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Kujansivu K, Tolvanen E, Kautto M, Koskela TH. Primary care physicians' experiences of video and online chat consultations: a qualitative descriptive study. Scand J Prim Health Care 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39155525 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2024.2391406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the perceptions and views of remote consultations and patient care of primary care physicians (PCPs) who work remotely regularly and have experience performing remote consultations. DESIGN A qualitative study using thematic analysis. SETTING Four online focus group interviews with 17 PCPs, working with one private health care provider, with public and private primary care patients. SUBJECTS PCPs who had performed video or online chat consultations with primary care patients for at least 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS PCPs' perceptions and views working remotely in online chat and video consultations. RESULTS Two main themes describing how PCPs perceived remote consultations emerged: 1) remote consultations have an impact on the way physicians work, and 2) remote consultations have an impact on the service system and patients. The subthemes of the first main theme included the physicians' new way of working, impacts on physicians' well-being, and impacts on communication and physician competences. The subthemes for the second main theme were the importance of smoothness of services for the patients, patient suitability, and technical liabilities. CONCLUSION Remote consultations provide PCPs with a new way of working that could improve work-life balance. However, it is important to maintain sufficient clinical competence through versatile work. Digital consultations can make contacting healthcare smoother and easier for patients if the patient selection is performed carefully. Online chat seems suitable for singular contacts and simple issues, but remote consultations could be used to sustain continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa Kujansivu
- Department of General Practice, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Pihlajalinna, Tampere, Finland
- The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elina Tolvanen
- Department of General Practice, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mervi Kautto
- Department of General Practice, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Pihlajalinna, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tuomas H Koskela
- Department of General Practice, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere, Finland
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Yung HT, Wong MK, Lai SK, Liang J. Perspective of smokers and healthcare professionals toward real-time video counseling smoking cessation program in general out-patient clinics in Hong Kong: a qualitative study. Fam Pract 2024; 41:525-533. [PMID: 36318506 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of individuals that currently smoke and healthcare professionals on using real-time video counseling in the Smoking Cessation and Counselling Program in General Out-patient Clinics in Hong Kong. DESIGN This was a qualitative study using face-to-face semi-structured interviews based on the extended technology acceptance model. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Two investigators coded the transcripts independently. Thematic analysis was adopted. PARTICIPANTS Individuals that currently smoke and healthcare professionals who had experience using real-time video counseling in the Smoking Cessation and Counselling Program in General Out-patient Clinics in Hong Kong were recruited. Purposive sampling was adopted. 18 participants were interviewed to reach data saturation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Themes that emerged from thematic analysis of data were the main outcome measures. The emerged themes were refined and verified via inductive and then deductive processes until data saturation was reached. RESULTS Two core themes, which were in coherence with the extended technology acceptance model, namely (i) perceived ease of use and (ii) perceived usefulness, were identified. Under perceived ease of use, we identified 2 subthemes: (i) convenience and (ii) measures to facilitate the use of real-time video counseling. Three subthemes were identified under perceived usefulness: (i) empathy and rapport, (ii) measures for pandemics, and (iii) service outcome. CONCLUSION Our study provided a culture-specific perspective of users towards real-time video counseling. It identified users' opinions on the easiness and usefulness of the service. Those could provide clues for future improvement and development of using real-time video counseling in healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Ting Yung
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China
| | - Man Kin Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China
| | - Shiu Kee Lai
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China
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Song K, Hey M, Payne R. Media depictions of primary care teleconsultation safety: a thematic analysis of UK newspapers. Br J Gen Pract 2024:BJGP.2023.0543. [PMID: 38621808 PMCID: PMC11325443 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0543] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the widespread roll-out of teleconsultations across primary care services in the UK. The media's depiction of remote consultations, especially regarding their safety, is not well established. These insights are important: newspapers' coverage of healthcare-related news can influence public perception, national policy, and clinicians' job satisfaction. AIM To explore how the national newspapers in the UK depicted both the direct and indirect consequences of the remote-first approach on patient safety. DESIGN AND SETTING We performed thematic analysis of newspaper articles that discussed patient safety in primary care teleconsultations, which were published between 21 January 2021 and 22 April 2022. METHOD We identified relevant articles using the LexisNexis Academic UK database. We categorised data from these articles into codes before developing these into emergent themes through an iterative process. RESULTS Across the 57 articles identified, the main safety concern identified was missed and/or delayed diagnoses over tele-appointment(s), while isolated cases of inappropriate prescribing were also reported. The media reported that the transition to a remote-first approach reduced the accessibility to primary care appointments for some groups (especially patients with lower digital literacy or access) and heightened the burden on other healthcare services; in particular, there were reports of patient care being compromised across NHS emergency departments. CONCLUSION The print media predominantly reported negative impacts of remote consultations on patient safety, particularly involving missed and/ or delayed diagnoses. Our work highlights the importance of further exploration into the safety of remote consultations, and the impact of erroneous media reporting on policies and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyang Song
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Molly Hey
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Rebecca Payne
- National Institute for Health and Care Research In-Practice Fellow, Nuffield Department of Primary Care, University of Oxford, Oxford
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Larrabee Sonderlund A, Quirina Bang Van Sas T, Wehberg S, Huibers L, Nielsen JB, Søndergaard J, Assing Hvidt E. Development of a Video Consultation Patient-Satisfaction Questionnaire (vCare-PSQ): A Cross-Sectional Explorative Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e58928. [PMID: 39094110 PMCID: PMC11329851 DOI: 10.2196/58928] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of video consultation (VC) in primary care has expanded considerably in many countries. VC and other telehealth formats are often touted as a solution to improved health care access, with numerous studies showing high satisfaction with this care format among health professionals and patients. However, operationalization and measurement of patient satisfaction with VC varies across studies and often lacks consideration of dynamic contextual factors (eg, convenience, ease-of-use, or privacy) and doctor-patient relational variables that may influence patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE We aim to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based questionnaire for assessing patient satisfaction with VC in general practice. METHODS The vCare Patient-Satisfaction Questionnaire (the vCare-PSQ) was developed according to the COSMIN (Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments) guidelines. To achieve our overall objective, we pursued three aims: (1) a validation analysis of an existing patient-satisfaction scale (the PS-14), (2) an assessment of extrinsic contextual factors that may impact patient satisfaction, and (3) an assessment of pertinent intrinsic and relational satisfaction correlates (eg, health anxiety, information technology literacy, trust in the general practitioner, or convenience). For validation purposes, the questionnaire was filled out by a convenience sample of 188 Danish adults who had attended at least 1 VC. RESULTS Our validation analysis of the PS-14 in a Danish population produced reliable results, indicating that the PS-14 is an appropriate measure of patient satisfaction with VC in Danish patient populations. Regressing situational and doctor-patient relational factors onto patient satisfaction further suggested that patient satisfaction is contingent on several factors not measured by the PS-14. These include information technology literacy and patient trust in the general practitioner, as well as several contextual pros and cons. CONCLUSIONS Supplementing the PS-14 with dynamic measures of situational and doctor-patient relational factors may provide a more comprehensive understanding of patient satisfaction with VC. The vCare-PSQ may thus contribute to an enhanced methodological approach to assessing patient satisfaction with VC. We hope that the vCare-PSQ format may be useful for future research and implementation efforts regarding VC in a general practice setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Larrabee Sonderlund
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tessa Quirina Bang Van Sas
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sonja Wehberg
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Jesper Bo Nielsen
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Assing Hvidt
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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El-Tallawy SN, Pergolizzi JV, Vasiliu-Feltes I, Ahmed RS, LeQuang JK, Alzahrani T, Varrassi G, Awaleh FI, Alsubaie AT, Nagiub MS. Innovative Applications of Telemedicine and Other Digital Health Solutions in Pain Management: A Literature Review. Pain Ther 2024; 13:791-812. [PMID: 38869690 PMCID: PMC11255158 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00620-7] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems are facing extraordinary challenges. Our approaches to medicine have changed and created a whole new generation of people who have chronic pain. Various medical services were postponed. The pandemic significantly impacted the bio-psychosocial model of pain and the management of chronic pain. These new challenges affected millions of patients worldwide, with more burden on patients with chronic pain. Telemedicine and digital health rather than traditional office visits have become essential tools for communications, resulting in an unmatched surge in telehealth adoption. This new approach facilitated the remote treatment and follow-up of patients who have difficulty to access the healthcare services, particularly patients with chronic pain and those who were receiving regular controlled medications. An extensive computer search was conducted, during the period (from January 2014 to March 2024), and included literature from PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google scholar. According to preset inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 38 articles have been included in this review article. This literature review focuses on the innovation of telemedicine and digital health in pain management, especially in the context of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of telemedicine and digital communications, their evolution, and their significance in healthcare. It also emphasizes the benefits, challenges, limitations, and the ethical concerns of telemedicine in pain management after the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the document explores the different modes of the telecommunications and discusses the future directions of the digital health technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah N El-Tallawy
- Anesthesia and Pain Department, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Anesthesia Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University & NCI, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Rania S Ahmed
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tariq Alzahrani
- Anesthesia and Pain Department, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fouad I Awaleh
- Anesthesia Department, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah T Alsubaie
- Anesthesia Department, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Kofod FG, Assing Hvidt E, Arreskov AB, Guassora AD. Interpersonal contact and altered sensory conditions in video consultation - a qualitative interview study in Danish general practice. Scand J Prim Health Care 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39012270 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2024.2376744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore possible challenges to General Practitioners' (GPs') interpersonal contact with patients in video consultations (VCs), and learn how they change their communication strategies to carry out medical work in a setting with altered sensory conditions. DESIGN, SETTING, SUBJECTS The study included 6 GPs from the Copenhagen area, with different levels of experience of VC. The data consist of 6 interviews with GPs, held in 2021-2022. The semi-structured interviews included playback of a recorded VC between each GP and a patient, inspired by the Video-Stimulated Interview technique. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS GPs experienced alterations in the sensation of their patients in VCs, and worried about missing something important, including assessing the patient. Generally, GPs felt that interpersonal contact was good enough for the purpose. GPs compensated for altered sensory conditions on video by asking more questions, repeating their advice, and meta-communicating. They used their senses of sight and hearing relatively more in VCs. Compensation also took the form of triage, so that consultations on sensitive topics or with new patients were not selected to take place on video. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS By compensating for altered sensory conditions in VCs, GPs can carry out their medical work sufficiently well and sustain the best possible interpersonal contact. Our findings are useful for establishing ways to maintain good interpersonal contact between GPs and patients in VCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Greek Kofod
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Assing Hvidt
- SDU Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Beiter Arreskov
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Dorrit Guassora
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Fisker Christensen L, Sørensen L, Johansen KK. Staff experiences with videoconferences during the COVID-19 pandemic in forensic psychiatry outpatients. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:370-375. [PMID: 38546409 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2024.2331209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
