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Subramanya V, Spychalski J, Coats S, Gottstein E, Chancellor J, Kulshreshtha A. Empathetic Communication in Telemedicine: A Pilot Study. PRIMER (LEAWOOD, KAN.) 2024; 8:36. [PMID: 38946757 PMCID: PMC11212695 DOI: 10.22454/primer.2024.644242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives In health care, empathy is a clinician's ability to understand a patient's emotional state and convey that understanding in their care; and being culturally sensitive is communicating and respecting cultural differences. Providing health care on digital platforms introduces a new challenge of conveying empathy and cultural sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients who were seen in-person had different perceptions of clinicians' empathy and cultural sensitivity compared to those who were seen via telemedicine. Methods In this cross-sectional pilot study, we recruited primary care clinicians (N=8) and their telemedicine (N=14) and in-person patients (N=20) from two clinics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. We evaluated clinicians' empathy and cultural sensitivity by self-report and from patients' standpoints. Results Patient perception of clinician empathy scores were similar (P value=.31) for in-person appointments (mean=33.8) and telemedicine appointments (mean=31.3). Patient perception of culturally sensitive communication varied in the sensitivity domain and was consistently low for the domain of discrimination (suggesting low discrimination among the clinicians) regardless of the modality of the visit. Conclusions This novel pilot study demonstrated comparable empathy and culturally sensitive communication scores in telemedicine and in-person visits, highlighting the potential for continued use of telemedicine in outpatient primary care. Delivery of care via telemedicine can enable an expansion of high-quality care to underserved communities. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings to enhance the experience of telemedicine visits for patients and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Subramanya
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Julia Spychalski
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sarah Coats
- Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Ambar Kulshreshtha
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA | Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Kumar SP, Anandan K, Balathay D, Vishnu Kumar S, Bhattacharjee B, Ravichandran S. A survey on connected healthcare beyond COVID in India: clinical perspectives. J Med Eng Technol 2023; 47:85-93. [PMID: 35856890 DOI: 10.1080/03091902.2022.2098397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the advent of novel medical devices and practices. Demand for quality healthcare services rose exponentially which eventually led to accessibility becoming a major issue of concern. In addition to this, in-person consultations and various other conventional treatment methods were proven to be problematic. Limitations of traditional health care systems such as in-person consultations were highlighted, and conventional treatment methods have proven to be problematic. As an alternative approach, telehealth services are now gaining recognition due to their high efficiency, ease of use, and state-of-the-art technology. In this article, trends of telemedicine and its evolving popularity across the medical community due to the pandemic and beyond are studied and highlighted. An online survey form was circulated to 42 medical practitioners and interns to analyse the growing interest in telemedicine. The questionnaire covered the physicians' perspectives, preferences, experiences, and other important aspects of home-based teleconsultation. Based on the responses collected from doctors and medical interns, 14.2% disapproved, whereas 38.1% favoured and 47.6% showed a neutral response to the teleconsultation. More than 50% of the respondents claim the process to be time-consuming and 42% of them perceived it to be the other way round. 4.8% of the doctors preferred it to be only through computers whereas 45.2% per cent preferred consultation through smartphones and 50% of them preferred it be both ways. More than half (59.5%) of the doctors preferred the pandemic scenario and the remaining for its continued usage post-pandemic. Although India has the world's second-largest online market, a major population in India is digitally illiterate according to the Digital Foundation of India. Thus, it is important to devise telehealth technology that is simplest to use to reach also the economically backward patient communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pravin Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Healthcare Technologies, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, India
| | - Kavitha Anandan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Healthcare Technologies, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, India
| | - Divya Balathay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Healthcare Technologies, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, India
| | - Sivagami Vishnu Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Healthcare Technologies, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, India
| | - Basundhara Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Healthcare Technologies, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, India
