Baz C, Schlottmann F, Pirzada A, Masrur MA. Strengths and weaknesses of telemedicine: Survey analysis in a single center bariatric surgery program.
Obes Res Clin Pract 2023;
17:536-538. [PMID:
38030472 DOI:
10.1016/j.orcp.2023.11.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite Telemedicine being considered by most patients as the preferred follow-up method, bariatric surgery programs that include virtual consults still exhibit high attrition rates. This study analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of telemedicine in a single-center bariatric surgery program.
METHODS
We developed a 5-minute, 10-question online survey via Qualtrics and examined the results between 108 patients under telehealth visits by the bariatric team at the University of Illinois at Chicago from August to November 2022.
RESULTS
Most patients reported telehealth utilization was easy (91%). Virtual visits were chosen as the preferred method for follow-up (88%), while avoidance of having to take time off work/school was mentioned as the leading reason. However, a small fraction (6%) considered that connecting with the bariatric team took some time/effort.
CONCLUSION
Telemedicine is a fundamental tool to overcome several barriers that hinder access to obesity treatment among patients. Understanding its weaknesses will increase compliance with bariatric surgery programs.
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