AIM To describe staff experiences with the use of videoconferences with forensic psychiatric outpatients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Semi-structured interviews with staff at forensic community services in the Region of Southern Denmark. RESULTS Nine semi-structured staff interviews were conducted. Two main themes were identified through thematic analysis: Challenges due to technical uncertainty and the Use of videoconferences as support in clinical assessment and treatment. The second main theme also included a number of subthemes: Lack of opportunity for observation of a patient's overall situation; Compromise of nurses' professionalism; Limitation of disturbing stimuli means more focus on the conversation; Telephone contact vs. video contact-pros and cons; Expectations reflect attitudes; and Will professionalism be changed based on organizational and political perspectives? CONCLUSION Staff opinions on use of videoconferences in psychiatric patients differed. The nurses in particular were concerned about whether professionalism could be maintained. Others experienced patients focusing more on the conversation when it took place via video because there were fewer disturbing elements. In general, expectations seem to influence attitudes toward using videoconferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lone Fisker Christensen
- Forensic Mental Health Research Unit Middelfart, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark/Institute of Regional Health Research, Middelfart, Denmark
| | - Line Sørensen
- Department of Psychiatry Odense, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Kjær Johansen
- Forensic Mental Health Research Unit Middelfart, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark/Institute of Regional Health Research, Middelfart, Denmark
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Alpert JM, Hampton CN, Campbell-Salome G, Paige S, Murphy M, Heffron E, Amin TB, Harle CA, Le T, Vasquez TS, Xue W, Markham MJ, Bylund CL. Tele-Oncology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Patient Experiences and Communication Behaviors with Clinicians. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1954-e1962. [PMID: 38574250 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Tele-oncology became a widely used tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there was limited understanding of how patient-clinician communication occurred using the technology. Our goal was to identify how communication transpired during tele-oncology consultations compared with in-person appointments. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was utilized for the web-based survey, and follow-up interviews were conducted with cancer patients from March to December 2020. Participants were recruited from the University of Florida Health Cancer Center and two national cancer organizations. During the survey, participants rated their clinician's patient-centered communication behaviors. Open-ended survey responses and interview data were combined and analyzed thematically using the constant comparative method. Results: A total of 158 participants completed the survey, and 33 completed an interview. Ages ranged from 19 to 88 years (mean = 64.2; standard deviation = 13.0); 53.2% identified as female and 44.9% as male. The majority of respondents (76%) considered communication in tele-oncology equal to in-person visits. Preferences for tele-oncology included the ability to get information from the clinician, with 13.5% rating tele-oncology as better than in-person appointments. Tele-oncology was considered worse than in-person appointments for eye contact (n = 21, 12.4%) and virtual waiting room times (n = 50, 29.4%). The following qualitative themes corresponded with several quantitative variables: (1) commensurate to in-person appointments, (2) uncertainty with the digital platform, (3) lack of a personal connection, and (4) enhanced patient experience. Conclusion: Patient-centered communication behaviors were mostly viewed as equally prevalent during tele-oncology and in-person appointments. Addressing the challenges of tele-oncology is necessary to improve the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Alpert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Chelsea N Hampton
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gemme Campbell-Salome
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Department of Population Health Sciences, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samantha Paige
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Behavior Science, Johnson and Johnson, Potsdam, New York, USA
| | - Martina Murphy
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Eve Heffron
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Tithi B Amin
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher A Harle
- Health Policy and Management, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tien Le
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Taylor S Vasquez
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Carma L Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Goudswaard L, Penny R, Edmunds J, Arnautovska U. Child Health Nurses' Acceptance and Use of a Novel Telehealth Platform: A Mixed-Method Study. Comput Inform Nurs 2024; 42:470-478. [PMID: 38512323 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Telehealth appointments in the healthcare sector have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing patients' access to services. However, research exploring nurse perceptions of implemented telehealth services in the community sector is limited. Within the context of quality improvement, the current study aimed to understand child health nurses' acceptance and use of a novel telehealth platform using mixed methods. A total of 38 child health nurses completed an online survey that included multiple-choice questions based on an expanded Technology Acceptance Model and open-ended questions exploring barriers and facilitators to use. Results demonstrated that despite 70% of nurse users having completed less than three sessions with parents, perception and acceptance scores were high. Overall, 85% of variance in satisfaction with the platform and 46% of variance in intention to use the platform were predicted by perception scores. Three consistent themes generated from data were facilitators for use and five as barriers, which provided further understanding to findings. To ensure telehealth is adapted into routine clinical care, facilitators and barriers for implementation need to be identified and addressed. Nurses need to be engaged in implementation and ongoing maintenance to ensure the uptake and optimal use of technology within nursing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselot Goudswaard
- Author Affiliations: Child and Youth Community Health Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (Mrs Goudswaard, Dr Penny, and Mrs Edmunds), Brisbane; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland (Mrs Goudswaard and Dr Arnautovska), South Brisbane; School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove (Dr Penny), Brisbane; and Metro South Addictions and Mental Health Service (Dr Arnautovska), Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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Casey SD, Sax DR, Mark DG, Rana JS, Solomon MD, Huang J, Reed ME. Comparison of Short-Term Health Care Utilization Between Telemedicine-Delivered vs In-Person Care Visits for Heart Failure. JACC. ADVANCES 2024; 3:100969. [PMID: 38938856 PMCID: PMC11198545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Patients with heart failure (HF) are a medically complex population with frequent hospitalizations. Downstream health care utilization following primary care delivered by telemedicine compared to in-person is unknown. Objectives The purpose of this study was to understand differences in return in-person visits, emergency department (ED) encounters, and hospitalizations following a telemedicine vs an in-person primary care visit for patients with HF seen for a HF-related complaint. Methods This was an observational study of all primary care visits for HF from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, in an integrated health care delivery system. We compared 7-day in-person follow-up visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations (all-cause and HF-specific) by index visit type. Results We included 3,902 primary care visits with a primary diagnosis of HF. Most visits utilized telephone or video visits (58.4% total; 44.9% telephone, 13.5% video). After adjustment, telephone visits were associated with more in-person follow-up visits (6.14% vs 4.20%; adjusted OR: 1.08-2.21; P < 0.05) but fewer ED visits (6.12% vs 8.07%; adjusted OR: 0.55-0.97; P < 0.05) compared to in-person visits. Most hospitalized patients (74%) had an admitting diagnosis of HF. There was no difference between 7-day all-cause hospitalization following telephone or video visits compared to in-person visits. Conclusions Most patients used telemedicine to address HF-specific primary care concerns. Telephone visits were associated with slightly higher short-term in-person primary care follow-up but lower ED utilization. Overall, downstream ED visits and hospitalizations were low. Telephone and video visits appear to offer safe alternatives to in-person care for HF-related primary care and are a promising health care delivery strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D. Casey
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, The Kaiser Permanente CREST Network, Oakland, California, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Permanente Medical Group, Vallejo, California, USA
| | - Dana R. Sax
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, The Kaiser Permanente CREST Network, Oakland, California, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Dustin G. Mark
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, The Kaiser Permanente CREST Network, Oakland, California, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Jamal S. Rana
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
- Department of Cardiology, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Matthew D. Solomon
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
- Department of Cardiology, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Jie Huang
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, The Kaiser Permanente CREST Network, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Mary E. Reed
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
- Health Care Delivery and Policy Section, The Kaiser Permanente CREST Network, Oakland, California, USA
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Seuren LM, Shaw S. How Informal Carers Support Video Consulting in Physiotherapy, Heart Failure, and Cancer: Qualitative Study Using Linguistic Ethnography. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e51695. [PMID: 38819900 PMCID: PMC11179022 DOI: 10.2196/51695] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal carers play an important role in the everyday care of patients and the delivery of health care services. They aid patients in transportation to and from appointments, and they provide assistance during the appointments (eg, answering questions on the patient's behalf). Video consultations are often seen as a way of providing patients with easier access to care. However, few studies have considered how this affects the role of informal carers and how they are needed to make video consultations safe and feasible. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify how informal carers, usually friends or family who provide unpaid assistance, support patients and clinicians during video consultations. METHODS We conducted an in-depth analysis of the communication in a sample of video consultations drawn from 7 clinical settings across 4 National Health Service Trusts in the United Kingdom. The data set consisted of 52 video consultation recordings (of patients with diabetes, gestational diabetes, cancer, heart failure, orthopedic problems, long-term pain, and neuromuscular rehabilitation) and interviews with all participants involved in these consultations. Using Linguistic Ethnography, which embeds detailed analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication in the context of the interaction, we examined the interactional, technological, and clinical work carers did to facilitate video consultations and help patients and clinicians overcome challenges of the remote and video-mediated context. RESULTS Most patients (40/52, 77%) participated in the video consultation without support from an informal carer. Only 23% (12/52) of the consultations involved an informal carer. In addition to facilitating the clinical interaction (eg, answering questions on behalf of the patient), we identified 3 types of work that informal carers did: facilitating the use of technology; addressing problems when the patient could not hear or understand the clinician; and assisting with physical examinations, acting as the eyes, ears, and hands of the clinician. Carers often stayed in the background, monitoring the consultation to identify situations where they might be needed. In doing so, copresent carers reassured patients and helped them conduct the activities that make up a consultation. However, carers did not necessarily help patients solve all the challenges of a video consultation (eg, aiming the camera while laying hands on the patient during an examination). We compared cases where an informal carer was copresent with cases where the patient was alone, which showed that carers provided an important safety net, particularly for patients who were frail and experienced mobility difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Informal carers play a critical role in making video consultations safe and feasible, particularly for patients with limited technological experience or complex needs. Guidance and research on video consulting need to consider the availability and work done by informal carers and how they can be supported in providing patients access to digital health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Martinus Seuren
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Sara Shaw
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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De Guzman KR, Smith AC, Snoswell CL. General practitioner preferences for telehealth consultations in Australia: a pilot survey and discrete choice experiment. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2024; 25:e28. [PMID: 38721700 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423624000136] [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: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify and quantify general practitioner (GP) preferences related to service attributes of clinical consultations, including telehealth consultations, in Australia. BACKGROUND GPs have been increasingly using telehealth to deliver patient care since the onset of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. GP preferences for telehealth service models will play an important role in the uptake and sustainability of telehealth services post-pandemic. METHODS An online survey was used to ask GPs general telehealth questions and have them complete a discrete choice experiment (DCE). The DCE elicited GP preferences for various service attributes of telehealth (telephone and videoconference) consultations. The DCE investigated five service attributes, including consultation mode, consultation purpose, consultation length, quality of care and rapport, and patient co-payment. Participants were presented with eight choice sets, each containing three options to choose from. Descriptive statistics was used, and mixed logit models were used to estimate and analyse the DCE data. FINDINGS A total of 60 GPs fully completed the survey. Previous telehealth experiences impacted direct preferences towards telehealth consultations across clinical presentations, although in-person modes were generally favoured (in approximately 70% of all scenarios). The DCE results lacked statistical significance which demonstrated undiscernible differences between GP preferences for some service attributes. However, it was found that GPs prefer to provide a consultation with good quality care and rapport (P < 002). GPs would also prefer to provide care to their patients rather than decline a consultation due to consultation mode, length or purpose (P < 0.0001). Based on the findings, GPs value the ability to provide high-quality care and develop rapport during a clinical consultation. This highlights the importance of recognising value-based care for future policy reforms, to ensure continued adoption and sustainability of GP telehealth services in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshia R De Guzman
