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Heilenbach N, Sood S, Al-Aswad LA. Response to Letter to the Editor: The Use of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses in Open Angle Glaucoma Management: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature. J Glaucoma 2024; 33:e81-e82. [PMID: 38814326 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000002445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Noah Heilenbach
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, IL
| | - Shefali Sood
- PRECISE Center, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lama A Al-Aswad
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University Washington, DC
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
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Hutsaliuk K, Skalska N, Ulianova N. Retinal Changes in Patients With Covid-19 and Different Expressiveness of Metabolic Changes. CESKA A SLOVENSKA OFTALMOLOGIE : CASOPIS CESKE OFTALMOLOGICKE SPOLECNOSTI A SLOVENSKE OFTALMOLOGICKE SPOLECNOSTI 2024; 80:156-166. [PMID: 38527912 DOI: 10.31348/2024/12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To study the relationship between the severity of COVID-induced metabolic changes and the structure and frequency of retinal changes, according to funduscopy data in patients with different clinical courses of COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS 117 patients with COVID-19 were examined. While examining patients, severity of the course of COVID-19, the expressiveness of changes in the metabolic status were determined; fundus image registration was performed with portable fundus cameras Pictor Plus Fundus Camera and VistaView (Volk Optical). RESULTS As a result of the research, retinal changes were found in 49 (41.9 %) patients with COVID-19. In 8 (16.3 %) cases, clinically significant (vitreous hemorrhage, prethrombosis of the central retinal vein or branches of the central retinal vein, thrombosis of the central retinal vein or branches of the central retinal vein) COVID-induced retinal and ophthalmological changes were observed, which caused a decrease in visual acuity. In 41 (83.7 %) cases, clinically insignificant changes (cotton wool spots, narrowed retinal vessels, intraretinal and petechial hemorrhages, tortuosity and dilatation of retinal venules) COVID-induced retinal changes were observed. Clinically significant retinal changes occur in patients with a statistically significantly higher level of D-dimer and a greater percentage of lung parenchyma lesion than in the group of patients with clinically insignificant retinal changes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The structure of retinal changes in patients with COVID-19 correlates with the severity of the clinical course of the disease and changes in the metabolic status of patients. Metabolic changes are correlated with retinal changes and can be predictive for preventing general vascular complications in COVID-19.
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Veettil SK, Schwerer L, Kategeaw W, Toth D, Samore MH, Hutubessy R, Chaiyakunapruk N. Scoping review of modelling studies assessing the impact of disruptions to essential health services during COVID-19. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071799. [PMID: 37751952 PMCID: PMC10533712 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies assessing the indirect impact of COVID-19 using mathematical models have increased in recent years. This scoping review aims to identify modelling studies assessing the potential impact of disruptions to essential health services caused by COVID-19 and to summarise the characteristics of disruption and the models used to assess the disruptions. METHODS Eligible studies were included if they used any models to assess the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on any health services. Articles published from January 2020 to December 2022 were identified from PubMed, Embase and CINAHL, using detailed searches with key concepts including COVID-19, modelling and healthcare disruptions. Two reviewers independently extracted the data in four domains. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was performed under the format of a narrative report. RESULTS This scoping review has identified a total of 52 modelling studies that employed several models (n=116) to assess the potential impact of disruptions to essential health services. The majority of the models were simulation models (n=86; 74.1%). Studies covered a wide range of health conditions from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases. COVID-19 has been reported to disrupt supply of health services, demand for health services and social change affecting factors that influence health. The most common outcomes reported in the studies were clinical outcomes such as mortality and morbidity. Twenty-five studies modelled various mitigation strategies; maintaining critical services by ensuring resources and access to services are found to be a priority for reducing the overall impact. CONCLUSION A number of models were used to assess the potential impact of disruptions to essential health services on various outcomes. There is a need for collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the usefulness of any modelling. Future studies should consider disparity issues for more comprehensive findings that could ultimately facilitate policy decision-making to maximise benefits to all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajesh K Veettil
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- School of Medicine, Taylor's University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Luke Schwerer
- USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Warittakorn Kategeaw
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Damon Toth
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Matthew H Samore
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Raymond Hutubessy
- Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Beckman JJ, Webster CR, Richardson C, Fullmer M, Kendall E, Hazariwala V, Bondira I, Nguyen B, Gao M, Speicher M, Aggarwal H. A cross-sectional study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on an ophthalmology consult service in four Michigan community hospitals. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:2856-2861. [PMID: 37417134 PMCID: PMC10491085 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_82_23] [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] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, private practice, inpatient consult services, and academic residency programs in ophthalmology saw a decrease in patient encounters. This study elucidates how community hospital ophthalmology consult (OC) services were affected during the pandemic. We aim to determine whether there was a change in resident OC volume in a community-based ophthalmology program consult service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary objectives included analyzing the change in the types of diagnoses and the number of patients seen for diabetic retinopathy over the same time. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted reviewing the electronic health record (EHR) charts from OCs for the period 2017-2021. Records were categorized by referral source and the nature of OCs (trauma, acute, or chronic); OCs were further grouped by year and weak of referral. An intermonth analysis of weekly OC counts in each category was performed for the average number of consults in February-April 2017-2019 and for February-April 2020. A one-tailed t-test was performed. All t-tests assumed equal variances. Results Weekly OCs in 2020 revealed no statistically significant differences in overall cases or in acute or chronic cases when the volume before the COVID-19 pandemic was compared to the volume after the onset of the pandemic. However, a statistically significant increase in the average weekly trauma cases was noted when 2020 (an average of 2.7 cases per week) was compared to the weekly average for the same weeks of years 2017- 2019 (0.4; P = 0.016). This statistically significant increase in trauma in 2020 disappeared when comparing weeks 11-17 in 2020 (2.2 cases per week) and the average of 2017-2019 (1.1). Conclusion This report outlines no significant change in OCs before and after the onset of the pandemic compared to three previous years. There was, however, an increase in trauma consults during the pandemic and an increase in the number (though not the proportion) of diabetic retinopathy (DR+) patients seen by residents. This report uniquely describes no significant changes in the resident volume of patients seen during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Beckman
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Court R Webster
- Department of Neuro- Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Cole Richardson
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Matthew Fullmer
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Emerson Kendall
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Vikisha Hazariwala
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Inna Bondira
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Mary Gao
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
| | - Mark Speicher
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Himanshu Aggarwal
- Taylor Ophthalmology Residency Program, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn MI, United States
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Bajka A, Muth DR, Wiest MRJ, Said S, Rejdak M, Sidhu S, Foa N, Blaser F, Barthelmes D, Toro MD, Souied EH, Deuel JW, Schlagenhauf P, Zweifel SA. Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) Parameters in Young Adults after SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19) Compared with Healthy Young Controls. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071283. [PMID: 37046498 PMCID: PMC10093659 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To compare retinal changes in young adults with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection with healthy young controls using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: This prospective single-center study was conducted at the University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Participants were imaged from May to November 2021 using the SOLIX device (Visionix International SAS, Pont-de-l’Arche, France). We performed 12 mm × 12 mm, 6.4 mm × 6.4 mm, 6 mm × 6 mm and 3 mm × 3 mm OCT and OCTA scans, as well as fundus photography of each participant’s eyes. Results: In total, 466 participants were imaged. Of these, 233 were healthy controls with negative RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2, 168 were young adults who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 180 days previously, 19 were participants who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection < 180 days previously, and 46 were participants with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., serologically positive but with no symptoms). Compared with healthy controls, statistically significant differences were found for OCTA recordings of the optic disc for the whole image (WI) and WI capillary vessel density, with both being higher in the SARS-CoV-2 group. Conclusion: Statistically significant results were only observed for selected variables, and in parts, only unilaterally, with relatively large p values (p = 0.02–0.03). Thus, we did not interpret these as clinically significant, leading to the conclusion that young and otherwise healthy individuals (mainly men) seem to recover from mild COVID-19 infections with no ophthalmological residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Bajka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Rudolf Muth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sadiq Said
