka Repic Lampret
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maurizio Scarpa
- Regional Coordinating Center for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases (MetabERN), Udine University Hospital, Piazzale Santa Maria Della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Peter C J I Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf H Zetterström
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Urh Groselj
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, UMC Ljubljana, Bohoričeva Ulica 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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6
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Solomon BD, Adam MP, Fong CT, Girisha KM, Hall JG, Hurst AC, Krawitz PM, Moosa S, Phadke SR, Tekendo-Ngongang C, Wenger TL. Perspectives on the future of dysmorphology. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:659-671. [PMID: 36484420 PMCID: PMC9928773 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63060] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The field of clinical genetics and genomics continues to evolve. In the past few decades, milestones like the initial sequencing of the human genome, dramatic changes in sequencing technologies, and the introduction of artificial intelligence, have upended the field and offered fascinating new insights. Though difficult to predict the precise paths the field will follow, rapid change may continue to be inevitable. Within genetics, the practice of dysmorphology, as defined by pioneering geneticist David W. Smith in the 1960s as "the study of, or general subject of abnormal development of tissue form" has also been affected by technological advances as well as more general trends in biomedicine. To address possibilities, potential, and perils regarding the future of dysmorphology, a group of clinical geneticists, representing different career stages, areas of focus, and geographic regions, have contributed to this piece by providing insights about how the practice of dysmorphology will develop over the next several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Margaret P. Adam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Chin-To Fong
- Department of Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Katta M. Girisha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Judith G. Hall
- University of British Columbia and Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna C.E. Hurst
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Peter M. Krawitz
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Shahida Moosa
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University
- Medical Genetics, Tygerberg Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Shubha R. Phadke
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Cedrik Tekendo-Ngongang
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tara L. Wenger
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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7
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Douglas TC, May C, Dent K, Carey JC, Mladucky J. Prenatal patient perceptions of receiving difficult news over the telephone. J Genet Couns 2023. [PMID: 36843230 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1694] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Difficult news has been described as any news that adversely and seriously affects an individual's view of their future. Research in oncology genetic counseling demonstrated that individuals do not prefer in-person or telephone delivery of their genetic test results. However, in the prenatal setting, there is limited research examining how patients prefer news related to their pregnancies be disclosed. This study aimed to assess the experiences and preferences of prenatal patients who received difficult news by telephone. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to assess patients' personal definitions of difficult news and their experiences receiving the news by telephone. Fifteen patients seen prenatally by a genetic counselor were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and consensus-coded, using inductive content analysis to identify several themes. The most common definition of difficult news included unexpected, life-changing, or devastating information. Participants described aspects of their experience and strategies employed by their genetic counselor that was helpful when receiving the news, which was found to align with the SPIKES protocol, a six-step process of delivering difficult news to patients. Additional techniques that participants identified as beneficial and satisfactory included the genetic counselor's use of empathy, non-directiveness, and continuity and coordination of care. Participants also provided recommendations for improvement, including a discussion of the mode of result disclosure during pretest counseling, an option to follow up with their genetic counselor, personalized resources, and a summary of the results call. The findings of this study demonstrate that a patient-centered approach is preferred by patients who receive difficult news by telephone in the prenatal setting. Patients' identification of beneficial communication techniques and suggestions for improvement can be implemented by any healthcare provider responsible for delivering difficult news to prenatal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlyn May
- Certified Genetic Counselor, GeneScreen Counseling, Bernardsville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Karin Dent
- University of Utah Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - John C Carey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Janessa Mladucky
- Intermountain Healthcare, Precision Genomics, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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8
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Dantas MAA, Da Silva JD, Tkachenko N, Paneque M. Telehealth in genetic counselling consultations: the impact of COVID-19 in a Portuguese genetic healthcare service. J Community Genet 2023; 14:91-100. [PMID: 36414926 PMCID: PMC9685011 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-022-00618-8] [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: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The already increasing use of telemedicine in the last few years has risen significantly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a fast implementation, it is important to understand the experience of genetic counselling patients using telehealth. To this end, we developed a study to understand the impact of the pandemic on genetics consultations, using a mixed-method approach through a questionnaire to collect the patients' opinions. The largest group included in the study was 26-45 years old (65%), and 33.6% had completed year 12 of secondary education. Due to the impact of the pandemic, we observed an increase of 84.5% in teleconsultations. The participants' satisfaction was quite significant, 67.3% felt comfortable discussing personal and family health, 53.6% were well-enlightened, and 59.1% did not find it difficult to build a doctor-patient relationship. However, 64.5% of our participants indicated using the service only for subsequent consultations but supported the idea of continuing with telemedicine in the future. Undoubtedly, this service is essential for better quality and healthcare support. The professionals involved must be increasingly trained to provide adequate genetic counselling and comfort to the patient. Training automatically influences the improvement of the service regarding the barriers encountered and consequently provides a better experience and satisfaction to the patient and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayla A. A. Dantas
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- CGM - Centro de Genética Médica Doutor Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,ICVS - Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal ,ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nataliya Tkachenko
- CGM - Centro de Genética Médica Doutor Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Milena Paneque
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ,CGPP - Centro de Genética Preditiva e Preventiva, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação EM Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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9
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Green S, Hartzfeld D, Terry AB, Fissell K, Friedman S, Paolino N, Principe K, Sandbach J, Trzupek K, Winheld S, Malinowski J. An evidence-based practice guideline of the National Society of Genetic Counselors for telehealth genetic counseling. J Genet Couns 2023; 32:4-17. [PMID: 36054686 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