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Centaine L Snoswell
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Hawley CE, Wagner C, Venegas MD, Genovese N, Triantafylidis LK, McCullough MB, Beizer JL, Hung WW, Moo LR. Connecting the disconnected: Leveraging an in-home team member for video visits for older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1408-1419. [PMID: 37960887 PMCID: PMC11188997 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18663] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults are interested and able to complete video visits, but often require coaching and practice to succeed. Data show a widening digital divide between older and younger adults using video visits. We conducted a qualitative feasibility study to investigate these gaps via ethnographic methods, including a team member in older participants' homes. METHODS This ethnographic feasibility study included a virtual medication reconciliation visit with a clinical pharmacist for Veterans aged 65 and older taking 5 or more medications. An in-home study team member joined the participant and recorded observations in structured fieldnotes derived from the Updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Age-Friendly Health Systems. Fieldnotes included behind-the-scenes facilitators, barriers, and solutions to challenges before and during the visits. We conducted a thematic analysis of these observations and matched themes to implementation solutions from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change. RESULTS Twenty participants completed a video visit. Participants were 74 years old (range 68-80) taking 12 daily medications (range 7-24). Challenges occurred in half of the visits and took the in-home team member and/or pharmacist an average of 10 minutes to troubleshoot. Challenges included notable new findings, such as that half of the participants required technology assistance for challenges that would not have been able to be solved by the pharmacist virtually. Furthermore, although many participants had a device or had used video visits before, some did not have a single device with video, audio, Internet, and access to their email username and password. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians may apply these evidence-based implementation solutions to their approach to video visits with older adults, including having a team member join the visit before the clinician, involving tech-savvy family members, ensuring the device works with the visit platform ahead of time, and creating a troubleshooting guide from our common challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E. Hawley
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caroline Wagner
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Pharmacy Department, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria D. Venegas
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole Genovese
- Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System, East Orange, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Megan B. McCullough
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Judith L. Beizer
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, New York, USA
| | - William W. Hung
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lauren R. Moo
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Parsons JA, Romanis EC. "All hands on deck": a qualitative study of safeguarding and the transition to telemedical abortion care in England and Wales. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116835. [PMID: 38626482 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116835] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic raised significant challenges for in-person healthcare provision, leading healthcare providers to embrace digital health like never before. Whilst changes were made as part of a public health response, many have now become permanent fixtures of the healthcare landscape, significantly altering the way care is provided not only for patients, but also for the healthcare professionals that provide care. In abortion care in England and Wales, previously stringent regulations on in-person care provision were relaxed to permit the use of telemedicine and self-administration of medications at home. These changes have since been made permanent. However, there remains opposition to remote abortion care pathways on the basis of safeguarding. Opponents argue that it is not feasible to effectively safeguard patients accessing abortion care remotely. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with abortion care providers in England and Wales. Participants were asked about their views and experiences of the transition to remote care provision, with a particular focus on how they adapted their safeguarding practice. In this article, we present three themes that highlight the changing roles of healthcare professionals in abortion care: (1) a challenging backdrop and resulting apprehension, (2) adaptive practices, and (3) the continued importance of professional curiosity. Across all three themes, participants reflected significantly on how changes were made and what they experienced in the period of transition to telemedicine. In particular, they discussed the changing nature of their professional roles amidst digitalisation. Our findings provide a basis for reflection on the increasing introduction of digital approaches to healthcare provision, highlighting points for caution and emphasising the need to involve professionals in the transition process to ensure vital buy-in. Through this, we articulate two novel understandings of digitalisation: (1) the impact of speed-associated pressures on professional adaptation during digitalisation, and (2) off-proforma safeguarding through telemedicine as a form of invisible non-routine work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Parsons
- Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
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15
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Haimi M, Sergienko R. Adoption and Use of Telemedicine and Digital Health Services Among Older Adults in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e52317. [PMID: 38656768 PMCID: PMC11079757 DOI: 10.2196/52317] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the population ages and the prevalence of long-term diseases rises, the use of telecare is becoming increasingly frequent to aid older people. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the use and adoption of 3 types of telehealth services among the older population in Israel before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We explored the use characteristics of older adults (aged ≥65 years) belonging to Clalit Health Services in several aspects in the use of 3 types of telehealth services: the use of digital services for administrative tasks; the use of synchronous working-hours telehealth visits with the patient's personal physician during clinic business hours; and the use of after-hours consultations during evenings, nights, and weekends when the clinics are closed. The data were collected and analyzed throughout 3 distinct periods in Israel: before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and following the COVID-19 peak. RESULTS Data of 618,850 patients who met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Telehealth services used for administrative purposes were the most popular. The most intriguing finding was that the older population significantly increased their use of all types of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in most types, this use decreased after the COVID-19 peak, but to a level that was higher than the baseline level before the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 23.1% (142,936/618,850) of the study population used working-hours telehealth visits, and 2.2% (13,837/618,850) used after-hours consultations at least once. The percentage of use for these services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic to 59.2% (366,566/618,850) and 5% (30,777/618,850) and then decreased during the third period to 39.5% (244,572/618,850) and 2.4% (14,584/618,850), respectively (P<.001). Multiple patient variables have been found to be associated with the use of the different telehealth services in each period. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limitations and obstacles, the older population uses telehealth services and can increase their use when they are needed. These people can learn how to use digital health services effectively, and they should be given the opportunity to do so by creating suitable and straightforward telehealth solutions tailored to this population and enhancing their usability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motti Haimi
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Health Administration Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
- Clalit Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruslan Sergienko
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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16
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Møller OM, Vange SS, Borsch AS, Dam TN, Jensen AM, Jervelund SS. Medical specialists' use and opinion of video consultation in Denmark: a survey study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:516. [PMID: 38658946 PMCID: PMC11044495 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10868-6] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telemedicine which is seen as a possibility to reduce the pressure on healthcare systems globally. However, little research has been carried out on video as a consultation medium in medical specialists' practice. This study investigated the use of and opinion on video consultation among specialists in Denmark. METHODS An online survey on use of video consultation, as well as relevance of and opinion on video consultation, was distributed to all 963 medical specialists in private practice in Denmark throughout May and June 2022, resulting in 499 complete answers (response rate: 51.8%). Data were analysed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses, and data from open text fields were analysed using thematic network analysis. RESULTS Among the respondents, 62.2% had never used video consultation, while 23.4% were currently using video consultation, most particularly among psychiatrists. A total of 47.3% found video consultation medically irrelevant to their specialty, especially radiologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists. According to the specialists, video consultation was most suitable for follow-up consultations and simple medical issues, where the patient had an established diagnosis. In these cases, mutual trust remained present in video consultations. Better access for the patients and fewer cancellations, especially for psychiatrists, were highlighted as benefits. IT problems were reported as obstacles hindering optimal use of video consultation. CONCLUSION The political aspiration to digitization in healthcare systems should be rooted in professionals' and patients' perceptions and experiences with video consultation which emphasize that it is not a standard tool for all consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Mandal Møller
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sif Sofie Vange
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Borsch
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anja Mb Jensen
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Smith Jervelund
- Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Halas G, Baldwin A, LaBine L, MacKay K, Singer A, Katz A. A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Shift to Virtual Care Delivery: Insights from Front-Line Primary Care Providers. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:861. [PMID: 38667623 PMCID: PMC11050693 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12080861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid deployment of virtual primary care visits served as a first-line response to COVID-19 and can now be examined for insights, particularly as virtual care is playing an ongoing role in patient care and consultations. Input from primary care providers directly responsible for virtual care delivery is needed to inform policies and strategies for quality care and interactions. The overarching goal of this research study was to examine the use of virtual care as a mechanism for primary healthcare delivery. A phenomenological approach investigated the shift in primary care service delivery as experienced by primary care providers and initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups were conducted with primary care providers (n = 21) recruited through email, advertisements, and professional organizations, exploring how virtual care was delivered, the benefits and challenges, workflow considerations, and recommendations for future use. Integrating virtual care was performed with a great deal of autonomy as well as responsibility, and overwhelmingly depended on the telephone. Technology, communication, and workflow flexibility are three key operational aspects of virtual care and its delivery. Providers highlighted cross-cutting themes related to the dynamics of virtual care including balancing risk for quality care, physician work/life balance, efficiency, and patient benefits. Primary care providers felt that virtual care options allowed increased flexibility to attend to the needs of patients and manage their practice workload, and a few scenarios were shared for when virtual care might be best suited. However, they also recognized the need to balance in-person and virtual visits, which may require guidelines that support navigating various levels of care. Overall, virtual care was considered a good addition to the whole 'care package' but continued development and refinement is an expectation for optimizing and sustaining future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alanna Baldwin
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Lisa LaBine
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Kerri MacKay
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
- Community Partner, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alexander Singer
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3, Canada
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18
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Arsenault M, Long S, D'Souza V, Ilie A, Todd KJ. Telemedicine visits requiring follow-up in-person visits at an urban academic family medicine centre. Fam Pract 2024; 41:105-113. [PMID: 38382045 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmae008] [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] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine was rapidly implemented in care settings globally. To understand what factors affect the successful completion of telemedicine visits in our urban, academic family medicine clinic setting, we analysed telemedicine visits carried out during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of telemedicine visits from 2 clinical units within a family medicine centre. To investigate the association between incomplete visits and various factors (age, gender, presenting complaints, physician level of training [resident or staff] and patient-physician relational continuity), we performed a multivariable logistic regression on data from August 2020, February 2021, and May 2021. An incomplete visit is one that requires a follow-up in-person visit with a physician within 3 days. RESULTS Of the 2,138 telemedicine patient visits we investigated, 9.6% were incomplete. Patients presenting with lumps and bumps (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.44, 10.5), as well as those seen by resident physicians (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.56) had increased odds of incomplete visits. Telemedicine visits at the family medicine clinic (Site A) with registered patients had lower odds of incomplete visits (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.39) than those at the community clinic (Site B), which provides urgent/episodic care with no associated relational continuity between patients and physicians. CONCLUSION In our urban clinical setting, only a small minority of telemedicine visits required an in-person follow-up visit. This information may be useful in guiding approaches to triaging patients to telemedicine or standard in-person care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylène Arsenault
- Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stephanie Long
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vinita D'Souza
- Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexandru Ilie
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Keith J Todd
- Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Fisher K, Tapley A, Ralston A, Davey A, Fielding A, van Driel M, Holliday E, Ball J, Dizon J, Spike N, Clarke L, Magin P. Video versus telephone for telehealth delivery: a cross-sectional study of Australian general practice trainees. Fam Pract 2024; 41:198-202. [PMID: 38124491 PMCID: PMC11017778 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad115] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remunerated telehealth consultations were introduced in Australia in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Videoconferencing has advantages over telephone-consulting, including improved diagnostic and decision-making accuracy. However, videoconferencing uptake in Australia has been low. This study aimed to establish prevalence and associations of video versus telephone consultations in Australian general practice (GP) registrars' practice. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of data from 2020 to 2021 (three 6-monthly data-collection rounds) from the Registrars Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) study. GP registrars record details of 60 consecutive consultations every 6-month term, for a total of 3 terms. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed within the Generalized Estimating Equations framework with the outcome video versus telephone. RESULTS 102,286 consultations were recorded by 1,168 registrars, with 21.4% of consultations performed via telehealth. Of these, telephone accounted for 96.6% (95% CI: 96.3-96.8%) and videoconferencing for 3.4% (95% CI: 3.2-3.7%). Statistically significant associations of using videoconferencing, compared to telephone, included longer consultation duration (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03 per minute; and mean 14.9 versus 12.8 min), patients aged 0-14 years old (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.62, compared to age 15-34), patients new to the registrar (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.35), part-time registrars (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.08-3.15), and areas of less socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00-1.62 per decile). CONCLUSIONS Registrars' telehealth consultations were mostly performed via telephone. Telephone use being associated with socioeconomic disadvantage has health equity implications. Future research should explore barriers to videoconferencing use and strategies to increase its uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fisher
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Amanda Tapley
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Anna Ralston
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Andrew Davey
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Alison Fielding
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Mieke van Driel
- Faculty of Medicine, General Practice Clinical Unit, University of Queensland, Level 8 Health Sciences Building, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Holliday
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jean Ball
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Clinical Research Design, IT and Statistical Support Unit (CReDITSS), New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Jason Dizon
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Clinical Research Design, IT and Statistical Support Unit (CReDITSS), New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Neil Spike
- Eastern Victoria General Practice Training, Regional Training Organisation, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Melbourne, Berkeley Street, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Clarke
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
| | - Parker Magin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Australia
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners GP Training Research Department, 20 McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West, NSW 2304, Australia
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Der-Martirosian C, Hou C, Hovsepian S, Diarra Carter M, Heyworth L, Dobalian A, Leung L. Implementation of Video-Based Care in Interdisciplinary Primary Care Settings at the Veterans Health Administration: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e52830. [PMID: 38592760 PMCID: PMC11040435 DOI: 10.2196/52830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid shift to telehealth, there remains a knowledge gap in how video-based care is implemented in interdisciplinary primary care (PC) settings. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of how video telehealth services were implemented in PC from the perspectives of patients and interdisciplinary PC team members at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 2 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We applied a positive and negative deviance approach and selected the 6% highest (n=8) and the 6% lowest (n=8) video-using PC sites in 2022 from a total of 130 VHA medical centers nationally. A total of 12 VHA sites were included in the study, where 43 PC interdisciplinary team members (August-October 2022) and 25 patients (February-May 2023) were interviewed. The 5 domains from the diffusion of innovation theory and the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework guided the development of the 2 study interview guides (provider and patient). We identified themes that emerged across all interviews that were associated with the implementation of video-based care in interdisciplinary PC settings, using directed-content rapid analysis of the interview transcripts. The analysis was guided by 5 a priori NASSS domains: (1) patient condition or characteristic, (2) technology, (3) adopter system, (4) health care organization, and (5) adaptation over time. RESULTS The study findings include the following common themes and factors, organized by the 5 NASSS domains: (1) patient condition or characteristic-visit type or purpose (eg, follow-up visits that do not require physical examination), health condition (eg, homebound or semihomebound patients), and sociodemographic characteristic (eg, patients who have a long commute time); (2) technology-key features (eg, access to video-enabled devices), knowledge (eg, how to use videoconferencing software), and technical support for patients and providers; (3) adopter system-changes in staff roles and clinical practice (eg, coordination of video-based care), provider and patient preference or comfort to use video-based care, and caregiver's role (eg, participation of caregivers during video visits); (4) health care organization-leadership support and access to resources, scheduling for video visits (eg, schedule or block off digital half or full days), and training and telehealth champions (eg, hands-on or on-site training for staff, patients, or caregivers); (5) adaptation over time-capacity to improve all aspects of video-based care and provide continued access to resources (eg, effective communication about updates). CONCLUSIONS This study identified key factors associated with the implementation of video-based services in interdisciplinary PC settings at the VHA from the perspectives of PC team members and patients. The identified multifaceted factors may inform recommendations on how to sustain and improve the provision of video-based care in VHA PC settings as well as non-VHA patient-centered medical homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Der-Martirosian
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, US Department of Veterans Affairs, North Hills, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia Hou
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sona Hovsepian
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Maia Diarra Carter
- Office of Primary Care/Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Leonie Heyworth
- Office of Connected Care/Telehealth Services, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Aram Dobalian
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, US Department of Veterans Affairs, North Hills, CA, United States
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lucinda Leung
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Agneles, CA, United States
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21
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AlOmar RS, AlHarbi M, Alotaibi NS, AlShamlan NA, Al-Shammari MA, AlThumairi AA, AlSubaie M, Alshahrani MA, AlAbdulaali MK. Pattern of Virtual Consultations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Epidemiological Nationwide Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00219-3. [PMID: 38573462 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00219-3] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), little is known about the adoption of virtual consultations (VCs), with most studies being survey-based leading to varying results. This study aims to utilise secondary collected data on the use of both kinds of VCs currently available, and to epidemiologically describe the adoption of these consultations. METHODS This retrospective study analysed data provided by the Ministry of Health between January 1st 2021 and June 30th 2022. For both the home-based and the hospital-based consultations, variables included the age and sex of patients, date of consultation, duration in minutes, closure status for the appointment and the governorate in which the patient is residing. A heat map was drawn to present patterns of utilisation across the country. RESULTS The total number of VCs for both types were 1,008,228. For both types, females were higher adopters (54.73%). Of the total number of consultations, 751,156 were hospital-based. Of these consultations, family medicine consultations were the most common (20.42%), followed by internal medicine. Maternity follow-up clinics were higher in home-based clinics. The proportion of patient no-shows was high overall (48.30%). Utilisation was high in urban governorates, and low in rural ones. CONCLUSION Findings have several implications on health policy. It provides further evidence of the importance of family medicine, where it was the most common speciality even in hospital-based settings. The high variability in the adoption of consultations across rural and urban areas as well as the extremely high number of patient-no-shows warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem S AlOmar
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 32211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muaddi AlHarbi
- The Studies and Consulting Office at the Assistant Minister of Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nijr S Alotaibi
- National Program for Community Development - Tanmiah, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf A AlShamlan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 32211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak A Al-Shammari
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 32211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa A AlThumairi
- Department of Health Information Management and Technology, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona AlSubaie
- Virtual Hospital, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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22
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Faussat C, Bonnin A, Hilt D, Rivière-Da Silva F, Baissin C, Michels D, Gras G, Leclerc C, Aumond C, Grammatico-Guillon L. Advantages and limits of remote consultations for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis health pathway: ePrEP qualitative study. JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND POPULATION HEALTH 2024; 72:202201. [PMID: 38523400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeph.2024.202201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because of a high rate of HIV diagnosis and restricted medical access in the Centre-Val de Loire region in France , remote consultations (RC) with a community-based approach has been implemented to promote access to healthcare. Our study aimed to determine whether RC could improve access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) as part of the healthcare pathway associated with PrEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 17 MSM and 3 physicians from specialized sexual health centres was performed, with a mean duration of interview over one hour. The research focused on the health pathway associated with PrEP, from initial awareness to ongoing prescription and follow-up. RESULTS Transitioning PrEP consultations to RC is feasible, but concerns about a potential decline in care quality compared to traditional sexual health centres follow-ups were noted. Both MSM and physicians recognized that RC could complement face-to-face approaches, especially in terms of organizational benefits. In rural areas, access to specialists through RC was seen as a partial solution, though it could be hindered by barriers in accessing laboratory testing and pharmacy services, like fear of stigmatization. More generally, distrust of medication and the difficulty of discussing sexuality with a GP were highlighted, which could limit the uptake of PrEP without access to specialists. CONCLUSIONS The initiation and uptake of PrEP among MSM are more effectively influenced by initiatives that provide information, reassurance, and facilitate initial procedures, rather than solely through RC. A strategy combining digital and community-based approaches, along with medical expertise, is recommended to increase PrEP utilization among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathie Faussat
- Inserm Team Research U1259 MAVIVH - Morphogenèse et Antigénicitédu VIH et des Virus des Hépatites, Faculty of Medicine of Tours, Tours, France; Prevention and Public Health Department - Regional University Hospital Centre (CHRU) of Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Alicia Bonnin
- EA 7505 - EES - Education-Ethics-Health Research Team, Faculty of Medicine of Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Daniel Hilt
- AIDES Association, French non-governmental organization, Orléans & Pantin, France.
| | | | - Christine Baissin
- AIDES Association, French non-governmental organization, Orléans & Pantin, France.
| | - David Michels
- AIDES Association, French non-governmental organization, Orléans & Pantin, France; Community Research Laboratory, Coalition Plus, Pantin, France.
| | - Guillaume Gras
- Prevention and Public Health Department - Regional University Hospital Centre (CHRU) of Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Céline Leclerc
- Centre-Val de Loire Regional Health Observatory, Orléans, France.
| | - Catherine Aumond
- AIDES Association, French non-governmental organization, Orléans & Pantin, France.
| | - Leslie Grammatico-Guillon
- Inserm Team Research U1259 MAVIVH - Morphogenèse et Antigénicitédu VIH et des Virus des Hépatites, Faculty of Medicine of Tours, Tours, France; Prevention and Public Health Department - Regional University Hospital Centre (CHRU) of Tours, Tours, France.
