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Ahn SJ, Kim YH. Clinical Applications and Future Directions of Smartphone Fundus Imaging. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1395. [PMID: 39001285 PMCID: PMC11240943 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14131395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of smartphone fundus imaging technology has marked a significant evolution in the field of ophthalmology, offering a novel approach to the diagnosis and management of retinopathy. This review provides an overview of smartphone fundus imaging, including clinical applications, advantages, limitations, clinical applications, and future directions. The traditional fundus imaging techniques are limited by their cost, portability, and accessibility, particularly in resource-limited settings. Smartphone fundus imaging emerges as a cost-effective, portable, and accessible alternative. This technology facilitates the early detection and monitoring of various retinal pathologies, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular disorders, thereby democratizing access to essential diagnostic services. Despite its advantages, smartphone fundus imaging faces challenges in image quality, standardization, regulatory considerations, and medicolegal issues. By addressing these limitations, this review highlights the areas for future research and development to fully harness the potential of smartphone fundus imaging in enhancing patient care and visual outcomes. The integration of this technology into telemedicine is also discussed, underscoring its role in facilitating remote patient care and collaborative care among physicians. Through this review, we aim to contribute to the understanding and advancement of smartphone fundus imaging as a valuable tool in ophthalmic practice, paving the way for its broader adoption and integration into medical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Joon Ahn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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Parikh AA, Liebman DL, Armstrong GW. A Novel Ophthalmic Telemedicine Program for Follow-Up of Minor Ophthalmic Emergencies. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:835-840. [PMID: 37751196 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0129] [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: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Near-term follow-up for minor ophthalmic emergencies is important to ensure positive patient outcomes but can impose logistical challenges for patients and ophthalmology practices. While ophthalmic telemedicine has been used for screening and triage, its feasibility and safety for follow-up care for minor ophthalmic emergencies have not been reported. The objective of this study was to report initial results of a novel virtual emergency department (ED) follow-up clinic. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients discharged from the ophthalmic ED who required near-term follow-up and carried diagnoses suitable for virtual evaluation, between December 6, 2021, and June 26, 2022, at a single tertiary eye care center. Main outcome measures included missed appointment rate, time interval between ED encounter and virtual follow-up, clinical diagnoses, and referrals after telemedicine follow-up (including for urgent ambulatory and ED evaluation). Results: A total of 145 virtual visits were scheduled with 99 (68.3%) completed appointments, yielding a no-show rate of 31.7%. Of the completed visits, the mean time interval between ED evaluation and virtual follow-up was 8.3 days (standard deviation ±3.9). Eighty-four (84.9%) visits were video-based and 15 (15.1%) were audio-only. Seventy-nine (94%) had at least one aspect of the ophthalmic examination documented. The most common diagnoses were chalazion (18), conjunctivitis (13), corneal abrasion (12), and encounter after corneal foreign body removal (7). After virtual follow-up, 23 patients (23.2%) had subsequent referrals, and no patients re-presented to the ophthalmic ED. Conclusions: Ophthalmic telemedicine may be a safe and feasible modality for providing timely post-acute near-term follow-up care for patients with appropriate ophthalmic diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayush A Parikh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel L Liebman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grayson W Armstrong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Battaglia C, Manti F, Mazzuca D, Cutruzzolà A, Corte MD, Caputo F, Gratteri S, Laganà D. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID vaccination campaign on imaging case volumes and medicolegal aspects. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 4:1253905. [PMID: 38487373 PMCID: PMC10937363 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2024.1253905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) significantly impacted the global economy and health. Italy was one of the first and most affected countries. The objective of our study was to assess the impact of the pandemic and the vaccination campaign on the radiological examinations performed in a radiology department of a tertiary center in Southern Italy. Materials and methods We analyzed weekly and retrospectively electronic medical records of case volumes performed at the Radiology Department of "Mater Domini" University Hospital of Catanzaro from March 2020 to March 2022, comparing them with the volumes in the same period of the year 2019. We considered the origin of patients (outpatient, inpatient) and the type of examinations carried out (x-ray, mammography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound). A non-parametric test (Wilcoxon Signed Rank test) was applied to evaluate the average volumes. Results Total flows in the pandemic period from COVID-19 were lower than in the same pre-pandemic period with values of 552 (120) vs. 427 (149) median (IQR) (p < 0.001). The vaccination campaign allowed the resumption of the pre-vaccination pandemic with total flows 563 (113) vs. 427 (149) median (IQR) p < 0.001. In the post-vaccination period, the number of examinations was found to overlap with the pre-COVID period. Conclusion The pandemic impacted the volume of radiological examinations performed, particularly with the reduction of tests in outpatients. The vaccination allowed the return to the pre-COVID period imaging case volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Battaglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Manti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Mazzuca
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Cutruzzolà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marcello Della Corte
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fiorella Caputo
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Santo Gratteri