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Rejdak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Sidhu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nastasia Foa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Blaser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Barthelmes
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
- Eye Clinic, Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Eric H. Souied
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Creteil, University Paris Est Creteil, 94000 Creteil, France
| | - Jeremy Werner Deuel
- Department of Global and Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Medical Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- Department of Global and Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
- MilMedBiol—Centre of Competence for Military Medicine Biology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Anne Zweifel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-255-87-94
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Onwuka O, Saddemi JL, Akkan Aydoğmuş FS, Lasalle CC, Ramsey DJ. Consequences of Real-World Surveillance of Fellow Eyes in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:385. [PMID: 36836742 PMCID: PMC9963142 DOI: 10.3390/life13020385] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether the interval of monitoring at-risk, fellow eyes of patients with unilateral neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) has any bearing on the severity of the disease at the time of diagnosis. The study comprised a retrospective, cross-sectional comparative case series of treatment-naïve eyes in patients who were diagnosed sequentially with nAMD. We compared the visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) of patients who were actively receiving intravitreal injections (IVIs) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents at the time of second eye diagnosis with the VA and CMT of patients who had ceased treatment in their first eye because of reaching end-stages of disease. Intervals of visits and frequency of monitoring the macula of fellow eyes by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) were abstracted from the medical record. We found that the at-risk fellow eyes of patients who had stopped treatment for nAMD in their first eye prior to fellow eye conversion were monitored significantly less frequently than the fellow eyes of patients who continued to receive treatment at the time of second eye diagnosis. Despite less frequent monitoring, VA and CMT were similar at the time of fellow eye diagnosis for both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluchukwu Onwuka
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA 01805, USA; (O.O.); (J.L.S.); (F.S.A.A.); (C.C.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Jackson L. Saddemi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA 01805, USA; (O.O.); (J.L.S.); (F.S.A.A.); (C.C.L.)
- Cooper Medical School, Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Fatma Sema Akkan Aydoğmuş
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA 01805, USA; (O.O.); (J.L.S.); (F.S.A.A.); (C.C.L.)
- Ophthalmology Department, Ankara Sehir Hastanesi, Üniversiteler, Çankaya, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Claudia C. Lasalle
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA 01805, USA; (O.O.); (J.L.S.); (F.S.A.A.); (C.C.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - David J. Ramsey
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA 01805, USA; (O.O.); (J.L.S.); (F.S.A.A.); (C.C.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmic Outpatient Care in a Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091654. [PMID: 36141265 PMCID: PMC9498299 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we measured the impact of a full COVID-19 lockdown on ophthalmic patients after a period of lockdown in Saudi Arabia, from March to September 2020. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 180 patients who had their appointments delayed or canceled due to the lockdown. Data was collected from electronic medical records and patients via voice calls using a validated questionnaire that were analyzed using a multivariable binary regression analysis. The results show no statistically significant mean difference in visual acuity when comparing pre- and post-lockdown measurements. The median number of appointment cancellations/delays per patient was two, and the estimated delay for the first canceled appointments was equal to 178.8 days. Of the cohort studied, 15.4% of patients faced delays in necessary surgical and therapeutic interventions; 22.1% of patients sought eye care at other institutions due to the delay, and 15% of those were seen by doctors unspecialized in ophthalmology. The odds of dissatisfaction with care were higher in patients who experienced cancellations in a surgical procedure and patients who experienced difficulty in obtaining medications. In conclusion, the pandemic hampered ophthalmic patients’ access to medications. Subjective visual outcomes of patients were also negatively affected; however, the change in objective visual parameters was not statistically significant.