There are currently no practice guidelines available for genetic counseling using telehealth modalities. This evidence-based practice guideline was developed in response to increasing use of alternative service delivery models for genetic counseling, specifically telephone and video-based genetic counseling (telehealth genetic counseling or THGC). A recent systematic evidence review (SER) compared outcomes of THGC with in-person genetic counseling and found that for the majority of studied outcomes, THGC was a non-inferior and comparable service delivery model. The SER results were used to develop this guideline. The current and anticipated future use of THGC, including the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, provides the context for this guideline. Recommendation: The Telehealth Practice Guideline author workgroup conditionally recommends telehealth genetic counseling, either via telephone or video, as a delivery method for genetic counseling. Depending on factors unique to individual healthcare systems and provider and patient populations, THGC may be the only service delivery model available or may be utilized in addition to other service delivery models including in-person genetic counseling. The evidence shows large desirable effects, minor undesirable effects, and increased equity for patients when THGC is available. THGC may reduce or remove existing barriers to patient access to genetic counseling, such as medical conditions and/or disabilities that may affect a patient's ability to travel, inflexible work or school schedules, and lack of reliable transportation, finances, or dependent care. THGC is likely acceptable to key groups impacted by its use and is feasible to implement. Certain patient populations may require additional resources or encounter more barriers in using telemedicine services in general. For these populations, THGC can still be a valuable option if solutions are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Green
- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation, High Risk Pregnancy Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Deborah Hartzfeld
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Genomic Medicine Service, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alissa Bovee Terry
- New York Mid-Atlantic-Caribbean Regional Genetics Network, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | | | - Sue Friedman
- Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Tampa, Florida, USA
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10
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Knowles JK, Helbig I, Metcalf CS, Lubbers LS, Isom LL, Demarest S, Goldberg EM, George AL, Lerche H, Weckhuysen S, Whittemore V, Berkovic SF, Lowenstein DH. Precision medicine for genetic epilepsy on the horizon: Recent advances, present challenges, and suggestions for continued progress. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2461-2475. [PMID: 35716052 PMCID: PMC9561034 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The genetic basis of many epilepsies is increasingly understood, giving rise to the possibility of precision treatments tailored to specific genetic etiologies. Despite this, current medical therapy for most epilepsies remains imprecise, aimed primarily at empirical seizure reduction rather than targeting specific disease processes. Intellectual and technological leaps in diagnosis over the past 10 years have not yet translated to routine changes in clinical practice. However, the epilepsy community is poised to make impressive gains in precision therapy, with continued innovation in gene discovery, diagnostic ability, and bioinformatics; increased access to genetic testing and counseling; fuller understanding of natural histories; agility and rigor in preclinical research, including strategic use of emerging model systems; and engagement of an evolving group of stakeholders (including patient advocates, governmental resources, and clinicians and scientists in academia and industry). In each of these areas, we highlight notable examples of recent progress, new or persistent challenges, and future directions. The future of precision medicine for genetic epilepsy looks bright if key opportunities on the horizon can be pursued with strategic and coordinated effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet K. Knowles
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ingo Helbig
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Laura S. Lubbers
- Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lori L. Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott Demarest
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ethan M. Goldberg
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alfred L. George
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Division of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vicky Whittemore
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel F. Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel H. Lowenstein
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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11
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Weise N, Shaya J, Javier-Desloges J, Cheng HH, Madlensky L, McKay RR. Disparities in germline testing among racial minorities with prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2022; 25:403-410. [PMID: 34775478 PMCID: PMC8590439 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-021-00469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Germline testing is becoming increasingly relevant in prostate cancer (PCa) screening, prognosis, and management. A subset of patients with PCa harbor pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) in genes mediating DNA-repair processes, and these P/LPVs have implications for cancer screening, treatment, and cascade testing. As a result, it is recommended that all men with high-risk localized and metastatic PCa undergo routine germline testing. As more PCa patients undergo germline testing, it is important that clinicians and genetics experts recognize current disparities in germline testing rates among racial/ethnic minorities in the United States. The reasons for these disparities are multiple and require similarly manifold consideration to close the germline testing gap and reduce inequities in PCa screening, management, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Weise
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Justin Shaya
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Heather H Cheng
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Rana R McKay
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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12
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Zoran S, Anbouba G, Zhao Q, Harris A, Williams KB, Schwoerer JS. Telemedicine in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Wisconsin. J Community Genet 2022; 13:445-448. [PMID: 35790687 PMCID: PMC9314468 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-022-00599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Plain Community (PC) is a medically underserved group found predominantly in the northeastern and midwestern USA. Due to the community's founder population with few converts and infrequent outside marriage, metabolic and genetic disorders are more prevalent. Individuals in the PC experience geographic, financial, and cultural barriers when accessing healthcare. In Wisconsin, a collaboration between clinicians at a rural community health clinic and the academic medical clinic established an outreach clinic for medical genetics located in a rural location closer to a Wisconsin PC which consists of both Amish and Mennonite communities. However, patients with acute medical concerns requiring more urgent genetics care must travel to the academic center. Telemedicine (TM) is a technology that increases access to healthcare, often reducing financial and travel barriers. Using survey tools, we explored whether TM could be used to provide genetic services to individuals in the Wisconsin PC at an outreach clinic. Results indicated that 36% of survey participants responded favorably to receiving services by TM at a clinic designed for the PC. Members of the Mennonite community are significantly more likely to consider receiving services via TM than those of the Amish community. The results of the surveys indicate potential utility of TM at the outreach clinic as alternative way to improve access to genetic and other subspecialty services for the PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zoran
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Grace Anbouba
- SSM Health Dean Medical Group, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Biostatistics & Med Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Anne Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, UW-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katie B Williams
