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Graña Gil J, Moreno Martínez MJ, Carrasco Cubero MDC. Delphi consensus on the use of telemedicine in rheumatology: RESULTAR study. REUMATOLOGIA CLINICA 2024; 20:254-262. [PMID: 38821741 DOI: 10.1016/j.reumae.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is growing interest in the potential of telemedicine (TM) as an alternative to physical consultation. Although numerous studies prove the benefits of TM in rheumatology, there are no recommendations on its implementation in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyze the application of TM in rheumatology consultations in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Qualitative, cross-sectional, multicenter study with Delphi methodology in two rounds of queries. A structured ad hoc questionnaire was designed that included statements on teleconsultation, nursing teleconsultation, telecare, telerehabilitation, teleradiology, telehealth tele-education, main barriers, advantages and disadvantages of telehealth tele-education and TM in rheumatoid arthritis. The participants were rheumatology specialists practicing in Spain. RESULTS The participating rheumatologists (N = 80) had a mean age of 42.4 (±9.0) years, with 12.6 (±8.4) years of experience. Some of the aspects of TM that obtained the greatest consensus were: TM is useful for follow-up of some patients, to help determine if a face-to-face consultation is necessary, or to assist patients with rheumatoid arthritis if they present low activity or in remission; certain patients, such as those in their first consultation or those who present digital barriers or cognitive deterioration, should be seen face-to-face; TM presents some technical and patient access barriers; TM can be useful in nursing and in continued medical education. CONCLUSIONS TM can be beneficial for the treatment and follow-up of patients with rheumatic diseases, as well as for alleviating the face-to-face care burden in rheumatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenaro Graña Gil
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
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Hakak F, Patel RN, Gearry RB. Review article: Telecare in gastroenterology-Within the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1170-1182. [PMID: 38557953 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth is a growing model of care, greatly accelerated with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telecare is a synchronous audio-visual or audio-only format of health delivery. AIMS To evaluate the existing literature on telecare within adult gastroenterology subspecialties to determine if outcomes are comparable to traditional in-person consultations and to highlight the Pokapū Network, a local initiative in the Lakes Region of New Zealand, amongst these international findings. METHODS We completed an OVID MEDLINE search using the terms gastroenterology, endoscopy, digestive system, inflammatory bowel disease, functional, hepatology, liver, telemedicine, telehealth, videoconferencing, remote consultation, video clinic and telephone clinic. RESULTS Patients showed positive attitudes towards telecare and, in several reports, would elect to have telecare consults in the future. Telecare reduces travel time and out-of-pocket costs for patients and the need for patients to take time off work. Generally, patients engaging with telecare show equivalent health outcomes to patients engaging with traditional models of care. Patients from ethnic minority groups or lower socio-economic backgrounds, or who are older, are less likely to complete a 'successful' telecare consult. CONCLUSION Telecare is a useful model of care to allow gastroenterology centres to function within the context of COVID-19 isolation and beyond. It has significant benefits for patients who face geographical and financial barriers to accessing healthcare. Telecare models such as the Pokapū Network hold promise in reducing inequities for gastroenterology patients. Such models must be introduced with consideration of digital disparities that exist amongst patients to avoid worsening the digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajan N Patel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard B Gearry
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Fantini MC, Loddo E, Petrillo AD, Onali S. Telemedicine in inflammatory bowel disease from its origin to the post pandemic golden age: A narrative review. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:1-6. [PMID: 37330279 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.05.035] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder encompassing ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can be disabling and often requires lifelong treatment and follow-up. Digital health technologies and distance-management tools are less costly alternatives for IBD management and clinical monitoring. This review discusses how telephone/videoconference appointments enable treatment optimization from an early disease stage, provide complementary value-based patient care and educational resources, and allow consistent follow-up with a high standard of care. Replacing/supplementing traditional clinical consultations with telemedicine reduces healthcare utilization costs and the need for in-person consultations. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of telemedicine in IBD, with several studies conducted since 2020 reporting high levels of patient satisfaction. Home-based injectable formulations coupled with telemedicine may become permanently embedded in healthcare systems in the post-pandemic period. While telemedicine consultations are well-accepted by many patients with IBD, they do not suit all patients or are not preferred (e.g., by elderly who do not have the means or ability to understand the associated technology). Ultimately, use of telemedicine should be decided by the patient and careful consideration is required to ensure that the patient is willing and capable of a successful remote visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Claudio Fantini
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Erica Loddo
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amalia Di Petrillo
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Onali