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Beretich LA, Sarasua SM, DeLuca JM. Genetics providers' experiences using telehealth: A grounded theory approach. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:1155-1163. [PMID: 35510371 PMCID: PMC9790448 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There was a paucity of research describing the perspectives and experiences of clinical genetics providers in telehealth prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The available literature focused primarily on provider satisfaction and offered limited insight into genetics providers' work in telehealth. The purpose of this study, conducted just prior to the widespread knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States and mass transition to telehealth, was to understand the telehealth process from the vantage of genetics providers working in telehealth practice settings. This research employed grounded theory using the constant comparative method in coding and analysis of data to generate theory. Ten genetics providers were interviewed over the phone about their experiences, specifically the efficacy of telehealth work, providers' perspectives of patient outcomes, and personal fulfillment derived from telehealth patient care. Six themes emerged in the study: Making Professional Choices, Increasing Patient Access, Providing Effective Services, Understanding Telehealth Limits, Feelings about Telehealth Consultations, and Deepening Personal Fulfillment. These major themes guided the creation of the Theoretical Model of Telehealth Providers in Genetics, which depicts the connections between providers' personal fulfillment in telehealth, commitment to patient services, and the provision of telehealth to the public. This model may help others who are working on telehealth initiatives or developing telehealth programs. Findings from this study can support the current use and the growth of telehealth in genetics as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Future research is needed to describe the telehealth process and develop valid instruments for assessing and measuring the constructs of the Theoretical Model of Telehealth Providers in Genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Beretich
- Healthcare GeneticsSchool of NursingClemson UniversityClemsonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sara M. Sarasua
- Healthcare GeneticsSchool of NursingClemson UniversityClemsonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jane M. DeLuca
- Healthcare GeneticsSchool of NursingClemson UniversityClemsonSouth CarolinaUSA
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Paesano N, Carrion DM, Autrán Gomez AM. Telemedicine use in current urologic oncology clinical practice. Front Surg 2022; 9:885260. [PMID: 36338631 PMCID: PMC9629354 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.885260] [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: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last fifteen years, there have been important technological advances in telehealth systems and urology, along with other specialties, has been a pioneer in the successful use of this medical care modality. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine has been rapidly embraced by the urology community around the world. A review of the most relevant and updated articles on telemedicine and telehealth in urology has been carried out with the aim of better understanding how it has been implemented to date, as well as reviewing concepts, current regulations, health policies and recommendations for its implementation. METHODS A narrative review of the current literature published up to April 2022 on the use of telemedicine in urology was performed. From the search results, 42 publications were obtained for analysis. RESULTS Telemedicine in urology has been shown to be useful in a variety of clinical scenarios within urological practice, from benign diseases to advanced cancers. This is due to the positive impact on medical consultation times, lower patient mobility costs, less work absenteeism and greater protection for both the patient and the doctor. The main limitations for the use of telemedicine lie in the impossibility of a correct physical examination, which is essential in certain situations, as well as the lack of accessibility to technology in disadvantaged populations and in elderly patients who have not adapted to the use of technology, as well as the lack of development of health policies to establish their implementation in some countries. CONCLUSION Telemedicine is in full growth. There is much information in the current literature on the successful adoption of telemedicine for patients suffering from urological diseases. While the use and implementation of these new practices has been rapid in the urology community, more work is needed to bring more accessible specialty care to underserved and underdeveloped areas. Health policies must promote its development to reduce costs and increase access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahuel Paesano
- Department of Urology, Instituto Médico Tecnológico, Prostate Institute Barcelona, CIMA—SANITAS Hospital, Barcelona, Spain,Office of Residents and Young Urologists, Office of Residents and Young Urologists of the American Confederation of Urology (CAU), Barcelona, Spain,Correspondence: Nahuel Paesano
| | - Diego M. Carrion
- Department of Urology, Torrejon University Hospital, Madrid, Spain,Department of Urology, Instituto de Cirugía Urologica Avanzada (ICUA), Clínica CEMTRO, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María Autrán Gomez
- Department of Urology, Lyx Urology, Madrid, Spain,Office of Research, Office of Research of the American Confederation of Urology (CAU), Madrid, Spain
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Wang Y, Yang J, Ma H, Dong X, Xie G, Ye S, Du J. Application of telemedicine in the COVID-19 epidemic: An analysis of Gansu Province in China. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249872. [PMID: 34347779 PMCID: PMC8336882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper analyzes the application of various telemedicine services in Gansu Province, China during the COVID-19 epidemic, and summarizes the experiences with these services. In addition, the satisfaction levels of patients and doctors with the application of telemedicine in COVID-19 were investigated, the deficiencies of telemedicine in Gansu were determined, and recommendations for modification were proposed. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has broken out in China, and Gansu Province in Northwest of China has not been spared. To date, there are 91 local COVID-19 cases and 42 imported cases. 109 hospitals were selected as designated hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak, and most of them were secondary hospitals. However, it was unsatisfactory that the ability of medical services is relatively low in most of secondary hospitals and primary hospitals. Therefore, we helped the secondary hospitals cope with COVID-19 by means of remote consultation, long-distance education, telemedicine question and answer (Q&A). Our practical experience shows that telemedicine can be widely used during the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in developing countries and areas with lagging medical standards.