- Center for Special Children, Vernon Memorial Healthcare, Viroqua, WI, 54665, USA
| | - Jessica Scott Schwoerer
- Department of Pediatrics - Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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13
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Szigety KM, Crowley TB, Gaiser KB, Chen EY, Priestley JRC, Williams LS, Rangu SA, Wright CM, Adusumalli P, Ahrens-Nicklas RC, Calderon B, Cuddapah SR, Edmondson A, Ficicioglu C, Ganetzky R, Kalish JM, Krantz ID, McDonald-McGinn DM, Medne L, Muraresku C, Pyle LC, Zackai EH, Campbell IM, Sheppard SE. Clinical Effectiveness of Telemedicine-Based Pediatric Genetics Care. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2021054520. [PMID: 35642503 PMCID: PMC9724118 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-054520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Telemedicine may increase access to medical genetics care. However, in the pediatric setting, how telemedicine may affect the diagnostic rate is unknown, partially because of the perceived importance of the dysmorphology physical examination. We studied the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine for patients with suspected or confirmed genetic conditions. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of outpatient encounters before and after the widespread implementation of telemedicine (N = 5854). Visit types, diagnoses, patient demographic characteristics, and laboratory data were acquired from the electronic health record. Patient satisfaction was assessed through survey responses. New molecular diagnosis was the primary end point. RESULTS Patients seen by telemedicine were more likely to report non-Hispanic White ancestry, prefer to speak English, live in zip codes with higher median incomes, and have commercial insurance (all P < .01). Genetic testing was recommended for more patients evaluated by telemedicine than in person (79.5% vs 70.9%; P < .001). Patients seen in person were more likely to have a sample collected, resulting in similar test completion rates (telemedicine, 51.2%; in person, 55.1%; P = .09). There was no significant difference in molecular diagnosis rate between visit modalities (telemedicine, 13.8%; in person, 12.4%; P = .40). CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine and traditional in-person evaluation resulted in similar molecular diagnosis rates. However, improved methodologies for remote sample collection may be required. This study reveals the feasibility of telemedicine in a large academic medical genetics practice and is applicable to other pediatric specialties with perceived importance of physical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Szigety
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Terrence B. Crowley
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kimberly B. Gaiser
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erin Y. Chen
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jessica R. C. Priestley
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lydia S. Williams
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sneha A. Rangu
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christina M. Wright
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Priyanka Adusumalli
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Brandon Calderon
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sanmati R. Cuddapah
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Andrew Edmondson
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Can Ficicioglu
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Ganetzky
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Kalish
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ian D. Krantz
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Donna M. McDonald-McGinn
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Livija Medne
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Colleen Muraresku
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Louise C. Pyle
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elaine H. Zackai
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ian M. Campbell
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sarah E. Sheppard
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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14
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Chenbhanich J, Slavotinek A, Tam A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical genetics and genomics training: Perspective from clinical trainees. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:1997-2004. [PMID: 35338572 PMCID: PMC9082060 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We sought to understand how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the well-being, clinical training, and medical education for clinical trainees in medical genetics and genomics residency and fellowship programs. All clinical genetics trainees in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs were invited to complete a survey. 31 out of 174 trainees completed the survey. With regards to well-being, 18 trainees reported increased anxiety, 10 had increased depression, 3 increased financial strain, 13 worsening work-life balance, and 13 worsening physical health. There was increased telehealth utilization in both outpatient (3% before the pandemic vs. 67% during the pandemic) and inpatient clinical encounters (0% vs. 29%). The most commonly reported challenges in telehealth use were inadequate physical examination and technical problems during visits. Twenty trainees believed that the pandemic has negatively impacted overall clinical training while none reported a positive impact. We concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted most clinical genetics trainees in ACGME-accredited training programs. Telehealth has been increasingly used with some challenges. Further studies are needed on how to optimally integrate what we have learned into the training of medical genetics and genomics in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirat Chenbhanich
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of PediatricsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anne Slavotinek
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of PediatricsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Allison Tam
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of PediatricsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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15
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Use of telemedicine for initial outpatient subspecialist consultative visit: A national survey of general pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. HEALTHCARE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 10:100600. [PMID: 34875456 PMCID: PMC8881319 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2021.100600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based strategies are needed to support appropriate use of telemedicine for initial outpatient subspecialty consultative visits. To inform such strategies we performed a survey of general pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists about use of telemedicine for patients newly referred for pediatric subspecialty care. METHODS We developed and fielded an e-mail and postal survey of a national sample of 840 general pediatricians and 840 pediatric subspecialists in May and June 2020. RESULTS Of 266 completed surveys (17% response rate), 204 (76%) thought telemedicine should be offered for some and 29 (11%) thought telemedicine should be offered for all initial subspecialist visits. Most respondents who indicated telemedicine should be offered for some initial consultations believed this decision should be made by subspecialty attendings (176/204, 86%). Respondents prioritized several data elements to inform this decision, including clinical information and family-based contextual information (e.g., barriers to in-person care, interest in telemedicine, potential communication barriers). Factors perceived to reduce appropriateness of telemedicine for subspecialty consultation included need for interpreter services and prior history of frequent no-shows. Responses from generalists and subspecialists rarely differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS Survey results suggest potential opportunities to support the appropriate use of telemedicine for initial outpatient pediatric subspecialty visits through structured transfer of specific clinical and contextual information at the time of referral and through strategies to mitigate perceived communication or engagement barriers. IMPLICATION Pediatric physician beliefs about telemedicine for initial outpatient subspecialty consultative visits may inform future interventions to support appropriate telemedicine use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Survey of a national sample of clinicians.