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23
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Baillie EJ, Merlo G, Biezen R, Peprah Boaitey K, Magin PJ, van Driel ML, Hall L. Diagnosis and management of acute infections during telehealth consultations in Australian general practice: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2024; 8:BJGPO.2023.0142. [PMID: 38092442 PMCID: PMC11169986 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0142] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of telehealth has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how GPs manage acute infections during telehealth, and the potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship. AIM To explore the experiences and perceptions of GP trainees' and supervisors' use of telehealth, and how it influences their management of acute infections. DESIGN & SETTING Australian GP registrars (trainees) and supervisors were recruited via email through their training organisations. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants were conducted between July and August 2022. METHOD Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS We identified six overall themes. 1. Participants experienced impaired diagnostic capacity during telehealth consultations. 2. Attempts to improve diagnostic acuity included various methods, such as having patients self-examine. 3. The management of clinical uncertainty frequently entailed referring patients for in-person assessment, overinvestigating, or overtreating. 4. Antibiotic prescribing decisions during telehealth were informed by less information than were in-person consults, with varying impact. 5. Participants believed that other GPs improperly prescribed antibiotics during telehealth. 6. Supervisors believed that registrars hadn't developed the knowledge or skills to determine when conditions could be managed appropriately via telehealth. CONCLUSION Telehealth has potential for reducing transmission of acute infections and increasing access to healthcare. However, the implications of GPs, especially less experienced GPs, making diagnoses with less certainty, and consequently compromising antimicrobial stewardship, are a concern. Patient self-assessment tools may improve outcomes of telehealth consultations for acute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Baillie
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, Australia
| | - Gregory Merlo
- Healthcare Improvement Unit, Queensland Health, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, QL, Australia
| | - Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VI, Australia
| | - Kwame Peprah Boaitey
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
| | - Parker J Magin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Training Research Department, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QL, Australia
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24
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Gately ME, Waller DE, Metcalf EE, Moo LR. Caregivers' Role in In-Home Video Telehealth: National Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 11:e52049. [PMID: 38483462 PMCID: PMC10979337 DOI: 10.2196/52049] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults face barriers to specialty care, such as occupational therapy (OT), and these challenges are worse for rural older adults. While in-home video telehealth may increase access to OT, older adults' health- and technology-related challenges may necessitate caregiver assistance. OBJECTIVE This study examines caregiver assistance with in-home OT video telehealth visits from the perspectives of OT practitioners at Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS A web-based national survey of VHA OT practitioners about caregivers' role in video telehealth was conducted between January and February 2022. Survey items were developed with input from subject matter experts in geriatrics and OT and identified patient factors that necessitate caregiver participation; the extent to which caregivers assist with different types of tasks (technological and clinical tasks); and the perceived facilitators of, benefits of, and barriers to caregiver involvement. RESULTS Of approximately 1787 eligible VHA OT practitioners, 286 (16% response rate) participated. Not all survey items required completion, resulting in different denominators. Most respondents were female (183/226, 81%), White (163/225, 72.4%), and occupational therapists (275/286, 96.2%). Respondents were from 87 VHA medical centers, the catchment areas of which served a patient population that was 34% rural, on average (SD 0.22). Most participants (162/232, 69.8%) had >10 years of OT experience serving a patient cohort mostly aged ≥65 years (189/232, 81.5%) in primarily outpatient rehabilitation (132/232, 56.9%). The top patient factors necessitating caregiver involvement were lack of technical skills, cognitive impairment, and advanced patient age, with health-related impairments (eg, hearing or vision loss) less frequent. Technological tasks that caregivers most frequently assisted with were holding, angling, moving, repositioning, or operating the camera (136/250, 54.4%) and enabling and operating the microphone and setting the volume (126/248, 50.8%). Clinical tasks that caregivers most frequently assisted with were providing patient history (143/239, 59.8%) and assisting with patient communication (124/240, 51.7%). The top facilitator of caregiver participation was clinician-delivered caregiver education about what to expect from video telehealth (152/275, 55.3%), whereas the top barrier was poor connectivity (80/235, 34%). Increased access to video telehealth (212/235, 90.2%) was the top-rated benefit of caregiver participation. Most respondents (164/232, 70.7%) indicated that caregivers were at least sometimes unavailable or unable to assist with video telehealth, in which case the appointment often shifted to phone. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers routinely assist VHA patients with in-home OT video visits, which is invaluable to patients who are older and have complex medical needs. Barriers to caregiver involvement include caregivers' challenges with video telehealth or inability to assist, or lack of available caregivers. By elucidating the caregiver support role in video visits, this study provides clinicians with strategies to effectively partner with caregivers to enhance older patients' access to video visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Elizabeth Gately
- VA Bedford Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, United States
- Boston University School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dylan E Waller
- VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), Portland, OR, United States
| | - Emily E Metcalf
- VA Portland Health Care System, Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), Portland, OR, United States
- Oregon Medical Research Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Lauren R Moo
- VA Bedford Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Bedford, MA, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Boston, MA, United States
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25
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Choi J, Kim G, Choi S, Chang JE. A Year After Implementation of the Telehealth Waiver: Being Offered and Utilizing Video-Specific Telehealth Among Dual-Eligible Medicare Recipients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2024; 30:255-266. [PMID: 37938810 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telehealth is an essential tool to provide access to care while reducing infection exposure for high-risk populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to examine factors associated with telehealth availability and usage among Medicare and dual-eligible recipients 1 year after implementation of the Medicare's temporary telehealth waiver. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANT A cross-sectional, phone survey with a national representative sample of Medicare recipients. We obtained a final study sample from the Winter 2021 COVID-19 Supplement of Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey dataset (N = 10 586). We examined associations for being offered and having had telehealth visits or any video telehealth visits during the pandemic since November 1, 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Our primary outcomes were being offered any telehealth, being offered any video telehealth, having had any telehealth visit, and having had any video telehealth. RESULTS Although dual eligibility was not significantly associated with being offered or having had any telehealth services during the pandemic, those who were dual eligible were more likely to have had video telehealth visits (adjusted odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.86, P = .03) compared with those with non-dual eligibility. Recipients with disability eligibility, technology access, and severe chronic conditions were more likely to have been offered or have had telehealth. At the same time, those who lived in the nonmetropolitan area were less likely to have been offered or have had telehealth, including video telehealth. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the federal waivers to expand telehealth services were successful in continuing care for vulnerable Medicare recipients. The providers' specific outreach and intervention efforts to offer telehealth visits are crucial for dual-eligible recipients. To increase video telehealth uptake, technology access and services to rural areas should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Choi
- Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences (Ms J. Choi) and Public Health Policy and Management (Dr Chang), School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University, New York, New York (Dr Kim); and Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York (Dr S. Choi)
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26
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Slater-Robins C. Perspectives: Reflections on the use of video consultations. J Res Nurs 2024; 29:181-185. [PMID: 39070567 PMCID: PMC11271670 DOI: 10.1177/17449871231177675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Slater-Robins
- Doctorate Student, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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27
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Wu X, Freeman S, Miyagi M, Park U, Nomura K, Ebihara S. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in the era of telemedicine. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:67-73. [PMID: 37846612 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14705] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The aging global population poses significant medical and social challenges, necessitating efforts to promote healthy aging. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional diagnostic approach for older adults that aims to improve overall health. Remote CGA, facilitated by technological advancements, offers convenience and other potential advantages. It enables early disease detection, monitors chronic disease progression, delivers personalized care, and optimizes healthcare resources for better health outcomes in older individuals. However, remote CGA also has limitations, including technological requirements, data security, and the need for comprehensive evaluation and simplicity. Collaborative efforts are essential to developing a digital home-based CGA platform that addresses accessibility issues and tailors the assessment process to meet the needs of older adults. Continuous optimization of remote CGA can become a pivotal tool for advancing geriatric care and ensuring the well-being of the aging population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 67-73.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinze Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shannon Freeman
- School of Nursing, University of North British Columbia, Prince George, Canada
- Center for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North, Prince George, Canada
| | - Midori Miyagi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Uijin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Ebihara
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Hedden L, Spencer S, Mathews M, Gard Marshall E, Lukewich J, Asghari S, Gill P, McCracken RK, Vaughan C, Wong E, Buote R, Meredith L, Moritz L, Ryan D, Schacter G. "Technology has allowed us to do a lot more but it's not necessarily the panacea for everybody": Family physician perspectives on virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296768. [PMID: 38422067 PMCID: PMC10903916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian primary care practices rapidly adapted to provide care virtually. Most family physicians lacked prior training or expertise with virtual care. In the absence of formal guidance, they made individual decisions about in-person versus remote care based on clinical judgement, their longitudinal relationships with patients, and personal risk assessments. Our objective was to explore Canadian family physicians' perspectives on the strengths and limitations of virtual care implementation for their patient populations during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for the integration of virtual care into broader primary care practice. METHODS We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with family physicians working in four Canadian jurisdictions (Vancouver Coastal health region, British Columbia; Southwestern Ontario; the province of Nova Scotia; and Eastern Health region, Newfoundland and Labrador). We analyzed interview data using a structured applied thematic approach. RESULTS We interviewed 68 family physicians and identified four distinct themes during our analysis related to experiences with and perspectives on virtual care: (1) changes in access to primary care; (2) quality and efficacy of care provided virtually; (3) patient and provider comfort with virtual modalities; and (4) necessary supports for virtual care moving forward. CONCLUSIONS The move to virtual care enhanced access to care for select patients and was helpful for family physicians to better manage their panels. However, virtual care also created access challenges for some patients (e.g., people who are underhoused or living in areas without good phone or internet access) and for some types of care (e.g., care that required access to medical devices). Family physicians are optimistic about the ongoing integration of virtual care into broader primary care delivery, but guidance, regulations, and infrastructure investments are needed to ensure equitable access and to maximize quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Hedden
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Spencer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria Mathews
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Gard Marshall
- Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julia Lukewich
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Shabnam Asghari
- Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Paul Gill
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rita K. McCracken
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Crystal Vaughan
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Eric Wong
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Buote
- Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Leslie Meredith
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Moritz
- Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Dana Ryan
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Gordon Schacter
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Patel R, Huang J, Hsueh L, Gopalan A, Millman A, Franklin I, Reed M. Telemedicine's Impact on Diabetes Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cohort Study in a Large Integrated Healthcare System. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.25.24303335. [PMID: 38464156 PMCID: PMC10925369 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.25.24303335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Introduction To examine if patients exposed to primary care telemedicine (telephone or video) early in the COVID-19 pandemic had higher rates of downstream HbA1c measurement and improved HbA1c levels in the second year of the pandemic. Research Design and Methods In a cohort of 242, 848 Kaiser Permanente Northern California patients with diabetes, we examined associations between early-pandemic patient-initiated telemedicine visit and downstream HbA1c monitoring and results during the second year of the pandemic. Results Adjusted HbA1c measurement rates were significantly higher among patients with telemedicine exposure in the early-pandemic prior year than those with no visits in the prior year (91.0% testing for patients with video visits, 90.5% for telephone visits, visits, 86.7% for no visits, p < 0.05). Among those with HbA1c measured, the rates of having an HbA1c < 8% in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic were also statistically significantly higher among patients with telemedicine exposure in the early-pandemic prior year than those with no visits in the prior year (68.5% with HbA1c< 8% for video visits, 67.3% for telephone visits, 66.6% for no visits, p < 0.05). Conclusions Access to telephone and video telemedicine throughout the early COVID-19 pandemic was associated with patients' continued engagement in recommended diabetes care. Although our study analyzed telemedicine use during a pandemic, telemedicine visits may continue to support ongoing health care access and positive clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reysha Patel
- University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA
| | - Jie Huang
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary Reed
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA
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Smith AH, Touchett H, Chen P, Fletcher T, Arney J, Hogan J, Wassef M, Cloitre M, Lindsay JA. Patient Satisfaction With a Coach-Guided, Technology-Based Mental Health Treatment: Qualitative Interview Study and Theme Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e50977. [PMID: 38306167 PMCID: PMC10873794 DOI: 10.2196/50977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technology-based mental health interventions address barriers rural veterans face in accessing care, including provider scarcity and distance from the hospital or clinic. webSTAIR is a 10-module, web-based treatment based on Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation, designed to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in individuals exposed to trauma. Previous work has demonstrated that webSTAIR is acceptable to participants and effective at reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression when delivered synchronously or asynchronously (over 5 or 10 sessions). OBJECTIVE This study explored factors that lead to greater patient satisfaction with webSTAIR, a web-based, coach-guided intervention. METHODS We analyzed qualitative interview data to identify themes related to patient satisfaction with webSTAIR delivered with synchronous video-based coaching. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data: (1) coaching provides accountability and support, (2) self-pacing offers value that meets individual needs, (3) participants like the comfort and convenience of the web-based format, and (4) technical issues were common but not insurmountable. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that participants valued the accountability, flexibility, and convenience of tech-based interventions with video-delivered coaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Helm Smith
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hilary Touchett
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Patricia Chen
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Terri Fletcher
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Arney
- Department of Sociology, College of Human Sciences and Humanities, University of Houston Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Julianna Hogan
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Miryam Wassef
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Dissemination and Training Division, Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Jan A Lindsay
- Houston Veteran Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E DeBakey Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, Houston, TX, United States
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Sweeney KD, Donaghy E, Henderson D, Huang H, Wang HH, Thompson A, Guthrie B, Mercer SW. Patients' experiences of GP consultations following the introduction of the new GP contract in Scotland: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e63-e70. [PMID: 38253549 PMCID: PMC10824335 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0239] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The new Scottish GP contract commenced in April 2018 with a stated aim of mitigating health inequalities. AIM To determine the health characteristics and experiences of patients consulting GPs in deprived urban (DU), affluent urban (AU), and remote and rural (RR) areas of Scotland. DESIGN AND SETTING In 2022, a postal survey of a random sample of adult patients from 12 practices who had consulted a GP within the previous 30 days was undertaken. METHOD Patient characteristics and consultation experiences in the three areas (DU, AU, RR) were evaluated using validated measures including the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure and Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI). RESULTS In total, 1053 responses were received. In DU areas, multimorbidity was more common (78% versus 58% AU versus 68% RR, P<0.01), complex presentations (where the consultation addressed both psychosocial and physical problems) were more likely (16% versus 10% AU versus 11% RR, P<0.05), and more consultations were conducted by telephone (42% versus 31% AU versus 31% RR, P<0.01). Patients in DU areas reported lower satisfaction (82% DU completely, very, or fairly satisfied versus 90% AU versus 86% RR, P<0.01), lower perceived GP empathy (mean CARE score 38.9 versus 42.1 AU versus 40.1 RR, P<0.05), lower enablement (mean PEI score 2.6 versus 3.2 AU versus 2.8 RR, P<0.01), and less symptom improvement (P<0.01) than those in AU or RR areas. Face-to-face consultations were associated with significantly higher satisfaction, enablement, and perceived GP empathy than telephone consultations in RR areas (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION Four years after the start of the new GP contract in Scotland, patients' experiences of GP consultations suggest that the inverse care law persists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran D Sweeney
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Eddie Donaghy
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Henderson
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Huayi Huang
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harry Hx Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andrew Thompson
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stewart W Mercer
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Roslan N, Yusof N, Md Bohari NF, Md Sabri BA, Mohd Radzi NA, Bakri NN, Mohd Yani AA. Virtual counselling of tobacco cessation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study on the experiences and perceptions of Malaysian dental undergraduates and their patients. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2024; 28:28-40. [PMID: 37132218 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION When dental institutions had to close down during the Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dental students were faced with delays in completing their tobacco cessation schedule. An alternative was to allow students to conduct virtual counselling (VC) for smoking cessation for their patients to address their clinical requirements. This study aimed to explore Malaysian dental undergraduates' and patients' experiences undergoing smoking cessation counselling through virtual platforms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study consisted of qualitative, semi-structured Focus Group Discussions (for students, n = 23) and in-depth interviews (for patients, n = 9); to phenomenologically describe the perceptions of participants involved in the VC. Each session was recorded with the participants' permission. The recorded session was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using the qualitative data analysis software, NVivo™. RESULTS The major themes that emerged were: (1) General opinions and experiences, (2) Content of VCs, (3) Remote access to counselling, (4) Patient-clinician relationships, (5) Technical issues, (6) Changes after VCs, and (7) Future application. Most students and patients were quite comfortable with VC as it is convenient, allowing students to be creative and avoid the hassle of transport and traffic. However, some of the students felt that it lacked the personal touch and guidance from lecturers who would normally be present during physical class. CONCLUSION Virtual counselling enables remote access to counselling, but it is also subjected to some limitations, especially regarding lack of clinical assessments, human touch and internet issues. Though participants were optimistic about adapting it in the future, multiple factors must be considered. Ultimately, the behavioural change will depend on the patient's motivation in making a difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurliyana Roslan
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norashikin Yusof
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Faezah Md Bohari
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Budi Aslinie Md Sabri
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nawwal Alwani Mohd Radzi
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Nazahiah Bakri
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Oral Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Azri Aliah Mohd Yani
- Centre of Population Oral Health & Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
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Zanaboni P, Bergmo TS, Kristiansen E. Patients' experiences with receiving sick leave certificates via remote consultations in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide online survey. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075352. [PMID: 38272547 PMCID: PMC10824015 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075352] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore patients' experiences with receiving sick leave certificates via remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate whether there were differences among the types of remote consultation (telephone, video or text). DESIGN A nationwide online patient survey consisting of quantitative data supplemented by qualitative opinions conducted in Norway. SETTING Primary care. PARTICIPANTS Patients who received a sick leave certificate via remote consultation in the period from 16 November to 15 December 2020. RESULTS Of the 5429 respondents, 3233 (59.6%) received a sick leave certificate via telephone consultation, 657 (12.1%) via video consultation and 1539 (28.3%) via text-based e-consultation. Most respondents (76.8%) were satisfied. Only 10% of the respondents thought that the doctor would have obtained more information through an office appointment. The majority of the respondents (59.6%) found that they had as much time to explain the problem as at an office appointment. Some patients also thought that it was easier to formulate the problem via a remote consultation (18.2%) and agree with the doctor on the sick leave (10.3%).The users of text-based e-consultations were the most satisfied (79.3%, p<0.001) compared with those using telephone or video consultations. Among users of text-based e-consultations, there was a higher proportion of patients who thought that they had more time to explain the problem compared with an office appointment (p<0.001), it was easier to explain the problem (p<0.001) and agree with the doctor (p<0.001). Most respondents would use the same type of remote consultation if they were to contact the general practitioner (GP) for the same problem, with the highest proportion among the users of video consultations (62.1%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients were satisfied with communicating and receiving sick leave certificates via remote consultations. Future studies should investigate patients' and GPs' use and experiences in a postpandemic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Zanaboni
- University Hospital of North Norway, Tromso, Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
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Chen D, Gonzales E, Winget M, Shaw J, Artandi M, Tsai SA, Nelligan I. Evaluation of video visit appropriateness for common symptoms seen in primary care: A retrospective cohort study. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X231224094. [PMID: 38254267 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231224094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about which conditions seen in primary care are appropriate for video visits. This study evaluated video visits compared to office visits for six conditions: abdominal pain, joint pain, back pain, headache, chest pain, and dizziness. METHODS Six hundred charts of adult patients from our institution's same-day outpatient clinic were reviewed in this study. Charts for video visits evaluating the aforementioned chief complaints that occurred between August and October 2020 were reviewed and compared with charts for office visits that occurred from August to September 2019. Frequencies of 3-week follow-up visits, Emergency Room visits, imaging, and referrals for office and video visits were measured. Reasons for in-person evaluation for patients seen by video were determined by review of clinician notes. RESULTS Three-week in-person follow-up was more frequent for patients presenting with chest pain (52% vs 18%, p = 0.0007) and joint pain (24% vs 8%, p = 0.05) after video evaluation, relative to an office evaluation. Three-week in-person follow-up was also more frequent for patients presenting with dizziness (38% vs 28%) and low back pain (24% vs 14%); however, this difference was not statistically significant. Patients presenting with headache and abdominal pain did not have a higher rate of follow-up. DISCUSSION Based on the frequency of in-person follow-up, this study suggests that video visits are generally adequate for evaluating headache and abdominal pain. Patients with dizziness and chest pain have the highest frequency of in-person and Emergency Room follow-up within 3 weeks when first seen by video compared to other conditions evaluated and may be less suitable for an initial video visit. Institutions can consider these findings when scheduling and providing guidance to patients on what type of visit is most appropriate for their symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Chen
- Department of Medicine, Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Elyse Gonzales
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marcy Winget
- Department of Medicine, Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Maja Artandi
- Department of Medicine, Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sandra A Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ian Nelligan
- Department of Primary Care, San Francisco Free Clinic, San Francisco, California, USA
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Chen X, Duan R, Shen Y, Jiang H. Design and evaluation of an intelligent physical examination system in improving the satisfaction of patients with chronic disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23906. [PMID: 38192845 PMCID: PMC10772725 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23906] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Enhancing patient satisfaction remains crucial for healthcare quality. The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Internet of Health Things (loHT) can streamline the medical examination process. Most Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) examinations are non-invasive and contribute significantly to patient satisfaction. Our aim was to establish an intelligent physical examination system that amalgamates TCM and Western medicine and to conduct a preliminary investigation into its effectiveness in enhancing the satisfaction of patients with chronic diseases. Materials and methods Experts from clinical departments, the equipment department, and the software development department were invited to participate in group discussions to determine the design principles and organizational structure of the intelligent physical examination system. This system integrates TCM and Western medicine. We compared the satisfaction levels of patients examined using the intelligent physical examination system with those examined using the traditional medical examination system. Results An intelligent physical examination system, combining TCM and Western medicine, was developed. A total of 106 patients were finally enrolled (intelligent group vs. control group) to evaluate satisfaction. There were no statistically significant differences between the intelligent group and the control group in age, gender, education, or income level. We identified significant differences in five aspects of satisfaction: 1) the physical examination environment; 2) the attitude and responsiveness of doctors; 3) the attitude and responsiveness of nurses; 4) the effectiveness of obtaining results; and 5) the information regarding physical examination and medical advice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, these differences remained statistically significant even after adjusting for age, gender, education, and income level. Conclusions The intelligent physical examination system effectively capitalized on the advantages of combining AI with the integration of TCM and Western medicine, substantially optimizing the medical examination process. In comparison to the traditional physical examination system, the intelligent system significantly enhanced patient satisfaction. Future improvements could involve integrating chronic disease follow-up technology into the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of General Practice, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruxin Duan
- Beijing CapitalBio Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Shen
- Department of General Practice, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of General Practice, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Abdelghany IK, AlMatar R, Al-Haqan A, Abdullah I, Waheedi S. Exploring healthcare providers' perspectives on virtual care delivery: insights into telemedicine services. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1. [PMID: 38169381 PMCID: PMC10763041 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10244-w] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid advancement of technology has led to a concurrent advancement of telemedicine, that is the delivery of medical services over a long distance using technological methods. The consistently growing numbers of COVID-19 cases warranted the use of telemedicine as an alternative method of care-delivery. This study aims to evaluate perceptions of healthcare services provided virtually among healthcare providers (HCPs) in Kuwait and to assess their acceptance and intention to implement such services. METHODS An exploratory mixed methods design was conducted, where in phase one HCPs' perceptions towards telemedicine were explored through an online questionnaire and the quantitative data were summarized by descriptive analysis using SPSS. Scores for usefulness and for attitude toward the use of telemedicine were calculated. Then semi-structured interviews were conducted in phase two and the qualitative data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS In phase one, 421 HCPs answered the questionnaire. In terms of telemedicine knowledge, 15.4% of HCPs had previously used telemedicine technology and 39% already knew about it. Additionally, 42.3% preferred to use telemedicine, and 88.5% had a moderate to high usefulness score. Telemedicine's ease of use was perceived positively. Attitude median score was 73 with an IQR of 16 (63-79). Half of the participants intend to use telemedicine. In phase two, twenty-two interviews were conducted resulting in six themes; HCPs' acceptance of telemedicine, facilitators and motives for telemedicine implementation, skills and training required to conduct telemedicine, barriers limiting the use of telemedicine, strategies to overcome the barriers, and benefits of telemedicine. CONCLUSION Most of the HCPs favor telemedicine integration into Kuwait's healthcare system as their perceptions of telemedicine were overall positive, paving the way to develop implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa K Abdelghany
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Ranim AlMatar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Asmaa Al-Haqan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Israa Abdullah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Salah Waheedi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait.