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MESH Headings
- COVID-19/epidemiology
- COVID-19/therapy
- China/epidemiology
- Disease Outbreaks
- Education, Distance/organization & administration
- Education, Distance/statistics & numerical data
- Education, Medical, Continuing/methods
- Education, Medical, Continuing/organization & administration
- Education, Medical, Continuing/statistics & numerical data
- Education, Nursing, Continuing/methods
- Education, Nursing, Continuing/organization & administration
- Education, Nursing, Continuing/statistics & numerical data
- Epidemics
- Geography
- Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration
- Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data
- Humans
- Physician-Patient Relations
- Remote Consultation/instrumentation
- Remote Consultation/methods
- Remote Consultation/organization & administration
- Remote Consultation/statistics & numerical data
- SARS-CoV-2/physiology
- Software
- Telemedicine/instrumentation
- Telemedicine/methods
- Telemedicine/organization & administration
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Telemedicine Consultation Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu China
| | - Huijuan Ma
- Department of Telemedicine Consultation Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xinchun Dong
- Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Guangmei Xie
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu China
- * E-mail:
| | - Songning Ye
- Department of Telemedicine Consultation Center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Human Resources, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Shahid N, Rac VE, Bielecki J, Berta W. Understanding factors critical to the implementation of ehealth in chronic disease management: a realist review protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048250. [PMID: 34253670 PMCID: PMC8276298 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048250] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Canadians are living longer, many with multiple chronic conditions. This population of older, frail Canadians continues to grow in size as do concurrent demands for community-based, outpatient and ambulatory models of care. Ideally, a multifaceted, proactive, planned and integrated care model includes ehealth. Although several factors are known to facilitate the implementation of ehealth in chronic disease management (CDM), for example, adequate support, usability, alignment of programme objectives, there is a growing body of inconclusive evidence on what is critical for implementation. We aim to achieve a fulsome understanding of factors critical to implementation by conducting a realist review-an approach suitable for understanding complex interventions. Our proposed review will identify factors critical to the implementation of ehealth in CDM (heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and/or diabetes (type 1 or 2)) without limitations to care setting, language, publication year or geography. Findings will be presented in configurations of contexts, mechanisms and outcomes (CMOs). METHODS AND ANALYSIS A search strategy will be iteratively developed based on the concepts of 'implementation' and 'adoption' of 'ehealth' interventions used within 'CDM' to identify the peer-reviewed and grey literature published before 31 March 2021 from five databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and PsychInfo) on ehealth interventions actively involving a healthcare provider for CDM among adults. Data extraction and synthesis will be guided by Realist and Meta-review Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) guidelines informing core concepts of CMOs, and a study output will include a middle-range-theory describing the implementation of ehealth in CDM. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Findings will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. A multistakeholder (patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and practitioners, decision-makers and policy-makers) perspective will be used in our dissemination approach. No formal ethics approval is required for this review. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020208275.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nida Shahid
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valeria E Rac
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program for Health System and Technology Evaluation, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Bielecki
- Program for Health System and Technology Evaluation, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Whitney Berta
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Watson A, McConnell D, Coates V. Reducing unscheduled hospital care for adults with diabetes following a hypoglycaemic event: which community-based interventions are most effective? A systematic review. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021; 20:1033-1050. [PMID: 34131570 PMCID: PMC8192108 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00817-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine which community-based interventions are most effective at reducing unscheduled hospital care for hypoglycaemic events in adults with diabetes. METHODS Medline Ovid, CINAHL Plus and ProQuest Health and Medical Collection were searched using both key search terms and medical subject heading terms (MeSH) to identify potentially relevant studies. Eligible studies were those that involved a community-based intervention to reduce unscheduled admissions in adults with diabetes. Papers were initially screened by the primary researcher and then a secondary reviewer. Relevant data were then extracted from papers that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The search produced 2226 results, with 1360 duplicates. Of the remaining 866 papers, 198 were deemed appropriate based on titles, 90 were excluded following abstract review. A total of 108 full papers were screened with 19 full papers included in the review. The sample size of the 19 papers ranged from n = 25 to n = 104,000. The average ages within the studies ranged from 41 to 74 years with females comprising 57% of the participants. The following community-based interventions were identified that explored reducing unscheduled hospital care in people with diabetes; telemedicine, education, integrated care pathways, enhanced primary care and care management teams. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review shows that a range of community-based interventions, requiring different levels of infrastructure, are effective in reducing unscheduled hospital care for hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes. Investment in effective community-based interventions such as integrated care and patient education must be a priority to shift the balance of care from secondary to primary care, thereby reducing hospital admissions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00817-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Watson
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Magee, Northland Road, Derry, BT48 7JL UK
| | - Donna McConnell
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Magee, Northland Road, Derry, BT48 7JL UK
| | - Vivien Coates
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Magee, Northland Road, Derry, BT48 7JL UK
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Liu J, Liu S, Zheng T, Bi Y. Physicians' Perspectives of Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: Qualitative Survey Study. JMIR Med Inform 2021; 9:e26463. [PMID: 33945493 PMCID: PMC8171288 DOI: 10.2196/26463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Generalized restriction of movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, together with unprecedented pressure on the health system, has disrupted routine care for non-COVID-19 patients. Telemedicine should be vigorously promoted to reduce the risk of infections and to offer medical assistance to restricted patients. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to understand physicians' attitudes toward and perspectives of telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to provide support for better implementation of telemedicine. METHODS We surveyed all physicians (N=148), from October 17 to 25, 2020, who attended the clinical informatics PhD program at West China Medical School, Sichuan University, China. The physicians came from 57 hospitals in 16 provinces (ie, municipalities) across China, 54 of which are 3A-level hospitals, two are 3B-level hospitals, and one is a 2A-level hospital. RESULTS Among 148 physicians, a survey response rate of 87.2% (129/148) was attained. The average age of the respondents was 35.6 (SD 3.9) years (range 23-48 years) and 67 out of 129 respondents (51.9%) were female. The respondents come from 37 clinical specialties in 55 hospitals located in 14 provinces (ie, municipalities) across Eastern, Central, and Western China. A total of 94.6% (122/129) of respondents' hospitals had adopted a telemedicine system; however, 34.1% (44/129) of the physicians had never used a telemedicine system and only 9.3% (12/129) used one frequently (≥1 time/week). A total of 91.5% (118/129) and 88.4% (114/129) of physicians were willing to use telemedicine during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Physicians considered the inability to examine patients in person to be the biggest concern (101/129, 78.3%) and the biggest barrier (76/129, 58.9%) to implementing telemedicine. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine is not yet universally available for all health care needs and has not been used frequently by physicians in this study. However, the willingness of physicians to use telemedicine was high. Telemedicine still has many problems to overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Liu
- Department of Medical Informatics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siru Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tao Zheng
- Department of Medical Informatics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongdong Bi
- Department of Medical Informatics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Alhajri N, Simsekler MCE, Alfalasi B, Alhashmi M, AlGhatrif M, Balalaa N, Al Ali M, Almaashari R, Al Memari S, Al Hosani F, Al Zaabi Y, Almazroui S, Alhashemi H, Baltatu OC. Physicians' Attitudes Toward Telemedicine Consultations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Med Inform 2021; 9:e29251. [PMID: 34001497 PMCID: PMC8171285 DOI: 10.2196/29251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care systems worldwide have implemented telemedicine technologies to respond to the growing need for health care services during these unprecedented times. In the United Arab Emirates, video and audio consultations have been implemented to deliver health services during the pandemic. Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether differences exist in physicians’ attitudes and perceptions of video and audio consultations when delivering telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This survey was conducted on a cohort of 880 physicians from outpatient facilities in Abu Dhabi, which delivered telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic between November and December 2020. In total, 623 physicians responded (response rate=70.8%). The survey included a 5-point Likert scale to measure physician’s attitudes and perceptions of video and audio consultations with reference to the quality of the clinical consultation and the professional productivity. Descriptive statistics were used to describe physicians’ sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, designation, clinical specialty, duration of practice, and previous experience with telemedicine) and telemedicine modality (video vs audio consultations). Regression models were used to assess the association between telemedicine modality and physicians’ characteristics with the perceived outcomes of the web-based consultation. Results Compared to audio consultations, video consultations were significantly associated with physicians’ confidence toward managing acute consultations (odds ratio [OR] 1.62, 95% CI 1.2-2.21; P=.002) and an increased ability to provide patient education during the web-based consultation (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.04-4.33; P=.04). There was no significant difference in physicians’ confidence toward managing long-term and follow-up consultations through video or audio consultations (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.88-2.08; P=.17). Video consultations were less likely to be associated with a reduced overall consultation time (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51-0.93; P=.02) and reduced time for patient note-taking compared to face-to-face visits (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36-0.65; P<.001). Previous experience with telemedicine was significantly associated with a lower perceived risk of misdiagnosis (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.3-0.71; P<.001) and an enhanced physician-patient rapport (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.26-4.9; P=.008). Conclusions These results indicate that video consultations should be adopted frequently in the new remote clinical consultations. Previous experience with telemedicine was associated with a 2-fold confidence in treating acute conditions, less than a half of the perceived risk of misdiagnosis, and an increased ability to provide patients with health education and enhance the physician-patient rapport. Additionally, these results show that audio consultations are equivalent to video consultations in providing remote follow-up care to patients with chronic conditions. These findings may be beneficial to policymakers of e-health programs in low- and middle-income countries, where audio consultations may significantly increase access to geographically remote health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Alhajri
- Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Science, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Buthaina Alfalasi
- Department of Family Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Alhashmi
- Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Science, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Majd AlGhatrif
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nahed Balalaa
- Department of General Surgery, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maryam Al Ali
- Ambulatory Health Services, Zafarana Clinic, Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raghda Almaashari
- Department of Dermatology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shammah Al Memari
- Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farida Al Hosani
- Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yousif Al Zaabi
- Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shereena Almazroui
- Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ovidiu C Baltatu
- Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Science, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Odularu AT, Ajibade PA. Challenge of diabetes mellitus and researchers’ contributions to its control. OPEN CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/chem-2020-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this review study was to assess the past significant events on diabetes mellitus, transformations that took place over the years in the medical records of treatment, countries involved, and the researchers who brought about the revolutions. This study used the content analysis to report the existence of diabetes mellitus and the treatments provided by researchers to control it. The focus was mainly on three main types of diabetes (type 1, type 2, and type 3 diabetes). Ethical consideration has also helped to boost diabetic studies globally. The research has a history path from pharmaceuticals of organic-based drugs to metal-based drugs with their nanoparticles in addition to the impacts of nanomedicine, biosensors, and telemedicine. Ongoing and future studies in alternative medicine such as vanadium nanoparticles (metal nanoparticles) are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele T. Odularu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare , Private Bag X1314 , Alice 5700 , Eastern Cape , South Africa
| | - Peter A. Ajibade
- Department of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Pietermaritzburg Campus , Scottsville 3209 , South Africa
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11
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De Groot J, Wu D, Flynn D, Robertson D, Grant G, Sun J. Efficacy of telemedicine on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. World J Diabetes 2021; 12:170-197. [PMID: 33594336 PMCID: PMC7839169 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i2.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine is defined as the delivery of health services via remote communication and technology. It is a convenient and cost-effective method of intervention, which has shown to be successful in improving glyceamic control for type 2 diabetes patients. The utility of a successful diabetes intervention is vital to reduce disease complications, hospital admissions and associated economic costs.