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16
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Rahman S, Baumgartner M, Morava E, Patterson M, Peters V, Zschocke J. Quo vadis now: Beyond genomics to an era of personalised medicine. J Inherit Metab Dis 2022; 45:129-131. [PMID: 35229313 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12487] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shamima Rahman
- Mitochondrial Research Group, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Metabolic Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthias Baumgartner
- Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Morava
- Department of Clinical Genomics and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Marc Patterson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Verena Peters
- Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Zschocke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Raskas MD, Feuerstein-Mendik GJ, Gerlacher G, Cohen S, Henning S, Cramer JM, Sultan O, Iqbal SF. Epidemiology of 30,000 Pediatric Urgent Care Telemedicine Visits in the Era of COVID-19. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1404-1411. [PMID: 35172122 PMCID: PMC9587793 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To describe the epidemiology of patients accessing a pediatric urgent care telemedicine platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the first 30,000 pediatric patients who accessed our pediatric urgent care telemedicine platform during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study population came from 15 states and included the dates May 15 through September 16, 2020. We also described the groups of patients referred for in-person evaluation in urgent care or emergency department (ED) settings. Results: Mean patient age was 7.6 ± 5.4 years and 51% of patients were male. Twenty-one percent were publicly insured. More than 60% of patients sought care between 12 and 7 p.m. The most common reasons for seeking care were concerns for COVID-19 (50.5%) and fever (6.8%). Antibiotics were prescribed in 4.3% of visits. Children had an in-person visit to our urgent care offices on the same day in 9% of visits. Less than 1% of children were referred to the ED. Conclusions: In this large series of telemedicine visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer than 10% required escalation to an in-person office visit and fewer than 1% required escalation to an ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mordechai D Raskas
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Gabriel J Feuerstein-Mendik
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA.,Program in Public Health Studies, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gary Gerlacher
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sheryl Cohen
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shannon Henning
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer M Cramer
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ora Sultan
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sabah F Iqbal
- Division of Telemedicine, PM Pediatrics, Lake Success, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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18
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Pestoff R, Johansson P, Danielsson H, Neher M, Gunnarsson C. Rapid Implementation of Telegenetic Counseling in the COVID-19 and Swedish Healthcare Context: A Feasibility Study. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:848512. [PMID: 36925809 PMCID: PMC10012799 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.848512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the process and preliminary findings of rapid implementation of telegenetic counseling in the context of Swedish healthcare and COVID-19 pandemic, from both a patient and a provider perspective. Fourty-nine patients and 6 healthcare professionals were included in this feasibility study of telegenetic counseling in a regional Department of Clinical Genetics in Sweden. Telegenetic counseling is here defined as providing genetic counseling to patients by video (n = 30) or telephone (n = 19) appointments. Four specific feasibility aspects were considered: acceptability, demand, implementation, and preliminary efficacy. Several measures were used including the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale 24 (collected pre- and post-counseling); the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire; a short study specific evaluation and Visiba Care evaluations, all collected post-counseling. The measures were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the preliminary results show a high level of acceptance and demand, from both patients and providers. Results also indicate successful initial implementation in the regional Department of Clinical Genetics and preliminary efficacy, as shown by significant clinically important improvement in patients' empowerment levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Pestoff
- Centre for Rare Diseases in Southeast Region of Sweden, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Division of Community Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Johansson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Henrik Danielsson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Margit Neher
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Gunnarsson
- Centre for Rare Diseases in Southeast Region of Sweden, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Division of Community Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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19
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Breen KE, Tuman M, Bertelsen CE, Sheehan M, Wylie D, Fleischut MH, Offit K, Stadler ZK, Salo-Mullen EE, Hamilton JG. Factors Influencing Patient Preferences for Telehealth Cancer Genetic Counseling During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 18:e462-e471. [PMID: 34652959 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth became the primary modality for health care appointments. This study examined patient experiences with and preferences for telehealth at a cancer genetic counseling clinic throughout the first 6 months of the pandemic (March-August 2020). METHODS An anonymous survey assessed patient demographics; usage and prior experience with technology; emotional responses, technical experiences, and satisfaction with the telehealth appointment (via the Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Scale and Visit-Specific Satisfaction Questionnaire); preference for future telehealth; and recommendation of telehealth to others. RESULTS Among 380 respondents, most were highly satisfied with the telehealth appointment (with 65.6% and 66.4% of participants completing the Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Scale and Visit-Specific Satisfaction Questionnaire, respectively). Multivariable analyses indicated several notable findings. Adjusting for relevant covariates, participants with less education felt significantly more concerned about telehealth than those with highest educational attainment. Participants age 40-69 years were generally more comfortable, relieved, and grateful that their appointment was scheduled as telehealth than were those older than 70 years. Women were marginally more relieved and grateful for telehealth appointments than men. As the pandemic progressed, significantly more participants were highly satisfied with their telehealth appointment and participants trended toward having greater preferences for future telehealth use. Most participants (78.6%) would recommend telehealth to others, although 50.8% preferred future in-person appointments. CONCLUSION As the pandemic progressed, patients expressed increasing preferences for and satisfaction with telehealth. Service delivery models that incorporate individual patient preferences should be developed with special consideration to factors such as age, sex, and education level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Breen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Malwina Tuman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Corinna E Bertelsen