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Del Hoyo J, Millán M, Garrido-Marín A, Aguas M. Are we ready for telemonitoring inflammatory bowel disease? A review of advances, enablers, and barriers. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1139-1156. [PMID: 36926667 PMCID: PMC10011957 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i7.1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the evidence about telemonitoring in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To give an overview of the advances performed, as well as the enablers and barriers which favoured/hindered telemonitoring implementation. We performed a literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database, Web of Science and Conference Proceedings. Titles and abstracts published up to September 2022 were screened for a set of inclusion criteria: telemonitoring intervention, IBD as the main disease, and a primary study performed. Ninety-seven reports were selected for full review. Finally, 20 were included for data extraction and critical appraisal. Most studies used telemonitoring combined with tele-education, and programs evolved from home telemanagement systems towards web portals through mHealth applications. Web systems demonstrated patients’ acceptance, improvement in quality of life, disease activity and knowledge, with a good cost-effectiveness profile in the short-term. Initially, telemonitoring was almost restricted to ulcerative colitis, but new patient reported outcome measures, home-based tests and mobile devices favoured its expansion to different patients´ categories. However, technological and knowledge advances led to legal, ethical, economical and logistic issues. Standardization of remote healthcare is necessary, to improve the interoperability of systems as well as to address liability concerns and users´ preferences. Telemonitoring IBD is well accepted and improves clinical outcomes at a lower cost in the short-term. Funders, policymakers, providers, and patients need to align their interests to overcome the emerging barriers for its full implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Del Hoyo
- Department of Gastroenterology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Mónica Millán
- Department of Surgery, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Alejandro Garrido-Marín
- Department of Gastroenterology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia 46026, Spain
| | - Mariam Aguas
- Department of Gastroenterology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia 46026, Spain
- Health Research Institute La Fe, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia 46026, Spain
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Celasin H, Törüner M, Aghayeva S, Bayramov N, Vardanyan A, Nanaeva B, Dardanov D, Podpriatov S, Dorofeyev A, Ethem Geçim İ, Gecim IE. Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic Among IBD Clinicians and IBD Surgeons in Black Sea Region: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2022; 33:1004-1011. [PMID: 35726844 PMCID: PMC9797775 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2022.22009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an increasing challenge in managing inflammatory bowel dis- ease patients both medically and surgically. Although several international and national medical/surgical associations published guide- lines in this area, there is still a huge difference between daily practices and these guidelines, especially depending on regional practices and governmental policies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and define gastroenterologists' and surgeons' fear of COVID-19 and how they have managed inflammatory bowel disease patients during this pandemic in the Black Sea region. METHODS A 20-question survey was administered to 70 gastroenterology specialists and 80 general surgeons who are mainly focused on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in 5 countries in the Black Sea region. RESULTS The majority of respondents (81.3%) mentioned that they have concerns that their inflammatory bowel disease patients were at risk of contracting COVID-19. In addition, the majority of respondents (80.3%) believed that inflammatory bowel disease itself, inde- pendent of medications, might increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. The majority of gastroenterologists told that they did not stop inflammatory bowel disease medications due to the COVID-19 pandemic unless patients had COVID-19 disease. Surgeons overwhelm- ingly reached a consensus on how to test patients for COVID-19 perioperatively and came to a conclusion on which of the patients can- not wait to be operated. Both gastroenterologists and general surgeons, usually have similar perceptions. CONCLUSION Despite the increasing number of definitive studies, it seems that there are still regional differences in the perception of COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel disease patient care during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydar Celasin
- Department of Surgery, Lokman Hekim University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey,Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey,Haydar Celasin and Murat Toruner contributed equally.Corresponding author: Murat Törüner, e-mail: ,
| | - Murat Törüner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey,Department of Gastroenterology, Baku Medical Plaza, Baku, Azerbaijan,Haydar Celasin and Murat Toruner contributed equally.Corresponding author: Murat Törüner, e-mail: ,
| | - Sevda Aghayeva
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Nuru Bayramov
- Ryzhikh State Scientific Research Center of Coloproctology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Armen Vardanyan
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Alexandrovska, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Bella Nanaeva
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Alexandrovska, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Sergii Podpriatov
- National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education n.a. P.L. Shupic, Ukraine
| | - Andriy Dorofeyev
- Department of Surgery, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Ethem Geçim
- Department of Surgery, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telemedicine has quickly become an essential part of modern healthcare, particularly in the management of chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this review is to describe the current use of telehealth, mobile applications and wearable devices in inflammatory bowel disease and potential future applications. RECENT FINDINGS Telemedicine was increasingly used during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Virtual consultations allowed clinical care to continue despite pandemic-related restrictions without compromising the quality of care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It also benefits patients who would not have access to care due to financial or geographical barriers. Mobile applications allow patients with IBD to record disease activity among other metrics, allowing for earlier healthcare provider intervention. Wearable devices are increasingly being explored to monitor physiological indicators of disease activity and flare. SUMMARY Telehealth and remote patient monitoring has been successfully integrated into the care of IBD patients. The advantages of these modalities include better access to specialist care and remote noninvasive disease monitoring. Careful consideration must be given to patient privacy, data protection and equitable access. These modalities have enormous potential to improve patient care through accurate consistent data collection and even the prediction of disease activity.
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