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Ramsey DJ, Lasalle CC, Anjum S, Marx JL, Roh S. Telehealth Encourages Patients with Diabetes in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups to Return for in-Person Ophthalmic Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:2157-2166. [PMID: 35814918 PMCID: PMC9268229 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s368972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on patients from racial and/or ethnic minority groups, causing many to delay healthcare. This study evaluates the role telehealth visits played in helping patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) return for subsequent, in-person eye examinations after the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed 8147 patients with DM who had completed an outpatient ophthalmology and/or optometry visit in 2019 and who were due for return evaluation after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Factors associated with return for subsequent, in-person eye examination were assessed. Results The mean age of patients was 68.8 (±13.0) years, and 42% were women. 7.4% of patients identified as Asian; 2.9% as Black; 3.4% as Hispanic or Latin American; 0.92%, as more than one race; 1.78%, as other races; and 80.7% as White. Patients from racial and/or ethnic minority groups completed fewer in-person eye examinations after the outbreak of COVID-19 compared with White patients (35.6% versus 44.5%, χ2=36.172, P<0.001). However, both groups accessed telehealth services at a similar rate during this period (21.1% versus 21.9%, χ2=0.417, P=0.518). Importantly, patients who received telehealth services returned for subsequent, in-person eye examinations at substantially higher rates, regardless of race (51.0% and 46.6%, respectively, χ2=1.840, P=0.175). This offset the otherwise lower rate of return experienced by patients from racial and/or ethnic minority groups compared with White patients among the group of patients who did not receive any telehealth services (32.7% versus 42.7%, χ2=36.582, P<0.001). The impact of telehealth on the likelihood of in-person return remained significant after taking into account age, gender, race, language, residence, severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and vision in a multivariate model. Conclusion Telehealth initiatives benefited patients from racial and/or ethnic minority groups by reducing disparities in access to eye care experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Ramsey
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Claudia C Lasalle
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Sidrah Anjum
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Marx
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Shiyoung Roh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
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Sala F, Quarto M, D’Urso G. Simulation Study of the Impact of COVID-19 Policies on the Efficiency of a Smart Clinic MRI Service. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040619. [PMID: 35455797 PMCID: PMC9030171 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examines the impact of the policies against the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 on outpatient facilities through a direct comparison of the key performance indicators measured in an ordinary and pandemic scenario. The subject of the analysis is a diagnostic imaging department of a Smart Clinic (SC) of Gruppo San Donato (GSD). The operations are virtually replicated through a Discrete-Event Simulation (DES) software called FlexSim Healthcare. Operational and productivity indicators are defined and quantified. As hypothesized, anti-contagious practices affect the normal execution of medical activities and their performance, resulting in an unpleasant scenario compared to the baseline one. A reduction in the number of diagnoses by 19% and a decrease in the utilization rate of the diagnostic machine by 21% are shown. Consequently, the development of strategies that restore balance and improve the execution of outpatient activities in a pandemic setting is necessary.
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10
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Pidgeon JH, Bhardwaj MK, Titterington P, Latulippe K, Roh S, Ramsey DJ. Assessing optometric care delivered by telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2022; 14:25158414221123526. [PMID: 36199812 PMCID: PMC9527121 DOI: 10.1177/25158414221123526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced many eye care providers to implement telehealth services while in-person visits were reserved for essential and/or emergency eye care. Objective: This study documents how an optometry group successfully implemented telehealth to care for patients during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Design: Retrospective, comparative case series. Methods: Records were reviewed for patients seen in an academic optometry clinic from 23 March through 7 April 2020, the period of the Massachusetts stay-at-home advisory issued in response to COVID-19. Patients who completed telehealth visits were compared with those who received in-person care. Services delivered by telehealth included a check of symptoms, medication refills, health education, and assurance of future follow up. The study took into account the reason for each visit, as well as the rate of scheduled and completed follow-up appointments. Patient satisfaction with in-person care was evaluated by Press Ganey patient experience surveys. Results: Out of 855 patients scheduled, 421 patients completed telehealth encounters (49%), and 46 patients completed in-clinic visits (5.4%). A further 272 patients canceled appointments (32%), 123 patients