- Department of Strategy and Innovation, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Margaret Sheehan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - David Wylie
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Kenneth Offit
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Zsofia K Stadler
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Erin E Salo-Mullen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jada G Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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20
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Borle K, Dey A, Carrion P, Austin J, Elliott AM. Genetic counseling research and COVID-19: A lesson in resiliency. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:1276-1284. [PMID: 34510629 PMCID: PMC8657337 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1502] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
GenCOUNSEL is the largest genetic counseling research grant awarded to date and brings together experts in genetic counseling, genomics, law and policy, health services implementation, and health economics research. It is the first project of its kind to examine the genetic counseling issues associated with the clinical implementation of genome‐wide sequencing (exome and genome sequencing). GenCOUNSEL is a Canadian‐based, multi‐method research study that takes place over a variety of sites, including non‐clinical, clinical, and laboratory research sites and includes the training of undergraduate and graduate students. The COVID‐19 pandemic will likely have a lasting impact on genetic counseling service delivery, research, and training. Almost every aspect of the GenCOUNSEL research project has been impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Here we describe how our research recruitment strategies, methods, resource allocation, and training capacity have been affected. We discuss ways that we have adapted to the pandemic including revision of our research methods and work to understand the barriers in order to optimize opportunities. We finish with take‐home messages to fellow researchers highlighting the importance of resiliency in genetic counseling research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Borle
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alivia Dey
- Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Prescilla Carrion
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alison M Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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21
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Gmunder KN, Ruiz JW, Franceschi D, Suarez MM. Factors to Effective Telemedicine Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cohort Study. JMIR Med Inform 2021; 9:e27977. [PMID: 34254936 PMCID: PMC8404776 DOI: 10.2196/27977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With COVID-19 there was a rapid and abrupt rise in telemedicine implementation often without sufficient time for providers or patients to adapt. As telemedicine visits are likely to continue to play an important role in health care, it is crucial to strive for a better understanding of how to ensure completed telemedicine visits in our health system. Awareness of these barriers to effective telemedicine visits is necessary for a proactive approach to addressing issues. Objective The objective of this study was to identify variables that may affect telemedicine visit completion in order to determine actions that can be enacted across the entire health system to benefit all patients. Methods Data were collected from scheduled telemedicine visits (n=362,764) at the University of Miami Health System (UHealth) between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics, mixed effects logistic regression, and random forest modeling were used to identify the most important patient-agnostic predictors of telemedicine completion. Results Using descriptive statistics, struggling telemedicine specialties, providers, and clinic locations were identified. Through mixed effects logistic regression (adjusting for clustering at the clinic site level), the most important predictors of completion included previsit phone call/SMS text message reminder status (confirmed vs not answered) (odds ratio [OR] 6.599, 95% CI 6.483-6.717), MyUHealthChart patient portal status (not activated vs activated) (OR 0.315, 95% CI 0.305-0.325), provider’s specialty (primary care vs medical specialty) (OR 1.514, 95% CI 1.472-1.558), new to the UHealth system (yes vs no) (OR 1.285, 95% CI 1.201-1.374), and new to provider (yes vs no) (OR 0.875, 95% CI 0.859-0.891). Random forest modeling results mirrored those from logistic regression. Conclusions The highest association with a completed telemedicine visit was the previsit appointment confirmation by the patient via phone call/SMS text message. An active patient portal account was the second strongest variable associated with completion, which underscored the importance of patients having set up their portal account before the telemedicine visit. Provider’s specialty was the third strongest patient-agnostic characteristic associated with telemedicine completion rate. Telemedicine will likely continue to have an integral role in health care, and these results should be used as an important guide to improvement efforts. As a first step toward increasing completion rates, health care systems should focus on improvement of patient portal usage and use of previsit reminders. Optimization and intervention are necessary for those that are struggling with implementing telemedicine. We advise setting up a standardized workflow for staff.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose W Ruiz
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Dido Franceschi
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Maritza M Suarez
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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22
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Danylchuk NR, Cook L, Shane-Carson KP, Cacioppo CN, Hardy MW, Nusbaum R, Steelman SC, Malinowski J. Telehealth for genetic counseling: A systematic evidence review. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:1361-1378. [PMID: 34355839 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Telehealth options, such as telephone counseling or videoconferencing, for service delivery in genetic counseling are becoming more widely accepted. However, until now, there has not been a systematic review of the literature focused specifically on genetic counseling outcomes for telehealth. We performed a systematic evidence review to compare telehealth genetic counseling (THGC), including videoconferencing and telephone counseling, across specialties to in-person genetic counseling (IPGC) for a range of outcomes specific to patient and provider experiences and access to care. Several biomedical databases were queried up to January 11, 2021, to identify original research evaluating THGC. Through this search, 42 articles met the inclusion criteria including 13 randomized controlled trials and 29 non-randomized observational studies encompassing 13,901 patients. Most included studies focused only on cancer genetic counseling; however, adult, pediatric, and prenatal specialties were also represented. The majority of studies evaluated patient and/or access to care outcomes. Though most studies reported high patient satisfaction with THGC, as well as comparable rates of trust and rapport, confidence in privacy, health behavior changes, and psychosocial outcomes, few represented diverse populations. Data of provider experiences were limited and varied with more disadvantages noted compared with patient experiences, particularly in studies involving telephone genetic counseling. Studies consistently reported a decrease in the patients' costs and time required for travel when patients are seen via THGC compared to IPGC with a similar reduction in costs to the health system. Overall, results from our evidence synthesis suggest THGC is non-inferior or comparable to IPGC across many domains, even considering that many of the studies included in this review were conducted with telehealth systems, notably videoconferencing, that were less robust and reliable than what is available today. There are notable limitations within this body of literature, leading to potential uncertainty in the generalizability of our analysis. We outline several recommendations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle R Danylchuk
- Department of Genetic Counseling, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lola Cook
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana U School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kate P Shane-Carson
- Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cara N Cacioppo
- Penn Telegenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Rachel Nusbaum
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan C Steelman
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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23
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Alipour J, Hayavi-Haghighi MH. Opportunities and Challenges of Telehealth in Disease Management during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Appl Clin Inform 2021; 12:864-876. [PMID: 34528234 PMCID: PMC8443403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unexpected universal problem that has changed health care access across the world. Telehealth is an effective solution for health care delivery during disasters and public health emergencies. This study was conducted to summarize the opportunities and challenges of using telehealth in health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A structured search was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine, for studies published until November 4, 2020. The reviewers analyzed 112 studies and identified opportunities and challenges. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocols. Quality appraisal was done according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS A total of 112 unique opportunities of telehealth application during the pandemic were categorized into 4 key themes, such as (1) clinical, (2) organizational, (3) technical, and (4) social, which were further divided into 11 initial themes and 26 unique concepts. Furthermore, 106 unique challenges were categorized into 6 key themes, such as (1) legal, (2) clinical, (3) organizational, (40 technical, (5) socioeconomic, and (6) data quality, which were divided into 16 initial themes and 37 unique concepts altogether. The clinical opportunities and legal challenges were the most frequent opportunities and challenges, respectively. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the use of telehealth. This study could offer useful information to policymakers about the opportunities and challenges of implementing telehealth for providing accessible, safe, and efficient health care delivery to the patient population during and after COVID-19. Furthermore, it can assist policymakers to make informed decisions on implementing telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the obstacles ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanpour Alipour
- Health Information Management, Health Information Technology Department, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Hayavi-Haghighi
- Department of Health Information Technology, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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24
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Mills R, MacFarlane IM, Caleshu C, Ringler MA, Zierhut HA. Genetic counselor experiences with telehealth before and after COVID-19. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:999-1009. [PMID: 34231953 PMCID: PMC8426975 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
While genetic counselor (GC) utilization of telehealth has increased in recent years, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of telehealth for many. We investigated GC experiences with telehealth including perceived advantages, disadvantages, and barriers using a one-time online survey of GCs who provided direct patient care in recent years. The survey examined experiences with telehealth before and after the onset of COVID-19. We made broad comparisons to findings from a similar study our research team conducted five years ago. GCs reported an increase in the utilization of telehealth over time, with significant increases from pre-2017 (44%) to pre-COVID-19 (70%) and then to present (87%) (p<.001 and .02, respectively). There was no significant change in the total number of hours worked from pre-COVID-19 to the time of survey completion, nor were there significant changes in the amount of time spent on clinical responsibilities or interfacing with patients. However, the total number of hours worked in telehealth significantly increased (z = 5.05, p<.001) as did the percent of time spent interacting with patients via telehealth [t(72)=3.74, p<.001, d = 0.44]. Participants overwhelmingly preferred video (84%) over telephone; this differs from our previous survey where video was the preferred modality for 59% (p<.001). We utilized open-ended questions to elicit reasons for modality preference. The most-cited barrier to telehealth utilization was billing/reimbursement issues, with 39% noting this obstacle. This is consistent with our previous study where 30% cited billing/reimbursement as the primary barrier. These findings indicate a need for continued efforts to improve billing and reimbursement for genetic counseling offered via telehealth. They also present an opportunity for additional exploration regarding patient preferences for telehealth modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mills
- MS Genetic Counseling ProgramUniversity of North Carolina GreensboroGreensboroNCUSA
| | - Ian M MacFarlane
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and DevelopmentUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | | | - Margaret A Ringler
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and DevelopmentUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - Heather A Zierhut
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and DevelopmentUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
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25