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Laganà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Borselli M, Toro MD, Rossi C, Taloni A, Khemlani R, Nakayama S, Nishimura H, Shimizu E, Scorcia V, Giannaccare G. Feasibility of Tear Meniscus Height Measurements Obtained with a Smartphone-Attachable Portable Device and Agreement of the Results with Standard Slit Lamp Examination. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:316. [PMID: 38337832 PMCID: PMC10855891 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030316] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a novel device, the Smart Eye Camera (SEC), for assessing tear meniscus height (TMH) after fluorescein staining and the agreement of the results with measurements obtained using standard slit lamp examination. METHODS TMH was assessed using both SEC and conventional slit lamp examination. The images were analyzed using the software ImageJ 1.53t (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). A common measurement unit scale was established based on a paper strip, which was used as a calibration marker to convert pixels into metric scale. A color threshold was applied using uniform parameters for brightness, saturation, and hue. The images were then binarized to black and white to enhance the representation of the tear menisci. A 2 mm area around the upper and lower meniscus in the central eye lid zone was selected and magnified 3200 times to facilitate manual measurement. The values obtained using SEC were compared with those obtained with a slit lamp. RESULTS The upper and lower TMH values measured using the SEC were not statistically different from those obtained with a slit lamp (0.209 ± 0.073 mm vs. 0.235 ± 0.085, p = 0.073, and 0.297 ± 0.168 vs. 0.260 ± 0.173, p = 0.275, respectively). The results of Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated strong agreement between the two instruments, with a mean bias of -0.016 mm (agreement limits: -0.117 to 0.145 mm) for upper TMH and 0.031 mm (agreement limits: -0.306 to 0.368 mm) for lower TMH. CONCLUSIONS The SEC demonstrated sufficient validity and reliability for assessing TMH in healthy eyes in a clinical setting, demonstrating concordance with the conventional slit lamp examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Borselli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (C.R.); (A.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federico II University Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Costanza Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (C.R.); (A.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Andrea Taloni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (C.R.); (A.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Rohan Khemlani
- OUI Inc., Tokyo 160-0022, Japan; (R.K.); (S.N.); (H.N.); (E.S.)
- Yokohama Keiai Eye Clinic, Yokohama 240-0065, Japan
| | - Shintato Nakayama
- OUI Inc., Tokyo 160-0022, Japan; (R.K.); (S.N.); (H.N.); (E.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nishimura
- OUI Inc., Tokyo 160-0022, Japan; (R.K.); (S.N.); (H.N.); (E.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan
| | - Eisuke Shimizu
- OUI Inc., Tokyo 160-0022, Japan; (R.K.); (S.N.); (H.N.); (E.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.B.); (C.R.); (A.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Nagino K, Sung J, Midorikawa-Inomata A, Eguchi A, Fujimoto K, Okumura Y, Miura M, Yee A, Hurramhon S, Fujio K, Akasaki Y, Hirosawa K, Huang T, Ohno M, Morooka Y, Zou X, Kobayashi H, Inomata T. Clinical Utility of Smartphone Applications in Ophthalmology: A Systematic Review. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100342. [PMID: 37869018 PMCID: PMC10587618 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Topic Numerous smartphone applications have been devised for diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management in ophthalmology. Despite the importance of systematic evaluation of the purpose, target disease, effectiveness, and utility of smartphone applications to their effective utilization, few studies have formally evaluated their validity, reliability, and clinical utility. Clinical Relevance This report identifies smartphone applications with potential for clinical implementation in ophthalmology and summarizes the evidence on their practical utility. Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE on July 28, 2022, for articles reporting original data on the effectiveness of treatment, disease detection, diagnostic accuracy, disease monitoring, and usability of smartphone applications in ophthalmology published between January 1, 1987, and July 25, 2022. Their quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results The initial search yielded 510 articles. After removing 115 duplicates and 285 articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the full texts of the remaining 110 articles were reviewed. Furthermore, 71 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. All studies were determined to be of high (87.3%) or moderate (12.7%) quality. In terms of respective application of interest, 24 (33.8%) studies assessed diagnostic accuracy, 17 (23.9%) assessed disease detection, and 3 (4.2%) assessed intervention efficacy. A total of 48 smartphone applications were identified, of which 27 (56.3%) were publicly available. Seventeen (35.4%) applications included functions for ophthalmic examinations, 13 (27.1%) included functions aimed at disease detection, 10 (20.8%) included functions to support medical personnel, five (10.4%) included functions related to disease education, and three (6.3%) included functions to promote treatment adherence for patients. The largest number of applications targeted amblyopia (18.8%), followed by retinal disease (10.4%). Two (4.2%) smartphone applications reported significant efficacy in treating diseases. Conclusion In this systematic review, a comprehensive appraisal is presented on studies related to diagnostic accuracy, disease detectability, and efficacy of smartphone applications in ophthalmology. Forty-eight applications with potential clinical utility are identified. Appropriate smartphone applications are expected to enable early detection of undiagnosed diseases via telemedicine and prevent visual dysfunction via remote monitoring of chronic diseases. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Nagino
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jaemyoung Sung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akie Midorikawa-Inomata
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Eguchi