were unable to be contacted (14%), and 8 patients declined care offered by telehealth (0.94%). Most patients who were cared for by telehealth returned to see optometrists (88%). By contrast, most patients who required in-person visits during this period were subsequently seen by ophthalmologists (58%, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction remained high for in-person visits that took place during the COVID-19-related emergency, with improvements noted in patient satisfaction regarding ‘information about delays’ (47 % versus 100%, p = 0.007) and ‘concern for questions or worries’ (76% versus 100%, p = 0.037) compared with the same period 1 year prior. Conclusion: Optometrists rapidly embraced telehealth to deliver eye care to their patients during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Most eye issues were able to be addressed through telehealth; urgent eye problems were triaged and referred to the optometry clinic, when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine H. Pidgeon
- New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, MA, USA
| | - Mahesh K. Bhardwaj
- New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick Titterington
- New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, MA, USA
| | - Karen Latulippe
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, MA, USA
| | - Shiyoung Roh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J. Ramsey
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 1 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Robbins CC, Anjum S, Alwreikat AM, Cooper ML, Cotran PR, Roh S, Ramsey DJ. An Initiative to Improve Follow-up of Patients with Glaucoma. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2021; 1:100059. [PMID: 36246940 PMCID: PMC9560565 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2021.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study describes the implementation of an electronic medical record (EMR)-based initiative aimed at reducing the number of patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses lost to follow-up (LTF) and reviews its short-term outcomes. Design Retrospective, comparative case series. Participants Patients with glaucoma-related diagnoses seen 1 year prior at the Lahey Medical Center and who had not returned within the 6-month period between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, which spanned the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States. Methods An EMR-based tool was designed to identify patients suspected of being LTF with glaucoma-related diagnoses. Providers were enlisted to review the EMR for each of these patients and re-engage them, as appropriate. One month later, the initiative was evaluated by means of a retrospective chart review. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic, clinical, and sociomedical factors associated with being LTF. Main Outcome Measures Patients who completed a telemedicine or in-person appointment, or had a future scheduled or ordered return appointment, were considered re-engaged. Results Of the 3551 patients seen during the study period, 384 patients were identified as LTF (11%), with 60 identifying COVID-19 as the reason for canceling their visit (16%). Patients who lived farther from the eye clinic (P < 0.001) or who had a history of canceling or missing an appointment (P < 0.001) were more likely to be LTF. Patients with open-angle glaucoma (P = 0.042) or who had completed a visual field (P < 0.001) or ophthalmic imaging (P < 0.001) within the past year were less likely to be LTF. One month after the re-engagement initiative, 124 LTF patients (32%) had been re-engaged (40% through telemedicine), 238 patients (62%) had future scheduling orders in place, and 22 patients (6%) had no active plan for future follow-up. Conclusions An EMR-based tool is an effective method for identifying patients at risk of being LTF and provides an opportunity for providers to recall and re-engage patients. Use of telemedicine to recontact LTF patients shows promise of improving the management of glaucoma, enhancing clinical productivity, and documenting treatment plans, thereby potentially reducing medicolegal liability.
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The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the attendance and clinical outcomes of patients with ophthalmic disease: A mini-review. Metabol Open 2021; 12:100131. [PMID: 34604730 PMCID: PMC8474871 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 was followed by a rapid spread leading to its declaration as a pandemic in a short time. The transmission through aerosols and direct contact with infected individuals forced the application of strict safety protocols and rearrangements in the activities of different healthcare systems around the world. Ophthalmology healthcare workers are highly exposed to viral infection and therefore adjustments were made to ensure the safety of patients and health providers by performing only urgent treatments. The suspension and delay in regular follow-up visits and the lower number of patients recorded during the lockdown period due to restrictions and patient anxiety led to severe consequences in the clinical and anatomical outcome affecting the overall prognosis. The current review aims to summarize the effect of the lockdown policies in the number and profile of patients that attended the ophthalmology clinics from different countries and analyze the effect of the pandemic in terms of vision and patient functionality. The effects of the pandemic included a reduction in the number of appointments, cancellations of non-emergency conditions and delays of surgical interventions. These had a negative effect in terms of visual outcomes.
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