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Uhlmann WR, McKeon AJ, Wang C. Genetic counseling, virtual visits, and equity in the era of COVID-19 and beyond. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:1038-1045. [PMID: 34291525 PMCID: PMC8426877 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Overnight, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth rapidly transitioned from limited application to widespread implementation. The field of genetic counseling was well positioned to make this transition to virtual care since there is generally less of a need for patients to be seen in-person for physical exams or urgent care. Going forward, virtual visits will presumably become a mainstay in the provision of genetic services and it is anticipated that clinics will adopt "hybrid" models with both in-person and virtual visit options. This commentary highlights the successes and challenges in the rapid implementation of virtual visits, focusing on who has benefited versus who has been challenged or left behind. We also discuss genetic testing considerations, including the additional steps required for patients and clinicians when testing is ordered outside of the clinical setting, which can result in delays or a lack of testing altogether. Future research considerations are presented to address the needs among the most vulnerable and help ensure equitable access and benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy R. Uhlmann
- Division of Genetic MedicineDepartment of Internal MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Human GeneticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Andrew J. McKeon
- Department of Human GeneticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Catharine Wang
- Department of Community Health SciencesBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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26
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Provider Perspectives on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Newborn Screening. Int J Neonatal Screen 2021; 7:ijns7030038. [PMID: 34287223 PMCID: PMC8293089 DOI: 10.3390/ijns7030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes in healthcare delivery. Telemedicine rapidly and unexpectedly became the primary vehicle for ambulatory management. As newborn screen (NBS) referrals require varying levels of acuity, whether telemedicine could be used as a safe and effective medium to return these results were unknown. We sent an online survey to metabolism providers internationally to investigate triage differences of abnormal NBS results during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey compared personal practice for the periods of March-June 2019 and March-June 2020. Responses were received from 44 providers practicing in 8 countries. Nearly all (93%) practiced in areas of widespread SARS-COV-2 community transmission during spring 2020. There was a significant expansion of telemedicine use for NBS referrals at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (OR: 12, 95% CI: 3.66-39.3, p < 0.0001). Telehealth primarily replaced in-person ambulatory metabolism visits. The increased frequency of virtual care was similar across NBS analytes. Providers found telehealth for NBS referral equally efficacious to in-person care. Institutional patient surveys showed no difference in satisfaction with provider communication, provider empathy, or appointment logistics. Our survey was limited by unprecedented disruption in healthcare delivery, necessitating further validation of telegenetics for NBS in the post-pandemic era. Nevertheless, our findings demonstrate that telemedicine is potentially a viable and practical tool for triaging abnormal NBS results.
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27
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Carpenter AB, Sheppard E, Atabaki S, Shur N, Tigranyan A, Benchoff T, Snyder A, Fisher A, Cleary K. A Symposium on the Clinic of the Future and Telehealth: Highlights and Future Directions. Cureus 2021; 13:e15234. [PMID: 34178544 PMCID: PMC8223952 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Children’s National Hospital held a virtual symposium on “The Clinic of the Future and Telehealth” in December 2020. The goal of the symposium was to explore future trends in these domains. We also discussed how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated ongoing changes in healthcare. We explored what is on the horizon in these fields and how these changes might affect care delivery in the future. Specifically, we discussed the “Clinic of the Future” with clinical teams from genetics and metabolism, orthopedic surgery, and primary care while our telehealth discussion involved genetics and metabolism, psychiatry, and telerehabilitation. As one example, wearable technology could be adopted among primary care practices and drive a shift in outpatient care from center-based care to patient-based care. We also examined technological innovations in physical exam instruments, gait analysis, imaging integration, and cast technology that could modernize the orthopedic surgery clinic. Telemedicine has rapidly expanded among all fields of medicine, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has spurred innovation to improve the effectiveness of virtual physician visits. The development of technology to improve the virtual physical exam, during a telemedicine visit, further increases the utility of online appointments and increases access to care in all specialties. The incorporation of photogrammetry technology, in genetics and metabolism dysmorphology exams, will offer standardized tracking of patients that could improve diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatry has found nearly equal efficacy in diagnosis and treatment with telehealth visits and the additional benefit of gaining insight in the setting of the patients’ home. Robotics has become increasingly common in rehabilitation, which can now incorporate a gaming experience that can be remotely updated and increase engagement and adherence in pediatric patients. The continued exploration of new ideas promises to improve both in-person and virtual care options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B Carpenter
- Neurological Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown, USA
| | - Evan Sheppard
- Orthopedics and Pediatrics, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, USA
| | - Shireen Atabaki
- Telemedicine and Emergency Medicine, Children's National Health System, Washington, USA
| | - Natasha Shur
- Genetics and Metabolism, Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, USA
| | - Annie Tigranyan
- Genetics and Metabolism, Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, USA
| | | | - Adam Snyder
- Anatomy, George Washington University, Washington, USA
| | - Aliza Fisher
- Medicine, Yale College, Yale University, New Haven, USA
| | - Kevin Cleary
- Medical Device Development, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Washington, USA
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28
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A new era of genetic testing in congenital heart disease: A review. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2021; 32:311-319. [PMID: 33964404 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and genomic testing in pediatric CHD is becoming increasingly routine, and can have important psychosocial, clinical and reproductive implications. In this paper we highlight important challenges and considerations when providing genetics consults and testing in pediatric CHD and illustrate the role of a dedicated CHD genetics clinic. Key lessons include that a) a genetic diagnosis can have clinical utility that justifies testing early in life, b) adequate genetic counselling is crucial to ensure families are supported, understand the range of possible results, and are prepared for new or unexpected health information, and c) further integration of the clinical genetics and cardiology workflows will be required to effectively manage the burgeoning information arising from genetic testing. Our experience demonstrates that a dedicated CHD genetics clinic is a valuable addition to a multidisciplinary team providing care to children with CHD.
