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Lee GG, Menean M, Williams BK, Di Nicola M. Eco-sustainability in ophthalmology. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:403-408. [PMID: 38923880 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current state of eco-sustainability in ophthalmology, highlighting key practices, recent advancements, and areas requiring improvement. This review aims to provide ophthalmologists with a comprehensive overview of sustainable practices that can reduce environmental impact. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have identified several areas within ophthalmology where sustainable practices can be implemented including multidose eyedrops, adjusting surgical packs, making package inserts available electronically, and reusing surgical instruments. Moreover, there is an increasing emphasis on waste reduction both in the surgical and clinical setting, by decreasing the use of unnecessary materials and implementing more efficient use of recycling programs. Telemedicine has also emerged as a sustainable option, reducing the carbon footprint associated with patient travel. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in balancing the cost and accessibility of sustainable options with traditional practices. SUMMARY Eco-sustainability in ophthalmology is gaining momentum as the medical community aims to reduce its environmental impact. While progress has been made, further efforts are required to overcome financial and logistical barriers to widespread implementation. Continued research, education, and policy development are essential to advancing eco-sustainable practices, ensuring that environmental considerations become an integral part of ophthalmic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela G Lee
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Dumitrascu OM, English S, Alhayek N, Pahl E, Nord C, Vanderhye V, O'Carroll CB, Demaerschalk BM. Telemedicine for Acute Monocular Visual Loss: A Retrospective Large Telestroke Network Experience. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1738-1743. [PMID: 36912816 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0286] [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: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an under-recognized stroke subtype that may benefit from hyperacute reperfusion therapies. We aimed to evaluate the ability of telestroke activations to provide CRAO diagnosis and thrombolysis. Methods: This retrospective observational study investigates all encounters conducted for acute visual loss between 2010 and 2021 in our multicentric Mayo Clinic Telestroke Network. Demographics, time from visual loss to telestroke evaluation, ocular examination, diagnostic, and therapeutic recommendations were collected for CRAO subjects. Results: Out of 9,511, 49 encounters (0.51%) were conducted for an acute ocular complaint. Five patients had possible CRAO, and 4 presented within 4.5 h from symptom onset (range 1.5-5 h). None received thrombolytic therapy. All telestroke physicians recommended ophthalmology consultation. Conclusion: Current telestroke assessment of acute visual loss is suboptimal and patients eligible for acute reperfusion therapies may not be offered treatment. Teleophthalmologic evaluations and advanced ophthalmic diagnostic tools should complement telestroke systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana M Dumitrascu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Stephen English
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Nour Alhayek
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Emily Pahl
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Charisse Nord
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vanesa Vanderhye
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Cumara B O'Carroll
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Bart M Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
- Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
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Sung YC, Sheu SJ, Hsu SL. Feasibility Analysis of Teleophthalmology Diagnosis and Referral in Remote Areas of Taiwan. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1523-1529. [PMID: 37022780 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0440] [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: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Remote areas of Taiwan lack routine and specialized ophthalmology services. This study aimed to analyze feasibility of teleophthalmology service for diseases diagnosis and referral in remote areas of Taiwan. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records from 11 remote teleophthalmology clinics in the Taitung area of Taiwan was conducted from May 2020 to December 2021. Vision and intraocular pressure were checked. Ophthalmic imaging was performed by local trained nurses using a hand-held ophthalmoscope and slit lamp biomicroscope. The images were transmitted by telemedicine system to a medical center. Consultation was conducted via face-to-face real-time video calls. Ophthalmologists in the medical center provided diagnosis and treatment advice based on the real-time images and interactive history taking via the telemedicine system. All the images and data were collected and well-reviewed by ophthalmologists in the medical center, and disease prevalence and referral were analyzed for the program. A small-scale satisfaction questionnaire survey was conducted for efficacy evaluation of the program. Results: A total of 1,401 medical records from 1,094 patients were collected and screened. Patients' ages ranged from 9 months to 94 years, with a mean age of 57.27 (standard deviation ±20.47) years. The most frequent ophthalmologic diagnosis was dry eye disease (20.2%), followed by conjunctivitis (12.4%). Among 322 patients with underlying diseases of diabetes mellitus, 59 patients (18.3%) were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Major diagnosis was made in 102 patients (7.3%) and referral to hospital for further management