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Totten AM, Womack DM, Griffin JC, McDonagh MS, Davis-O'Reilly C, Blazina I, Grusing S, Elder N. Telehealth-guided provider-to-provider communication to improve rural health: A systematic review. J Telemed Telecare 2024; 30:1209-1229. [PMID: 36567431 PMCID: PMC11389081 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221139892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telehealth may address healthcare disparities for rural populations. This systematic review assesses the use, effectiveness, and implementation of telehealth-supported provider-to-provider collaboration to improve rural healthcare. METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from 1 January 2010 to 12 October 2021 for trials and observational studies of rural provider-to-provider telehealth. Abstracts and full text were dual-reviewed. We assessed the risk of bias for individual studies and strength of evidence for studies with similar outcomes. RESULTS Seven studies of rural uptake of provider-to-provider telehealth documented increases over time but variability across geographic regions. In 97 effectiveness studies, outcomes were similar with rural provider-to-provider telehealth versus without for inpatient consultations, neonatal care, outpatient depression and diabetes, and emergency care. Better or similar results were reported for changes in rural clinician behavior, knowledge, confidence, and self-efficacy. Evidence was insufficient for other clinical uses and outcomes. Sixty-seven (67) evaluation and qualitative studies identified barriers and facilitators to implementing rural provider-to-provider telehealth. Success was linked to well-functioning technology, sufficient resources, and adequate payment. Barriers included lack of understanding of rural context and resources. Methodologic weaknesses of studies included less rigorous study designs and small samples. DISCUSSION Rural provider-to-provider telehealth produces similar or better results versus care without telehealth. Barriers to rural provider-to-provider telehealth implementation are common to practice change but include some specific to rural adaptation and adoption. Evidence gaps are partially due to studies that do not address differences in the groups compared or do not include sufficient sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana M Womack
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ian Blazina
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sara Grusing
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nancy Elder
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Yellowlees PM, Burke MM, Gonzalez AD, Fisher A, Chan SR, Hilty DM, McCarron RM, Scher LM, Sciolla AF, Shore J, Xiong G, Fine J, Bannister J, Iosif AM. Patient and Provider Satisfaction with Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Telepsychiatry in Primary Care: A Secondary Mixed-Methods Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1049-e1063. [PMID: 38011623 PMCID: PMC11035926 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Asynchronous telepsychiatry (ATP) consultations are a novel form of psychiatric consultation. Studies comparing patient and provider satisfaction for ATP with that for synchronous telepsychiatry (STP) do not exist. Methods: This mixed-methods study is a secondary analysis of patients' and primary care providers' (PCPs) satisfaction from a randomized clinical trial of ATP compared with STP. Patients and their PCPs completed satisfaction surveys, and provided unstructured feedback about their experiences with either ATP or STP. Differences in patient satisfaction were assessed using mixed-effects logistic regression models, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive coding framework. Results: Patient satisfaction overall was high with 84% and 97% of respondents at 6 months reported being somewhat or completely satisfied with ATP and STP, respectively. Patients in the STP group were more likely to report being completely satisfied, to recommend the program to a friend, and to report being comfortable with their care compared with ATP (all p < 0.05). However, there was no difference between the patients in ATP and STP in perceived change in clinical outcomes (p = 0.51). The PCP quantitative data were small, and thus only summarized descriptively. Conclusions: Patients expressed their overall satisfaction with both STP and ATP. Patients in ATP reported more concerns about the process, likely because feedback after ATP was slower than that after STP consultations. PCPs had no apparent preference for STP or ATP, and reported implementing the psychiatrists' recommendations for both groups when such recommendations were made, which supports our previous findings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02084979; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02084979.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Yellowlees
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Michelle M. Burke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alvaro D. Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alice Fisher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Steven R. Chan
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Administration Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Robert M. McCarron
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Lorin M. Scher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Andres F. Sciolla
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jay Shore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Glen Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey Fine
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Bannister
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Werkmeister B, Haase AM, Fleming T, Officer TN. Global Implications From the Rise and Recession of Telehealth in Aotearoa New Zealand Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e50486. [PMID: 37738075 PMCID: PMC10519279 DOI: 10.2196/50486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth services for remote mental health care provision. Although studies indicate that telehealth can enhance the efficiency of service delivery and might be favored or even preferred by certain clients, its use varied after the pandemic. Once the pandemic-related restrictions eased, some regions curtailed their telehealth offerings, whereas others sustained them. Understanding the factors that influenced these decisions can offer valuable insights for evidence-based decision-making concerning the future of telehealth in mental health services. OBJECTIVE This study explored the factors associated with the uptake of and retreat from telehealth across a multiregional outpatient mental health service in Aotearoa New Zealand. We aimed to contribute to the understanding of the factors influencing clinicians' use of telehealth services to inform policy and practice. METHODS Applying an interpretive description methodology, this sequential mixed methods study involved semistructured interviews with 33 mental health clinicians, followed by a time-series analysis of population-level quantitative data on clinician appointment activities before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The interviews were thematically analyzed, and select themes were reframed for quantitative