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fujimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Okumura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maria Miura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alan Yee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shokirova Hurramhon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Fujio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutsugu Akasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hirosawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tianxiang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizu Ohno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Morooka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xinrong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fengcheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takenori Inomata
- Department of Hospital Administration, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Digital Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- AI Incubation Farm, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Kaur K, Muralikrishnan J, Hussaindeen JR, Deori N, Gurnani B. Impact of Covid-19 on Pediatric Ophthalmology Care: Lessons Learned. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2023; 14:309-321. [PMID: 37849985 PMCID: PMC10578174 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s395349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic came with many new challenges that forced personal and professional lifestyle modifications. Medical facilities were in scarcity against this new unknown enemy and were challenged with the overloaded patient flow, scarcity of healthcare staff, and evolving treatment modalities with a better understanding of the virus each day. Ophthalmology as a "branch of medicine" suffered challenges initially because of a lack of guidelines for patient management, close working distance during routine examinations, and halt of major surgeries, including cataracts. Pediatric ophthalmology had major implications, as reduced outpatient visits would mean deeper amblyopia, and changed lifestyles, including online classes and home refinement, predisposing children to myopia, digital eye strain, and worsening of strabismus. COVID-19 also unveiled underlying accommodation and convergence anomalies that predisposed pediatric and adolescent patients to an increased prevalence of headache and acute onset esotropia. Teleophthalmology and other innovative solutions, including the use of prism glasses, safe slit-lamp shields, alternative ways of school screening with the use of photoscreeners, performing retinoscopy only when needed, and using autorefractors were among the few guidelines or modifications adopted which helped in the efficient and safe management of pediatric patients. Many pediatric ophthalmologists also suffered in terms of financial constraints due to loss of salary or even closure of private practices. School screening and retinopathy of prematurity screening suffered a great setback and costed a lot of vision years, data of which remains under-reported. Important implications and learnings from the pandemic to mitigate future similar situations include using teleophthalmology and virtual platforms for the triage of patients, managing non-emergency conditions without physical consultations, and utilizing home-based vision assessment techniques customized for different age groups. Though this pandemic had a lot of negative implications, the innovations, modifications, and other important learnings helped pediatric ophthalmologists in navigating safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirandeep Kaur
- Children Eye Care Center, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Sadguru Netra Chikitsalya, Shri Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Janani Muralikrishnan
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Aravind Eye Hospital, Chennai, India
| | | | - Nilutparna Deori
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bharat Gurnani
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Services, Sadguru Netra Chikitsalya, Shri Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Banerjee I, Robinson J. Future implications of telehealth for complex chronic disorders after COVID-19. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:446-447. [PMID: 36681660 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Medical College, Mauritius
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Gupta N, Gupta MK, Joshi NK, Mantri N, Sridevi G, Patel M, Goel AD, Singh K, Garg MK, Bhardwaj P. Is telemedicine a holy grail in healthcare policy: clinicians' and patients' perspectives from an Apex Institution in Western India. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:161. [PMID: 36793030 PMCID: PMC9930698 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-09013-y] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the perception of doctors regarding telemedicine consultations and the level of patient satisfaction with the services received through teleconsultations. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on clinicians who provided teleconsultations and patients who received teleconsultations in an Apex healthcare institution in Western India. Semi-structured interview schedules were used to record the quantitative and qualitative information. Clinicians' perceptions and patients' satisfaction were assessed using two different 5-point Likert scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.23 using non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U). RESULTS A total of 52 clinicians who delivered teleconsultations and 134 patients who received teleconsultations from those doctors were interviewed in this study. For 69% of doctors, telemedicine was feasible to implement, and for the rest, it was challenging. Doctors believe telemedicine is convenient for patients (77%) and prevents the transmission of infection (94.2%). Difficulty in clinical evaluation (73%), communication (55.7%), network connectivity (34%), diagnosis and investigations (32%), and patients' e-illiteracy (32%) were the most common challenges faced by clinicians. Patients' experiences were positive in terms of ease of registration (82.1%), audio quality (100%), freedom to discuss medicine (94.8%), and comprehension of the diagnoses (88.1%). Patients expressed satisfaction with the length of the teleconsultation (81.4%), the advice and care they received (78.4%), and the manner and communication of the clinicians (78.4%). CONCLUSIONS Though there were some challenges in the implementation of telemedicine, the clinicians perceived it quite helpful. The majority of the patients were satisfied with teleconsultation services. Difficulty in registration, lack of communication, and a deep-rooted mindset of physical consultations were the primary concerns from the patient side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nainsi Gupta
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - Manoj Kumar Gupta
- School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. .,Department of Community Medicine & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Nitin Kumar Joshi
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - Neha Mantri