AIM To evaluate the effects of telemedicine interventions on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), post-prandial glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, cholesterol, mental and physical quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The secondary aim of this study is to determine the effect of the following subgroups on HbA1c post-telemedicine intervention; telemedicine characteristics, patient characteristics and self-care outcomes.
METHODS PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Embase and Scopus databases were searched from inception until 18th of June 2020. The quality of the 43 included studies were assessed using the PEDro scale, and the random effects model was used to estimate outcomes and I2 for heterogeneity testing. The mean difference and standard deviation data were extracted for analysis.
RESULTS We found a significant reduction in HbA1c [-0.486%; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.561 to -0.410, P < 0.001], DBP (-0.875 mmHg; 95%CI -1.429 to -0.321, P < 0.01), PPG (-1.458 mmol/L; 95%CI -2.648 to -0.268, P < 0.01), FPG (-0.577 mmol/L; 95%CI -0.710 to -0.443, P < 0.001), weight (-0.243 kg; 95%CI -0.442 to -0.045, P < 0.05), BMI (-0.304; 95%CI -0.563 to -0.045, P < 0.05), mental QoL (2.210; 95%CI 0.053 to 4.367, P < 0.05) and physical QoL (-1.312; 95%CI 0.545 to 2.080, P < 0.001) for patients following telemedicine interventions in comparison to control groups. The results of the meta-analysis did not show any significant reductions in SBP and cholesterol in the telemedicine interventions compared to the control groups. The telemedicine characteristic subgroup analysis revealed that clinical treatment models of intervention, as well as those involving telemonitoring, and those provided via modes of videoconference or interactive telephone had the greatest effect on HbA1c reduction. In addition, interventions delivered at a less than weekly frequency, as well as those given for a duration of 6 mo, and those lead by allied health resulted in better HbA1c outcomes. Furthermore, interventions with a focus on biomedical parameters, as well as those with an engagement level > 70% and those with a drop-out rate of 10%-19.9% showed greatest HbA1c reduction. The patient characteristics investigation reported that Hispanic patients with T2DM had a greater HbA1c reduction post telemedicine intervention. For self-care outcomes, telemedicine interventions that resulted in higher post-intervention glucose monitoring and self-efficacy were shown to have better HbA1c reduction.
CONCLUSION The findings indicate that telemedicine is effective for improving HbA1c and thus, glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, telemedicine interventions were also found to significantly improved other health outcomes as well as QoL scores. The results of the subgroup analysis emphasized that interventions in the form of telemonitoring, via a clinical treatment model and with a focus on biomedical parameters, delivered at a less than weekly frequency and 6 mo duration would have the largest effect on HbA1c reduction. This is in addition to being led by allied health, through modes such as video conference and interactive telephone, with an intervention engagement level > 70% and a drop-out rate between 10%-19.9%. Due to the high heterogeneity of included studies and limitations, further studies with a larger sample size is needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia De Groot
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dongjun Wu
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Declan Flynn
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dylan Robertson
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gary Grant
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Medicine and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane 4222, Queensland, Australia
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Lamplot JD, Taylor SA. Good Comes From Evil: COVID-19 and the Advent of Telemedicine in Orthopedics. HSS J 2021; 17:7-13. [PMID: 33967635 PMCID: PMC8077989 DOI: 10.1177/1556331620972046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Lamplot
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samuel A. Taylor
- Sports Medicine Institute, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
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Cabrera CI, Ning AY, Cai Y, D'Anza B. Systematic Review of Telehealth Cost Minimization for Patients and Health Systems in Otolaryngology. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:1741-1748. [PMID: 33355932 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in telehealth becoming commonplace in many health care fields. Telehealth benefits include improving access, decreasing costs, and elevating patient's experience. A review of cost minimization (CM) analyses was performed in order to explore scientific studies associated with integrating tele-otolaryngology in clinical practice. Our primary objective was to evaluate published literature for cost related to the implementation of telemedicine across otolaryngology, and to determine CM when compared to in-person visits. STUDY DESIGN Systematic Literature Review. METHODS We performed a systematic review using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane in May 2020, to identify studies with a cost analysis of tele-otolaryngology care. Inclusion criteria focused on articles citing CM data from telehealth services. Literature quality was assessed using the MINORS scoring system. RESULTS From 380 original articles screened only nine evaluated cost in otolaryngology. CM in the US ranged from $68 to $900 per visit. Cost was evaluated in general otolaryngology, sleep medicine, otology, and head and neck cancer surgery, the latter had the most benefit. The most common types of telehealth visits were routine follow-up and screening. Data were insufficient for meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine has been trialed across various otolaryngology subspecialties; its incorporation is projected to have a meaningful impact on access to specialty care. This research suggests that the delivery of virtual care reduces cost with the potential of increasing net revenue across multiple otolaryngology subspecialties. Further studies are needed to better discern the entirety of cost savings and the best settings for integration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1741-1748, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia I Cabrera