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Antonio S, Joseph D, Parsons J, Atherton H. Experiences of remote consultation in UK primary care for patients with mental health conditions: A systematic review. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241233969. [PMID: 38465292 PMCID: PMC10924560 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241233969] [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] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives There has been a rapid shift from face-to-face to remote consultation across healthcare settings. 90% of patients with mental health conditions are cared for entirely in primary care. Remote consultation can present challenges and benefits for patients with mental health conditions. The aim of this systematic review was to collate and examine the evidence relating to remote consultation in UK primary care on the experiences of patients with mental health conditions. Methods Six major databases were searched for empirical studies published in the English language between 1 January 2010 and 21 October 2022. Studies were included where remote consultation occurred between a patient and primary care clinician. Outcomes of interest include mode of remote consultation, patient experiences and characteristics. Final included studies were assessed for quality, and results analysed with narrative synthesis. Results Six studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a range of mental health conditions and remote consultation modalities (telephone, video, online, email, text-based). Patients were overall satisfied with remote consultation, with particular benefit for certain mental health conditions or anxious patients. However, several studies found that face-to-face was the preferred method, with highlighted negatives to remote consultation, such as inflexibility of online formats. Acceptability of remote consultation is context specific and influenced by the purpose of the consultation and individual patient. Remote consultation may reduce anxiety in some patients, but is potentially less acceptable than face-to-face for relational appointments. Conclusions Acceptability of remote consultation is context dependent. There is a lack of evidence surrounding patient characteristics and access to remote consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Antonio
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - David Joseph
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Joanne Parsons
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Helen Atherton
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Poh JXY, Chan KH, Tan SSL, Xu T. Occupational therapists' perceptions of the feasibility of using tele-assessment for remote prescription of assistive devices in Singapore: A qualitative study. Work 2024; 77:1153-1163. [PMID: 38007633 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230168] [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: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational therapists (OT) assess and prescribe assistive devices to older adults with limitations in performing daily living activities. Timely prescription of assistive devices to accommodate the rising demand has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-assessment allows for continuity of care, but its success depends on therapists' acceptance. OBJECTIVE This study examined OTs' perceptions of the feasibility of conducting tele-assessment and developing a clinical practice guideline for remote prescription of assistive devices for older adults in Singapore. METHODS Eligible OTs were recruited from purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a virtual platform (Zoom). Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis using a line-by-line coding method was used to identify common trends. RESULTS Interviews with 10 participants revealed three main themes: (1) therapists' perceptions of the feasibility of tele-assessment, (2) criteria for safe and appropriate prescription of assistive devices via tele-assessment, and (3) practical considerations for the implementation of tele-assessment. Participants felt that tele-assessment increases efficiency with more older adults being more receptive towards technology. They also raised suggestions to address OTs' concerns regarding the safety and accuracy prescription of assistive devices following tele-assessment. This included establishing the client's suitability for assistive device prescription, characteristics of assistive devices, resources required, and considering the preferences of stakeholders involved. CONCLUSION Tele-assessment for assistive device prescription by OTs appears feasible in Singapore. OTs should consider collaborating with other stakeholders to develop a tele-assessment clinical practice guideline for assistive device prescription. Further studies testing its clinical effectiveness during and/or post-pandemic are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Xiu Yi Poh
- Rehabilitation Department, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kuang Hong Chan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Samantha Si Li Tan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tianma Xu
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
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Särchen F, Springborn S, Mortsiefer A, Ehlers J. Digital learning about patients: An online survey of German medical students investigating learning strategies for family medical video consultations. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241230070. [PMID: 38323240 PMCID: PMC10846016 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241230070] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Training in video consultations is seldom included in the curriculum for future physicians. Exploration of preferred teaching methods and learning objectives in this context among medical students remains limited. This study addresses this research gap by conducting a survey among medical students in Germany to assess their educational requirements concerning video consultations and patient-centred distance learning. Methods This quantitative study employed an online questionnaire designed for German medical students, following the guidelines of the International Association for Health Professions Education. The study primarily focused on discerning the didactic preferences related to patient-centred digital teaching regarding family medical video consultations. We provided a detailed explanation of a concrete learning concept, a family medical synchronous distance learning seminar. Subsequently, we surveyed students to gauge their needs, expectations, and evaluations of this concept. The collected data were subjected to descriptive analysis. Results The analysis revealed that students aspire to offer video consulting services to their patients in the future (sample size (n) = 369, median (med) = 68 of 101 Likert scale points, interquartile range (IQR) = 53.75), despite having limited knowledge in this area (n = 353, med = 21, IQR = 33.25). To acquire expertise in telehealth, students favor blended learning models (n = 331, med = 76, IQR = 50). They also recognize the benefits of distance learning, particularly for students with family responsibilities or those who must travel long distances to their learning institutions,. The presented distance seminar concept resonated with them (n = 278, med = 72.5, IQR = 50.5), surpassing five other digital learning models in preference. Furthermore, they expressed a desire for its continued implementation beyond the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (n = 188, med = 77.5, IQR = 44.75). Conclusions The deficiency in medical school education regarding video consultations requires attention. This issue could be resolved by integrating one of the five distance learning concepts outlined in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Särchen
- Didactics and Education Research in the Health Sector, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | | | - Achim Mortsiefer
- General Practice II and Patient-Centeredness in Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Jan Ehlers
- Didactics and Education Research in the Health Sector, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Lubomski J, Malchrzak W, Babicki M, Kłoda K, Suwała S, Mastalerz-Migas A. Teleconsultation as a Modern Form of Health Care Service in the Case of Poland: Assessment of Its Potential Use from the Perspective of Health Care Providers and Patients. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:234-241. [PMID: 37406293 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0204] [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: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has facilitated access to health care services through telemedicine in Poland, where it has not been a common approach so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate telemedicine as a form of health care provision in the Polish health care system. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 2,318 patients and health care workers. Questions included telemedical services usage, attitude toward telemedical consultations, who should decide about the nature of the consultation, advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine, the possibility of teleconsultations remaining available after the pandemic, and the subjective perception of overuse of remote consultations by doctors. Results: In general, respondents approved of teleconsultations (3.62 on 1-5 scale) but specific clinical situations gained higher and lower scores-among the highest ranking were prescription renewal (4.68), interpretation of examination results (4.15), and treatment continuation/follow-up (3.81). Among least ranking were consulting children 2-6 years old (1.93) and children younger than 2 years old (1.55) as well as consulting acute symptoms (1.47). Health care workers rated their general attitude significantly higher than nonhealth care workers toward telemedicine consults (3.91 vs. 3.34, p < 0.001) and toward 12 out of 13 specific clinical situations and settings (p < 0.001). The only exception was "consulting acute symptoms," which received exactly the same rating within both groups (1.47, p = 0.99). Most respondents agreed that teleconsultations should remain an option for contacting a physician regardless of the epidemic situation. Each group declared that they should be the one to decide about the consultation form. Conclusions: Results of this study could help optimize and facilitate telemedical consultation usage after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lubomski
- Ma-na-ma Huisartsgeneeskunde, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wojciech Malchrzak
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Szymon Suwała
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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So NTY, Ngan OMY. In-patient suicide after telephone delivery of bad news to a suspected COVID-19 patient: What could be done to improve communication quality? HEALTH CARE SCIENCE 2023; 2:400-405. [PMID: 38938627 PMCID: PMC11080700 DOI: 10.1002/hcs2.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia Miu Yung Ngan
- Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, School of Clinical MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Centre for Medical Ethics and LawThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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Tan MS, Kang GCY, Fong RJK, Cheong NK, Shi H, Tan NC. Patients' perspectives on video consultation for non-communicable diseases: a qualitative study in Singapore. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0103. [PMID: 37591556 PMCID: PMC11176708 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0103] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of telemedicine in primary care services. Understanding patients' perspectives on telemedicine is pivotal for its wider adoption in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the community. AIM To explore the views and concerns of patients who have yet to use video consultation (VC) for NCD management in Singapore. DESIGN & SETTING This qualitative study was conducted in a primary care clinic in Singapore. METHOD In total, 16 patients participated in individual in-depth interviews. The participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia without prior VC experience. They were purposively enrolled in the polyclinic. Audited transcripts were independently coded by two investigators. Thematic analysis was performed to identify perspectives on telemedicine based on the health, information, and technology zones of the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model. RESULTS The following three themes emerged: perceived benefits of VC utility; perceived barriers of VC adoption; and potential challenges of VC. Participants viewed VC as safe and convenient if they had stable NCD. They voiced concerns on possible suboptimal care owing to the absence of physical examination, network connectivity, and personal medical data security. Participants highlighted challenges of VC uptake such as digital health familiarity, availability of their own mobile and telemonitoring devices, and healthcare costs consideration. CONCLUSION Addressing the concerns and challenges highlighted by non-VC users can help physicians and policymakers explore ways to scale up telemedicine in Singapore. A hybrid clinical care model comprising in-person visits and VC may be the way forward for NCD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mui Suan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore
| | - Gary Chun-Yun Kang
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore
| | | | - Nian Kai Cheong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Haixiao Shi
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
- SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore
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Cho LD, Rabinowitz G, Goytia C, Andreadis K, Huang HH, Benda NC, Lin JJ, Horowitz C, Kaushal R, Ancker JS, Poeran J. Development of a novel instrument to characterize telemedicine programs in primary care. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1274. [PMID: 37978511 PMCID: PMC10657014 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10130-5] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the rapid deployment of telemedicine at the onset of the COVID - 19 pandemic, updated assessment methods are needed to study and characterize telemedicine programs. We developed a novel semi - structured survey instrument to systematically describe the characteristics and implementation processes of telemedicine programs in primary care. METHODS In the context of a larger study aiming to describe telemedicine programs in primary care, a survey was developed in 3 iterative steps: 1) literature review to obtain a list of telemedicine features, facilitators, and barriers; 2) application of three evaluation frameworks; and 3) stakeholder engagement through a 2-stage feedback process. During survey refinement, items were tested against the evaluation frameworks while ensuring it could be completed within 20-25 min. Data reduction techniques were applied to explore opportunity for condensed variables/items. RESULTS Sixty initially identified telemedicine features were reduced to 32 items / questions after stakeholder feedback. Per the life cycle framework, respondents are asked to report a month in which their telemedicine program reached a steady state, i.e., "maturation". Subsequent questions on telemedicine features are then stratified by telemedicine services offered at the pandemic onset and the reported point of maturation. Several open - ended questions allow for additional telemedicine experiences to be captured. Data reduction techniques revealed no indication for data reduction. CONCLUSION This 32-item semi-structured survey standardizes the description of primary care telemedicine programs in terms of features as well as maturation process. This tool will facilitate evaluation of and comparisons between telemedicine programs across the United States, particularly those that were deployed at the pandemic onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan D Cho
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Grace Rabinowitz
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Crispin Goytia
- Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Katerina Andreadis
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 E. 67Th Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Hsin-Hui Huang
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Natalie C Benda
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 E. 67Th Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jenny J Lin
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 17 E. 102nd Street Box 1087, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Carol Horowitz
- Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Rainu Kaushal
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 E. 67Th Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jessica S Ancker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave., Rm 14122, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jashvant Poeran
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Science, Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue Box 1077, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Stummer FO, Voggenberger L, Gomez Pellin MDLC, van Poel E, Willems S, Hoffmann K. Insights into the use of telemedicine in primary care in times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - a cross-sectional analysis based on the international PRICOV-19 study in Austria. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:218. [PMID: 37875808 PMCID: PMC10598885 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV2 pandemic as well as the implementation of public health measures to decrease the spread of the virus re-sparked the call for "virtual" health or "distance" treatments. This paper aimed to assess the use of video consultations, the up-to-dateness of practice websites, and the views of GPs on whether eHealth is a positive aspect for the future of their practices in publicly -funded primary healthcare facilities in Austria. METHODS The cross-sectional online questionnaire, part of the PRICOV-19 study, was conducted from December 2020 until July 2021. We randomly recruited 176 GP practices across Austria. Descriptive statistics as well as binary logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between telemedicine use and practice factors. RESULTS Compared with before the pandemic (3.8%), 7.6% of publicly funded GP practices have been using video consultations since the pandemic. In line with this, 93.9% of the practices had no increase in video consultation use. Fewer than half (44.3%) had an up-to-date webpage, and 27.8% assumed that the pandemic might have been a positive driver for eHealth in their practices. Positive associations with video consultation use could be found in practices with fewer patients aged 70 years and over than the average and more patients with chronic diseases than the average. CONCLUSION The use of video consultations in general practice and the readiness for other telemedicine approaches are both very low in Austria. Austria has to urgently follow the example of countries with a transparent and comprehensive national digital health strategy that includes video consultation. Without a proper payment system, patient inclusion, and support with regard to administrative and organizational aspects, no substantial change will occur in spite of an increase in need due to the pandemic and changes in the patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Odilo Stummer
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Voggenberger
- Institute for General Medicine, Johannes-Kepler-University, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Esther van Poel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Willems
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kathryn Hoffmann
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Meier JV, Noel JA, Kaspar K. Understanding psychology students' perspective on video psychotherapy and their intention to offer it after graduation: a mixed-methods study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1234167. [PMID: 37928577 PMCID: PMC10620503 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1234167] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Video psychotherapy (VPT) demonstrated strong clinical efficacy in the past, with patients and psychotherapists expressing satisfaction with its outcomes. Despite this, VPT only gained full recognition from the German healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. As society increasingly relies on new media, it seems likely that VPT will become even more relevant. Previous studies surveyed practicing psychotherapists and patients about advantages and disadvantages of VPT. In contrast, our approach targets a younger generation, specifically psychology students intending to become licensed practitioners after graduation. Methods Our mixed-methods study was conducted in an online survey format and had two main objectives. Firstly, we investigated which person-related variables are associated with psychology students' behavioral intention to offer VPT after graduation, using a multiple regression analysis. Secondly, we explored psychology students' perception of advantages and disadvantages of VPT and identified their desired learning opportunities regarding VPT in their study program, using qualitative content analysis. Results A sample of 255 psychology students participated. The multiple regression model explains 73% of inter-individual variance in the intention to offer VPT, with attitudes toward VPT showing the strongest relationship with intention to offer VPT. Expected usefulness, satisfaction with video conferencing, and subjective norm also showed significant relations. The students provided 2,314 statements about advantages, disadvantages, and desired learning opportunities, which we coded by means of three category systems. In terms of advantages, the most frequently mentioned categories were low inhibition threshold, flexibility in terms of location, and no need to travel. For disadvantages, the predominant categories included lack of closeness between patient and psychotherapist, lack of nonverbal cues, and problems with technology or internet connection. Regarding desired learning opportunities, training for technical skills, practical application through role-playing and self-experience, and general information about VPT were the most mentioned categories. In addition, we identified numerous other aspects related to these topics, reflecting a differentiated and balanced assessment of VPT. Discussion We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings for training the next generation of psychotherapists and outline a specific five-step plan for integrating VPT into study programs.