was suggested. This program had high overall satisfaction score of 89% (mean 4.43 ± 0.52 points) in satisfaction questionnaire survey. Conclusion: Teleophthalmology provides an alternative tool for ocular disease diagnosis and screening for patients in remote areas, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This service helps to detect major but undiagnosed diseases and promotes health care accessibility and availability in remote areas that lack specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Sung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Jiuan Sheu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shiuh-Liang Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Tele-Neuro-Ophthalmology Utilization, Availability, and Attitudes: Update 1 Year Into the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:40-47. [PMID: 36166781 PMCID: PMC9924738 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth was rapidly adopted early in the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to provide medical care while reducing risk of SARS-CoV2 transmission. Since then, telehealth utilization has evolved differentially according to subspecialty. This study assessed changes in neuro-ophthalmology during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Telehealth utilization and opinions pre-COVID-19, early pandemic (spring 2020), and 1 year later (spring 2021) were surveyed among practicing neuro-ophthalmologists in and outside the United States using an online platform. Demographics, self-reported utilization, perceived benefits, barriers, and examination suitability were collected over a 2-week period in May 2021. RESULTS A total of 135 practicing neuro-ophthalmologists (81.5% United States, 47.4% females, median age 45-54 years) completed the survey. The proportion of participants using video visits remained elevated during COVID + 1 year (50.8%) compared with pre-COVID (6%, P < 0.0005, McNemar), although decreased compared with early COVID (67%, P < 0.0005). Video visits were the most commonly used methodology. The proportion of participants using remote testing (42.2% vs 46.2%), virtual second opinions (14.5% vs 11.9%, P = 0.45), and eConsults (13.5% vs 16.2%, P = 0.38) remained similar between early and COVID + 1 year ( P = 0.25). The majority selected increased access to care, better continuity of care, and enhanced patient appointment efficiency as benefits, whereas reimbursement, liability, disruption of in-person clinic flow, limitations of video examinations, and patient technology use were barriers. Many participants deemed many neuro-ophthalmic examination elements unsuitable when collected during a live video session, although participants believed some examination components could be evaluated adequately through a review of ancillary testing or outside records. CONCLUSIONS One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, neuro-ophthalmologists maintained telemedicine utilization at rates higher than prepandemic levels. Tele-neuro-ophthalmology remains a valuable tool in augmenting patient care.
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Xu TT, Kung FF, Lai KE, Ko MW, Brodsky MC, Bhatti MT, Chen JJ. Interprofessional Electronic Consultations for the Diagnosis and Management of Neuro-Ophthalmic Conditions. J Neuroophthalmol 2023; 43:34-39. [PMID: 36166791 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interprofessional electronic consultation (eConsult) is a telemedicine modality in which consulting providers review outside records and provide recommendations without in-person consultation. The purpose of this study was to describe the utilization of eConsults in the management of neuro-ophthalmic conditions. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of all patients who received an eConsult for a neuro-ophthalmic condition at a single quaternary referral center from 2018 to 2020. Main outcome measures included proportion of eConsults in which sufficient data were provided to the neuro-ophthalmologist to generate a definitive management decision, proportion of patients for whom an in-person neuro-ophthalmology evaluation was recommended, and the eConsult's impact on patient care. RESULTS Eighty eConsults were conducted on 78 patients during the 3-year study period. Forty-eight (60.0%) subjects were female, mean age was 54 years, and 65 (81.3%) were White. The median time from eConsult request to completion was 4 days (range: 0-34 days). The most frequent eConsult questions were vision/visual field disturbances in 28 (35.0%) cases, optic neuropathies in 22 (27.5%), and optic disc edema in 17 (21.3%). At the time of eConsult, sufficient prior information was provided in 35 (43.8%) cases for the neuro-ophthalmologist to provide a definitive management decision. In 45 (56.3%) eConsults, further diagnostic testing was recommended. In-person neuro-ophthalmology consultation was recommended in 24 (30.0%) cases. Sixty-one (76.3%) eConsults provided diagnostic and/or treatment direction, and 12 (15.0%) provided reassurance. CONCLUSION eConsults increase access to timely neuro-ophthalmic care and provide diagnostic and treatment direction to non-neuro-ophthalmology providers when sufficient information is provided at the time of eConsult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology (TTX, FFK, MCB, MTB, JJC), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Neurology (MCB, MTB, JJC), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Circle City Neuro-Ophthalmology (KEL), Carmel, Indiana; Neuro-Ophthalmology Section (KEL), Midwest Eye Institute, Carmel, Indiana; Ophthalmology Service (KEL), Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Ophthalmology (KEL, MWK), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (MWK), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Biousse V, Danesh-Meyer HV, Saindane AM, Lamirel C, Newman NJ. Imaging of the optic nerve: technological advances and future prospects. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:1135-1150. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Muro-Fuentes EA, Stunkel L. Diagnostic Error in Neuro-ophthalmology: Avenues to Improve. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:243-256. [PMID: 35320466 PMCID: PMC8940596 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01189-4] [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] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To highlight potential avenues to reduce preventable diagnostic error of neuro-ophthalmic conditions and avoid patient harm. Recent Findings Recent prospective studies and studies of patient harm have advanced our understanding. Additionally, recent studies of fundus photography, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence highlight potential avenues for diagnostic improvement. Summary Diagnostic error of neuro-ophthalmic conditions can often be traced to failure to gather an adequate history, perform a complete physical exam, obtain adequate/appropriate neuroimaging, and generate a complete, appropriate differential diagnosis. Improving triage and identification of neuro-ophthalmic conditions by other providers and increasing access to subspecialty neuro-ophthalmology evaluation are essential avenues to reduce diagnostic error. Further research should evaluate the relationship between misdiagnosis and patient harm, and help identify the most impactful potential targets for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leanne Stunkel
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8096, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Kung FF, Xu TT, Leavitt JA, Lossen VI, Lai KE, Ko MW, Bhatti MT, Chen JJ. Characterization and Utility of Remote Interpretation of Visual Field Diagnostic Testing in an Academic Center. J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:e1-e7. [PMID: 35051987 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of remote interpretation of data has risen in neuro-ophthalmology to increase efficiency and maintain social distancing due to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to characterize the use and efficiency of remote interpretation of visual fields (VFs) in an academic center and to determine how often the VF interpretation was consistent with the patient's clinical history and imaging at the time of the consult. METHODS This is a retrospective study at a single academic center that enrolled all patients receiving a remote interpretation of VF from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012. Data were collected regarding the referring department, indication for the VF, interpretation of the VF and comparison with any prior VFs, any associated interventions with the VF, and available follow-up VFs. The main outcome measures included 1) characterizing the use of remote VF interpretations and 2) how many remote VF interpretation results were consistent with the referring diagnosis based on the patient's clinical history and imaging. RESULTS One hundred eighty patients received remote interpretation of VFs. The most frequent referring departments were endocrinology (79; 44%), neurology (51; 28%), and neurosurgery (43; 24%). The VF indications included parasellar lesion (107; 59%), seizure disorder (26; 14%), meningioma (19; 11%), vascular lesion (11; 6%), and others (17; 9%). There were 78 patients (43%) that had an intervention before the VF, whereas 49 (27%) were preoperative VFs. Eighty-seven (48%) of the VFs were interpreted as abnormal. Of all the 180 remote interpretation of VFs, 156 (87%) had VF interpretations that were consistent with the clinical question posed by the referring provider based on clinical history and imaging. Among the other 24 remote VF interpretations (13% of total remote VF interpretations), there was no clear interpretation because of either additional unexpected VF defects (n = 5, 21%), VF defect mismatch (n = 6, 25%), or unreliable VFs (n = 13, 54%). The median wait time for patients receiving remote VF interpretations was 1 day. CONCLUSIONS Remote interpretation of VFs was most often requested by endocrinology, neurology, and neurosurgery and could be performed very quickly. The most common indications were parasellar lesions, and just less than half of patients receiving remote VF interpretations had a prior intervention. A majority of remote VF interpretations were able to answer the clinical question, given the patient's clinical history and imaging. Remote interpretation of VFs may thus offer referring departments a more efficient method of obtaining VF interpretations than in-office neuro-ophthalmology examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix F Kung
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (FFK, TTX), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Departments of Ophthalmology (JAL, VIL, MTB, JJC) and Neurology (JAL, MTB, JJC), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Circle City Neuro-Ophthalmology (KEL), Carmel, Indiana; Neuro-Ophthalmology Section (KEL), Midwest Eye Institute, Carmel, Indiana; Ophthalmology Service (KEL), Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Departments of Ophthalmology (KEL, MWK) and Neurology and Neurosurgery (MWK), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Chen DA, Tran AQ, Dinkin MJ, Lelli GJ. Ophthalmic Virtual Visit Utilization and Patient Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2021; 28:798-805. [PMID: 34609934 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in synchronous ophthalmic telehealth visits. The purpose of this study is to analyze the utilization and patient satisfaction of synchronous ophthalmic video visits over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this retrospective, single-center cross-sectional study, 1,756 patients seen through synchronous video visits between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, were identified using billing codes. E-mails containing a validated, 11-item, telehealth satisfaction scale were sent to patients who had at least one video visit within the study period. Questions were scored on a 1-4 scale, corresponding to poor, fair, good, and excellent. Main outcome measures included