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Anne Y Ning
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Yida Cai
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
| | - Brian D'Anza
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A
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Bernstein DN, Baumhauer JF, Kang JD, Makhni MC. Transforming the Orthopaedic Patient Experience Through Telemedicine. J Patient Exp 2020; 7:302-304. [PMID: 32821786 PMCID: PMC7410140 DOI: 10.1177/2374373520929449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David N Bernstein
- Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith F Baumhauer
- Department of Orthopaedics & Physical Performance, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - James D Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melvin C Makhni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Current use of telehealth in urology: a review. World J Urol 2019; 38:2377-2384. [PMID: 31352565 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02882-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Applications of telehealth have been growing in popularity. However, there is little information on how telehealth is being used in Urology. In this review, we examine current applications of telehealth in urological practices as well as barriers to implementation. METHODS A review was conducted of original research within the past 10 years describing telehealth applications in urology. Articles on telehealth as applied to other specialties were reviewed for discussion on real or perceived barriers to implementation. RESULTS Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. The most common application of telehealth was using a video visit to assess or follow-up with patients. The second most commonly described applications of telehealth were telementorship, or the use of telehealth technology to help train providers, and telemedicine used in diagnostics. Studies consistently stated the effectiveness of the telehealth applications and the high level of patient and provider satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth is sparingly used in urology. Barriers to implementation include technological literacy, reimbursement uncertainties, and resistance to change in workflow. When used, telehealth technologies are shown to be safe, effective, and satisfactory for patients and providers. Further investigation is necessary to determine the efficacy of telehealth applications.
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Ekeland AG, Hansen AH, Bergmo TS. Clinical Videoconferencing as eHealth: A Critical-Realist Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e282. [PMID: 30361197 PMCID: PMC6231801 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.8497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Earlier work has described videoconferencing technologies, peripheral equipment, organizational models, human relations, purposes, goals and roles as versatile, multifaceted, and those used differently in different clinical practices. Knowledge about benefits and challenges connected to specific characteristics of services are lacking. A 2005 systematic review of published definitions of electronic health (eHealth) identified 51 unique definitions. In addition, the "10 E's of eHealth" was developed. In 2015, the question "What Is eHealth: Time for an Update?" was posed. OBJECTIVE Considering videoconferencing as eHealth, the objective of the paper is twofold: to demonstrate and cluster (different) clinical videoconferencing practices and their situated implications and to suggest interpretive concepts that apply to all clusters and contribute to generative learning of eHealth by discussing the concepts as add-ons to existing descriptions of eHealth in the "10 E's of eHealth." METHODS We performed a literature search via the National Center for Biotechnology Information, encompassing PubMed and PubMedCentral, for quality reviews and primary studies. We used the terms "videoconferencing" and "clinical practices." The selection process was based upon clearly defined criteria. We used an electronic form to extract data. The analysis was inspired by critical and realist review types, grounded theory, and qualitative meta-synthesis. RESULTS The search returned 354 reviews and primary studies. This paper considered the primary studies, and 16 were included. We identified the following 4 broad clusters: videoconferencing as a controlled technological intervention within existing health care organizations for expert advice, controlled mixed interventions with experimental organizational arrangements, videoconferencing as an emerging technosocial service involving dialogue and empowerment of patients, and videoconferencing as a controlled intervention to improve administrative efficiency. The analysis across the clusters resulted in a proposal to add the following 4 D's to the existing 10 E's: (inter)-dependent, differentiated across services and along temporal lines, dynamic in terms of including novel elements for meeting incremental needs, and demanding in terms of making new challenges and dual results visible and needing fresh resources to meet those challenges. For a normative discussion about what eHealth should be according to authors' conclusions, results suggested ethical, in that users interests should be respected, and not harmful in terms of increasing symptom burden. CONCLUSIONS Services were enacted as dynamic, differentiated concerning content and considerations of quality and adaptive along temporal lines. They were made to work from an ongoing demand for fresh resources, making them interdependent. The 4 D's-Dynamic, Differentiated, Demanding, and (inter) Dependent-serve as pragmatic add-ons to the "10 E's of eHealth." Questions concerning outcome of specified balances between standardization and customization in clinical settings should be addressed in future research along with the emerging dual character of outcome: services being considered both "good" and "bad."