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29
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Singh RH, Pringle T, Kenneson A. The Use of Telemedicine and Other Strategies by Registered Dietitians for the Medical Nutrition Therapy of Patients With Inherited Metabolic Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Nutr 2021; 8:637868. [PMID: 33987197 PMCID: PMC8110701 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.637868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical management of patients with inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) includes medical nutrition therapy (MNT) by a registered dietitian (RD). We utilized an online quantitative and qualitative survey to characterize the practices of RDs treating patients with IMDs during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify challenges and unmet needs. We received responses from 117 RDs. Results indicate that RDs are using alternate methods to engage this vulnerable population and provide MNT during the pandemic, including offering telemedicine appointments. Barriers to implementation of telemedicine include the limitations of virtual visits (inability to conduct physical exams and collect blood samples), time, patient knowledge of technology, audio problems, and patient access to internet, computers, or smartphones. RDs have addressed these barriers by extending prescriptions without a medical exam, relying on local facilities for blood draws, increasing the number of patients that use at-home filter papers for blood monitoring, and expanding the use of phone calls and emails. RDs identified patient education materials to facilitate telemedicine visits as a primary unmet need. Despite the reported barriers and limitations of telemedicine for MNT of IMDs, there was widespread satisfaction with the approach among RDs, with 96.9% reporting that they were somewhat or very satisfied with telemedicine. Although this survey focused on barriers, benefits of telemedicine for both RDs and patients were also reported. Identification of barriers and unmet needs can help clinics plan strategies to maximize telemedicine delivery models, to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, and to support sustained use of telemedicine post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani H Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Theresa Pringle
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aileen Kenneson
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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30
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Solomon BD. Evolving technologies in medical genetics and genomics. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2021; 187:5-6. [PMID: 33590649 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Cohen AJ, Shur N, Starin D, MacLeod E, Roshan Lal T, Leon E, Regier DS. Pediatric medical genetics house call: Telemedicine for the next generation of patients and providers. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2021; 187:55-63. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J. Cohen
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Natasha Shur
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Danielle Starin
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Erin MacLeod
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Tamanna Roshan Lal
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Eyby Leon
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Debra S. Regier
- Genetics and Metabolism Children's National Hospital Washington District of Columbia USA
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32
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Shur N, Atabaki SM, Kisling MS, Tabarani A, Williams C, Fraser JL, S. Regier D, Summar M. Rapid deployment of a telemedicine care model for genetics and metabolism during COVID-19. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:68-72. [PMID: 33051968 PMCID: PMC7675281 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The national importance of telemedicine for safe and effective patient care has been highlighted by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the 2020 pandemic the Division of Genetics and Metabolism piloted a telemedicine program focused on initial and follow-up visits in the patients' home. The goals were to increase access to care, decrease missed work, improve scheduling, and avoid the transport and exposure of medically fragile patients. Visits were conducted by physician medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and biochemical dietitians, together and separately. This allowed the program to develop detailed standard operating procedures. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this pilot-program was deployed by the full team of 22 providers in one business day. Two physicians remained on-site for patients requiring in-person evaluations. This model optimized patient safety and workforce preservation while providing full access to patients during a pandemic. We provide initial data on visit numbers, types of diagnoses, and no-show rates. Experience in this implementation before and during the pandemic has confirmed the effectiveness and value of telemedicine for a highly complex medical population. This program is a model that can and will be continued well-beyond the current crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Shur
- Children's National HospitalWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | | | - Abir Tabarani
- Children's National HospitalWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | - Jamie L. Fraser
- Children's National HospitalWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Debra S. Regier
- Children's National HospitalWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Marshall Summar
- Children's National HospitalWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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