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - G. Sridevi
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140Department of Community Medicine & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - Mamta Patel
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - Akhil Dhanesh Goel
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140Department of Community Medicine & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - M. K. Garg
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
| | - Pankaj Bhardwaj
- grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India ,grid.463267.20000 0004 4681 1140Department of Community Medicine & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan India
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Ricur G, Reyes J, Alfonso E, Marino RG. Surfing the COVID-19 Tsunami with Teleophthalmology: the Advent of New Models of Eye Care. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 11:1-12. [PMID: 36743397 PMCID: PMC9883823 DOI: 10.1007/s40135-023-00308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review In this article, we reviewed the impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic on the traditional model of care in ophthalmology. Recent Findings Though virtual eye care has been present for more than 20 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has established a precedent to seriously consider its role in the evolving paradigm of vision and eye care. New hybrid models of care have enhanced or replaced traditional synchronous and asynchronous visits. The increased use of smart phoneography and mobile applications enhanced the remote examination of patients. Use of e-learning became a mainstream tool to continue accessing education and training. Summary Teleophthalmology has demonstrated its value for screening, examining, diagnosing, monitoring treatment, and increasing access to education. However, much of the progress made following the COVID-19 pandemic is at risk of being lost as society pushes to reestablish normalcy. Further studies during the new norm are required to prove a more permanent role for virtual eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Ricur
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, 900 NW 17Th St., Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Joshua Reyes
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, 900 NW 17Th St., Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Eduardo Alfonso
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, 900 NW 17Th St., Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Raul Guillermo Marino
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Przybek-Skrzypecka J, Szewczuk A, Kamińska A, Skrzypecki J, Pyziak-Skupień A, Szaflik JP. Effect of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Eye Emergency Department, Increasing Prevalence of Uveitis and Optic Neuritis in the COVID-19 Era. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081422. [PMID: 36011079 PMCID: PMC9408570 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the reorganization of the health care system. A decline in health- and life-saving procedures has been reported in various medical specialties. However, data on ophthalmic emergencies during lockdowns is limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational, case-control study of 2351 patients registered at the ophthalmic emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Poland during three national COVID-19 lockdowns (March/April 2020, November 2020, and March/April 2021) and corresponding months in 2019. Results: The total number of visits declined from a mean of 720/month in the non-COVID era to 304/month during COVID-19 lockdowns (p < 0.001). Ocular trauma incidence dropped significantly from 2019 (non-COVID months) to 2020/2021 (COVID group mean 201 vs. 97 patients monthly, respectively, p = 0.03). Of note, the percentage of foreign bodies removal was significantly higher during lockdowns than corresponding time in the non-COVID era. A downward trend for vitreous detachment and macular disorders cases was observed between COVID and non-COVID time. Uveitis and optic neuritis patients were seen more often during lockdowns (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0013, respectively). In contrast, the frequency of conjunctivitis and keratitis, potentially COVID-related problems, decreased significantly in COVID-19 time (mean 138 vs. 23 per month in non-COVID vs. COVID lockdowns, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The overall number of eye emergency visits declined during COVID-19 lockdowns. Conjunctivitis and keratitis rates dropped during the lockdowns. Interestingly, the frequency of immune-mediated ocular conditions (uveitis, optic neuritis) increased significantly which might be triggered by SARS-CoV2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Przybek-Skrzypecka
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Medical University of Warsaw, 61 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (J.P.S.)
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 24/26 Marszałkowska Street, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alina Szewczuk
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 24/26 Marszałkowska Street, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Anna Kamińska
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Medical University of Warsaw, 61 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (J.P.S.)
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 24/26 Marszałkowska Street, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (J.S.)
| | - Janusz Skrzypecki
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 24/26 Marszałkowska Street, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (J.S.)
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, The Medical University of Warsaw, 3C Pawińskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Pyziak-Skupień
- Department of Children’s Diabetology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 16 Medyków Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Jacek Paweł Szaflik
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Medical University of Warsaw, 61 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (J.P.S.)
- SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, 24/26 Marszałkowska Street, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (J.S.)
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11
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COVID-19 and the Eye: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical, Surgical and Research Activities in Ophthalmology. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus in early 2020, globally, more than 500 million cumulative cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed as of May 2022, resulting in about 6 million deaths [...]
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