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Muli I, Hvitfeldt H, Cajander Å, Jäderlund Hagstedt L, Davoody N, Taloyan M, Hägglund M. To connect or not connect: long-term adoption of video consultations, and reasons for discontinuing use. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231203267. [PMID: 37787186 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231203267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigates factors related to long-term and short-term adoption of video consultations (VCs) and reasons for discontinuing use among primary care patients. METHODS A sample of primary care patients using VCs with healthcare providers were invited to take a survey in a cross-sectional study. Participants were asked about their intention to continue to have video consultations in the future, and those indicating no intention to use VCs in the future (short-term adopters) were asked about their reasons for this. Prevalence and statistical differences between long-term and short-term adopters were investigated. RESULTS There were several statistically significant differences between long-term and short-term adopters (76% vs. 24%). Long-term adopters consisted of more middle-aged individuals (35-54 years) and the majority worked full-time (56%). They had more positive opinions of VCs and used VCs and video meetings for other purposes to a larger extent. They chose VCs because of the lack of time to go to the healthcare centre and because their provider offered them. The most common reason for discontinuing use was a preference for face-to-face consultations, with the youngest age group (16-34 years) reporting this to a larger extent. DISCUSSION Younger and older age groups may be less likely to continue the use of VCs, potentially preserving the digital divide. Additionally, disparities in using similar technologies might contribute to the digital divide. Moreover, convenience, positive opinions of VCs, and experience with VCs were related to long-term adoption. Further studies are needed to explore non-use, age's influence, and address usability issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Muli
- Participatory eHealth and Health Data Research Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Hvitfeldt
- Participatory eHealth and Health Data Research Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åsa Cajander
- Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Jäderlund Hagstedt
- Health Informatics Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nadia Davoody
- Health Informatics Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marina Taloyan
- Academic Primary Healthcare Centre, Region Stockholm, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Hägglund
- Participatory eHealth and Health Data Research Group, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Biomedical Engineeering & Physics, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Lüchau EC, Atherton H, Olesen F, Søndergaard J, Assing Hvidt E. Interpreting technology: Use and non-use of doctor-patient video consultations in Danish general practice. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116215. [PMID: 37690154 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116215] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This study uses socio-cognitive theory on technological frames to understand how and why general practitioners in Denmark use or choose not to use video consultations. Video consultations play a vital role in the digitalisation of the Danish healthcare system. Whilst political decision-makers continuously push for increased use of video consultations, uptake accounts for less than 2% of all consultations. Research is needed that explores the actual circumstances and conditions of video consultation use. Our data corpus consists of 30 semi-structured interviews conducted from August 2021 to August 2022 with 27 Danish general practitioners. Interviews were analysed following reflexive thematic analysis. Our findings show that video consultations are interpreted as 1) compromising occupational values, 2) a crisis tool, 3) the future, and 4) a tool to improve work conditions. Video consultations are differently adopted across clinics due to different interpretations of the technology and its relative advantage in specific clinical contexts. We argue that the concept of technological frames offers a useful analytic perspective for elucidating and anticipating attitudes and actions towards a technology. It increases our understanding of the uptake and rejection of video consultations. This knowledge is valuable for clinicians and politicians working with technological innovation in general practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elle Christine Lüchau
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark; Warwick Medical School, Unit of Academic Primary Care, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
| | - Helen Atherton
- Warwick Medical School, Unit of Academic Primary Care, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
| | - Finn Olesen
- School of Communication and Culture, Department of Digital Design and Information Studies, Aarhus University, Helsingforsgade 14, 8200, Århus N, Denmark.
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Elisabeth Assing Hvidt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
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Hohenschurz-Schmidt D, Scott W, Park C, Christopoulos G, Vogel S, Draper-Rodi J. [Remote management of musculoskeletal pain : A pragmatic approach to the implementation of video and phone consultations in musculoskeletal practice. German version]. Schmerz 2023; 37:360-371. [PMID: 35834004 PMCID: PMC9281242 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-022-00659-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Remote consultations through phone or video are gaining in importance for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain across a range of health care providers. However, there is a plethora of technical options for practitioners to choose from, and there are various challenges in the adaptation of clinical processes as well as several special considerations regarding regulatory context and patient management. Practitioners are faced with a lack of high-quality peer-reviewed resources to guide the planning and practical implementation of remote consultations. OBJECTIVES This Clinical Update seeks to provide practical guidance for the planning and implementation of remote consultations for the management and treatment of people with musculoskeletal pain. METHODS Recommendations are based on a brief overview of the relevant research regarding phone and video consultations for musculoskeletal practice and derived from the literature, relevant guidelines, and practical experience. RESULTS The technical feasibility of remote consultations for musculoskeletal complaints is good, patient satisfaction is high, and a growing body of evidence supports its comparative effectiveness to in-person consultations in some circumstances for improving pain and functioning. We consider in detail practical aspects such as the choosing of hardware and software, we touch on the legal and regulatory context, and we focus on the adaptation of clinical processes and communication. CONCLUSION This Clinical Update draws together best-practice evidence in a practically applicable format, enabling therapists who are working with people with pain to directly apply this knowledge to their individual clinical settings and the requirements of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hohenschurz-Schmidt
- Department, Surgery and Cancer, Pain Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 4th Floor, 369 Fulham Road, SW10 9NH, London, Großbritannien.
| | - Whitney Scott
- Psychology Department, Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, Großbritannien
- INPUT Pain Management Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, Großbritannien
| | - Charlie Park
- IPRS Triage and Remote Management Team, IPRS Health Limited, Little Blakenham, Suffolk, Großbritannien
| | - Georgios Christopoulos
- First Contact Practitioner, MSc Neuromusculoskeletal Care, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC CSP, Staffordshire, Großbritannien
| | - Steven Vogel
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, Großbritannien
| | - Jerry Draper-Rodi
- Research Centre, University College of Osteopathy, London, Großbritannien
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Ward K, Vagholkar S, Lane J, Raghuraman S, Lau AYS. Are chronic condition management visits translatable to telehealth? Analysis of in-person consultations in primary care. Int J Med Inform 2023; 178:105197. [PMID: 37619394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105197] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth was rapidly adopted in primary care during COVID-19. However, there is a lack of research assessing how translatable in-person consultations are to telehealth. OBJECTIVE To examine insights from in-person GP-Patient consultations for patients with chronic conditions, including 1/frequency, duration, conditions of physical examinations, and when they occur during consultations, 2/types of physical artefacts used, 3/clinical tasks performed, and 4/translatability of clinical tasks to telehealth. METHODS Eligible consultations were extracted from a dataset archive named HaRI, which contains 281 in-person GP consultations in de-identified transcript and video format. 38 consultations were included for analysis meeting eligibility criteria in this study. A multi-method approach (using content analysis, visualisation, video and time analysis) was applied to eligible consultations, extracting clinical tasks that involve physical interactions. Finally, an evidence-based scoring system was used on each clinical task, determining the likelihood of whether each task could be translated into telehealth. RESULTS Nine chronic conditions were observed across 38 GP-Patient consultations, predominately diabetes (39 %, 15/38). Out of these 38 consultations, 76 % (29/38) featured physical examinations, where 68 % (26/38) were initiated by GPs (e.g., auscultation), and 26 % (10/38) were initiated by patients (e.g., self-palpation). The average percentage of time spent on physical examination(s) during consultations is low (13.6 %, SD = 9.4 %). A total of 24 clinical tasks were observed across these 38 consultations. Out of these 24 tasks, 92 % (22/24) were supported by physical artefacts. The average score of a task being translatable to Telehealth is 7/10 (where Score 1 = Not amenable to being replicated over telehealth at this stage, scoring 10 = Easily translatable over telehealth with almost no additional equipment being required). CONCLUSION All tasks observed across chronic condition management visits were deemed translatable/potentially translatable to telehealth. However, physical interactions between GPs and patients are still essential. Future research in telehealth should focus on examining ways to support physical examination, reduce uncertainty, promote safety netting, and facilitate patients' safety at home with effective technology and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanesha Ward
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Sanjyot Vagholkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jared Lane
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sunayana Raghuraman
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annie Y S Lau
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ping X, Pye D. A proposed methodology for conducting a remote rigid gas permeable contact lens consultation. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2023; 46:101893. [PMID: 37482438 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2023.101893] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 spread to numerous countries, overwhelming healthcare systems and economies worldwide. COVID-19 restrictions have prevented patients from attending consultations in person and led to the further development of telemedicine to provide health care. The situation also applies to contact lens (CL) practitioners and their patients; telemedicine enables practitioners to provide patients with regular and continuing care. This study aimed to investigate available tools to enable continuing care for rigid gas permeable (RGP) CL wearers who are unable to attend face-to-face consultations. METHODS The study consists of three components. Firstly, an approach to enable the assessment of a patient's CL fitting and cornea remotely. Secondly, to find an affordable and reliable method to obtain a patient's visual acuity (VA), and thirdly, to develop a questionnaire to provide practitioners with information to deliver optimal patient care. RESULTS The use of a macro lens, smartphone, and auxiliary materials enables high-quality images of the anterior eye and RGP CL to be obtained. Two free and validated smartphone applications (apps) for VA measurements were identified which are available on Android and iOS systems. Two questionnaires were also developed to enable practitioners to obtain additional patient information to facilitate optimal patient care. CONCLUSION This study has developed the components of a remote CL consultation to enable patients who cannot attend scheduled appointments to receive care and advice to ensure the safety of their RGP CL wear. The tools involved in this study are low-cost, affordable, and an adjunct, not a substitute, for face-to-face consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Ping
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Pye
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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