patient satisfaction scores, frequency of repeat video visits, and primary visit diagnoses. Results: The top 3 subspecialties by virtual visit volume were oculoplastic surgery (999 visits, 42.9%), neuro-ophthalmology (331 visits, 17.0%), and cornea (254 visits, 14.2%). The top 3 diagnoses seen were chalazion/hordeolum, dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction. The overall survey response rate was 14.3% (252 participants). The mean patient satisfaction score was 3.67 ± 0.63, with no significant difference in scores between specialties. A total of 380 (21%) patients had repeat virtual visits. Mean survey response scores were significantly higher for patients with repeat visits than those without (3.82 ± 0.42 vs. 3.62 ± 0.68, p = 0.03). Patients undergoing oculoplastic services were more likely to have repeat visits (odds ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 2.18-3.06, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis found that provider thoroughness/skillfulness was the most predictive feature of the patient returning to a telehealth encounter (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Our study suggests that synchronous videoconferencing for ophthalmology is a highly satisfactory delivery method and will likely find continued success in select subspecialties as the pandemic fades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren A Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ann Q Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marc J Dinkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gary J Lelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Lelli GJ, Luo S, Liu Y, van Landingham SW. Telemedicine Use by Oculoplastic Surgeons During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2021; 28:878-887. [PMID: 34591712 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine use expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, including to surgical fields that had limited prior adoption of telehealth such as oculoplastic surgery. To assess telemedicine usage patterns, barriers to implementation, and satisfaction with telemedicine, we conducted a survey among members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). Methods: We performed a Web-based, anonymous survey of ASOPRS members from November to December 2020. Statistical analyses were performed by using Fisher's exact and Chi-squared tests. Results: We received 196 unique survey responses from 963 invited participants (20.5% response rate). Among the 192 ASOPRS members who participated, the majority (79%) reported currently using telemedicine. Very few of those currently using telemedicine (14%) had used telemedicine before March 15, 2020 and a significant proportion (36%) were unsure or did not plan to use telemedicine post-pandemic. Telemedicine use was more common among participants with fewer years in practice (p < 0.01) and those who were university- versus self-employed (p < 0.01). The most common barriers to telemedicine use were technological issues, reimbursement concerns, and a perceived lack of patient acceptance. Nearly half of the surgeons reported being satisfied with telemedicine (48%), and the majority reported perceived patient satisfaction with telemedicine (74%). Discussion: Telemedicine adoption increased significantly among oculoplastic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many current users reported that they were unsure or did not plan to use telemedicine post-pandemic. Conclusions: Further research is needed to design sustainable telemedicine programs to enhance patient access to oculoplastic specialty care in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Lelli
- Weill Cornell Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suzanne W van Landingham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Moss HE, Ko MW, Mackay DD, Chauhan D, Gutierrez KG, Villegas NC, Lai KE. The Impact of COVID-19 on Neuro-Ophthalmology Office Visits and Adoption of Telemedicine Services. J Neuroophthalmol 2021; 41:362-367. [PMID: 34415270 PMCID: PMC9159905 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) has significantly changed medical practice in the United States, including an increase in the utilization of telemedicine. Here, we characterize change in neuro-ophthalmic care delivery during the early COVID-19 PHE, including a comparison of care delivered via telemedicine and in office. METHODS Neuro-ophthalmology outpatient encounters from 3 practices in the United States (4 providers) were studied during the early COVID-19 PHE (March 15, 2020-June 15, 2020) and during the same dates 1 year prior. For unique patient visits, patient demographics, visit types, visit format, and diagnosis were compared between years and between synchronous telehealth and in-office formats for 2020. RESULTS There were 1,276 encounters for 1,167 patients. There were 30% fewer unique patient visits in 2020 vs 2019 (477 vs 670) and 55% fewer in-office visits (299 vs 670). Compared with 2019, encounters in 2020 were more likely to be established, to occur via telemedicine and to relate to an efferent diagnosis. In 2020, synchronous telehealth visits were more likely to be established compared with in-office encounters. CONCLUSIONS In the practices studied, a lower volume of neuro-ophthalmic care was delivered during the early COVID-19 public health emergency than in the same period in 2019. The type of care shifted toward established patients with efferent diagnoses and the modality of care shifted toward telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Moss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Melissa W. Ko
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Devin D. Mackay
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Divya Chauhan
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin E. Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Ophthalmology Service, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Neuro-Ophthalmology Section, Midwest Eye Institute, Carmel, IN, USA
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