testing. The time-series analysis was conducted using administrative data to explore the extent to which these data supported the themes. In total, 4,117,035 observations were analyzed between October 1, 2019, and August 1, 2022. The findings were then synthesized through the rereview of qualitative themes. RESULTS The rise and recession of telehealth in the study regions were related to 3 overarching themes: clinician preparedness and role suitability, population determinants, and service capability. Participants spoke about the importance of familiarity and training but noted differences between specialist roles. Quantitative data further suggested differences based on the form of telehealth services offered (eg, audiovisual or telephone). In addition, differences were noted based on age, gender, and ethnicity; however, clinicians recognized that effective telehealth use enabled clinicians' flexibility and client choice. In turn, clinicians spoke about system factors such as telehealth usability and digital exclusion that underpinned the daily functionality of telehealth. CONCLUSIONS For telehealth services to thrive when they are not required by circumstances such as pandemic, investment is needed in telehealth training for clinicians, digital infrastructure, and resources for mental health teams. The strength of this study lies in its use of population-level data and consideration of a telehealth service operating across a range of teams. In turn, these findings reflect the voice of a variety of mental health clinicians, including teams operating from within specific cultural perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Werkmeister
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago (Wellington), Wellington, New Zealand
- Te Whatu Ora, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anne M Haase
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Theresa Fleming
- School of Health, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tara N Officer
- School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article summarizes the existing literature on psychiatric electronic consultation (e-consultation or e-consult) to provide guidance on psychiatric e-consult practice and suggest next steps in research on psychiatric e-consults. METHOD A narrative review was conducted using relevant search terms in PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The psychiatric e-consult is a method of asynchronous consultation between primary care providers and psychiatric specialists that is associated with primary care provider satisfaction and promotes access to specialist guidance in mental health care. Major themes in the literature include contextual factors that affect implementation of psychiatric e-consult services, outcomes associated with psychiatric e-consults, and specific practical considerations that may affect psychiatric e-consult technique. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatric e-consults may help address the widespread lack of access to specialty psychiatric care. Further studies are needed to examine clinical outcomes based on psychiatry e-consults.
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Agley J, Barnes P, Tidd D, Todd A, Friedman K, Gordon S, Richardson J, Delong J. Integrating Telepsychiatry Into Rural Primary Care for Upstream Prevention: Feasibility Case Study of the Faith Net Program. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221097428. [PMID: 35475403 PMCID: PMC9052818 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221097428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction For decades, there has been a deficit of mental health services in rural
areas of the United States. Beyond that longstanding need, the COVID-19
pandemic has reportedly increased the prevalence of unmet mental health
needs among adults. Presently, many non-critical but urgent mental health
concerns are first identified in rural emergency departments. This report
describes the results of a 6-month feasibility case study of a program to
integrate telepsychiatric triage “upstream” from emergency departments in
rural primary care. Methods At routine primary care encounters in a single midwestern rural county,
patients at risk for moderate-severe or severe depression, expressing
thoughts of self-harm, or otherwise presenting in a way that raised clinical
concern for mental or behavioral health, were referred to on-site
telepsychiatric triage. Patients whose triage indicated further concern were
provided six psychiatric and/or social work encounters for stabilization and
treatment. Results 68 patients were referred to telepsychiatric triage during the pilot study
(.85% of the estimated adult population in the county). Of those, only two
had a documented mental/behavioral health diagnosis prior to triage, but 46
were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder during the
program. Conclusions This model of telepsychiatric triage was feasible in rural primary care and
may support identification and mitigation of unmet mental health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Agley
- Prevention Insights, Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Priscilla Barnes
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - David Tidd
- Prevention Insights, Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Amy Todd
- Prevention Insights, Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Shelby Gordon
- Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, Jasper, IN, USA
| | | | - Janet Delong
- Prevention Insights, Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Carpenter-Song E, Acquilano SC, Noel V, Al-Abdulmunem M, Torous J, Drake RE. Individualized Intervention to Support Mental Health Recovery Through Implementation of Digital Tools into Clinical Care: Feasibility Study. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:99-110. [PMID: 33611684 PMCID: PMC7897361 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00798-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Myriad digital tools exist to support mental health but there are multiple barriers to using these tools in routine care. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an intervention incorporating a support role to help the clinical team identify and use technology to promote recovery. The technology specialist intervention is 3 months in duration and comprises four stages: goal setting, researching and evaluating tools, demonstrating and selecting tools, and ongoing support. We implemented the intervention in a community mental health center and a dual diagnosis treatment program, working with eight clients and their case managers. Clients and case managers willingly engaged with the technology specialist and found the intervention beneficial. Integration and collaboration with the care team facilitated implementation of the technology specialist in these real-world settings. Clients reported that the intervention made it easy to try a digital tool. Six of the eight participants stated that they made substantial progress toward their goals. The technology specialist is a promising new role for mental health care delivery to augment traditional services and enhance individualized recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie C Acquilano
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Valerie Noel
- ACCESS Open Minds (Pan-Canadian Youth Mental Health Services Research Network), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - John Torous
- Division of Digital Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Vogt EL, Welch BM, Bunnell BE, Barrera JF, Paige SR, Owens M, Coffey P, Diazgranados N, Goldman D. Quantifying COVID-19's Impact on Telemedicine Utilization. Interact J Med Res 2021; 11:e29880. [PMID: 34751158 PMCID: PMC8797150 DOI: 10.2196/29880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While telemedicine has been expanding over the past decade, the COVID-19 pandemic era restrictions regarding in-person care have led to unprecedented levels of telemedicine utilization. To the authors' knowledge, no studies to date have quantitatively analyzed both national and regional trends in telemedicine utilization during COVID-19, both of which have key implications for informing health policy. OBJECTIVE To investigate how trends in telemedicine utilization changed across the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using data from doxy.me, the largest free telemedicine platform, and the NIH Clinical Center, the largest U.S. clinical research hospital, we assessed changes in total telemedicine minutes, new provider registrations, monthly sessions, and average session length from March-November 2020. We also conducted state-level analysis of how telemedicine expansion differed by region. RESULTS National telemedicine utilization peaked in April 2020 at 291 million minutes and stabilized at 200-220 million monthly minutes from May to November 2020. Surges were strongest in New England and weakest in the South and West. Greater telemedicine expansion during COVID-19 was geographically associated with lower COVID-19 cases per capita. The nature of telemedicine visits also changed, as the average monthly visits per provider doubled and average visit length decreased by 60%. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic led to an abrupt and subsequently sustained uptick in telemedicine utilization. Regional and institute-level differences in telemedicine utilization should be further investigated to inform policy and procedures for sustaining meaningful telemedicine use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Louise Vogt
- University of Michigan Medical School, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, US.,Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, US
| | - Brandon M Welch
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, US.,Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, US
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, US.,Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, US
| | - Janelle F Barrera
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, US.,Doxy.me Research, Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, US
| | | | - Marisa Owens
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, US
| | - Patricia Coffey
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, US
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, US
| | - David Goldman
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, US.,Lab of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers LaneRm 3S-32: MSC 9412, Rockville, US
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Haidous M, Tawil M, Naal H, Mahmoud H. A review of evaluation approaches for telemental health programs. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2021; 25:195-205. [PMID: 33243045 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1846751] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although studies have examined the effectiveness of telemental health programs, optimal approaches for their evaluation remain unclear. We sought to review the outcomes used to evaluate telemental health programs. METHODS We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2010 until October 2019, and we excluded review articles, opinion papers, presentations, abstracts, and program report without data. RESULTS 1310 articles were identified, 34 of which were reviewed. Studies used a combination of non-clinical and clinical outcomes, most commonly engagement and impact rates, and standardised clinical measures. Very few studies examined technological feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and qualitative satisfaction reports. CONCLUSIONS This review is the first to summarise approaches to evaluate telemental health programs. Strengths and weaknesses of the evaluation outcomes are discussed in this review, highlighting essential factors that should be taken into consideration when developing a standardised framework for the evaluation of future telemental health programs.KEY POINTSThe methods used to evaluate telemental health programs are varied and no gold-standard for measurement of success exists.Clinical and non-clinical outcomes are being used to evaluate telemental health programs.More emphasis should be placed on feasibility measures such as cost-effectiveness.Therapeutic alliance should be a crucial part of evaluation of any telemental health program.Longer follow up times and larger sample sizes, as well as more diverse populations, are needed to generalise outcomes.Utilisation of clinical tools to assess success should be limited to standardised measures commonly used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Haidous
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Michel Tawil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hossam Mahmoud
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Mahmoud H, Naal H, Cerda S. Planning and Implementing Telepsychiatry in a Community Mental Health Setting: A Case Study Report. Community Ment Health J 2021; 57:35-41. [PMID: 32897476 PMCID: PMC7477735 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00709-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare institutions in the United States are increasingly adopting telehealth services given their numerous benefits in enhancing access to care. Despite that, few accounts of such organizational experiences in the literature exist, especially those pertaining to telepsychiatry. In this case study, we report the planning and implementation of a telepsychiatry program adopted by a community mental health organization in suburban Chicago, Illinois from 2017 until 2019. We analyze findings gathered from the organization's secondary archival data, highlighting process and outcome evaluations of the program. Results show high levels of patient engagement compared to in-person service modality. Also, our results show an increase in the number of patients served, efficiency in service delivery, decreases in patient wait time to accessing services, and overall positive feedback from patients, families, and staff members. We discuss the successes and challenges encountered by the organization and synthesize them into practical applications recommended for similar initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Mahmoud
- Insight+Regroup Telehealth, 4525 Ravenswood Ave #201, Chicago, IL, 60640, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston,, USA
| | - Hady Naal
- Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Snezana Cerda
- The Josselyn Center, 405 Central Ave, Northfield, Chicago, IL, 60093, USA
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