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Granstrøm Ekeland
- Norwegian Centre for eHealth Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anne Helen Hansen
- Centre for Quality Improvement and Development, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Trine Strand Bergmo
- Norwegian Centre for eHealth Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Adenuga KI, Iahad NA, Miskon S. Towards reinforcing telemedicine adoption amongst clinicians in Nigeria. Int J Med Inform 2017; 104:84-96. [PMID: 28599820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Telemedicine systems have been considered as a necessary measure to alleviate the shortfall in skilled medical specialists in developing countries. However, the obvious challenge is whether clinicians are willing to use this technological innovation, which has aided medical practice globally. One factor which has received little academic attention is the provision of suitable encouragement for clinicians to adopt telemedicine, in the form of rewards, motivation or incentives. A further consideration for telemedicine usage in developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria in particular, are to the severe shortage of available practising clinicians. The researchers therefore explore the need to positively reinforce the adoption of telemedicine amongst clinicians in Nigeria, and also offer a rationale for this using the UTAUT model. Data were collected using a structured paper-based questionnaire, with 252 physicians and nurses from six government hospitals in Ondo state, Nigeria. The study applied SmartPLS 2.0 for analysis to determine the relationship between six variables. Demographic moderating variables, age, gender and profession, were included. The results indicate that performance expectancy (p<0.05), effort expectancy (p<0.05), facilitating condition (p<0.01) and reinforcement factor (p<0.001) have significant effects on clinicians' behavioural intention to use telemedicine systems, as predicted using the extended UTAUT model. Our results showed that the use of telemedicine by clinicians in the Nigerian context is perceived as a dual responsibility which requires suitable reinforcement. In addition, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating condition and reinforcement determinants are influential factors in the use of telemedicine services for remote-patient clinical diagnosis and management by the Nigerian clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayode I Adenuga
- Department of Information Systems, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
| | - Noorminshah A Iahad
- Department of Information Systems, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
| | - Suraya Miskon
- Department of Information Systems, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
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Tan LF, Mason N, Gonzaga WJ. Virtual Visits for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Adults Associated with Positive Outcome in a Cox Model. Telemed J E Health 2016; 23:200-204. [PMID: 27351543 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2016.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no previous work on the relationship between a virtual visit for viral upper respiratory tract infection and improved outcome, even though there is data on the prevalence and other descriptors. We do not know if a virtual visit is an independent prognostic factor in community-based patients. With the exponential growth of this type of clinical visit, it is important for both clinical and planning considerations to evaluate this question. We analyzed a cohort of adult patients with newly diagnosed viral upper respiratory tract infection from a database of health plan patients seen virtually on telemedicine and in person at urgent cares in Las Vegas, Nevada between January 2014 and September 2014. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazard model were used. Among the final 6,756 patients selected with upper respiratory tract infections (median age of 41.5), 6% had virtual visits, while the rest were seen in person at urgent cares. Patients who had virtual visits were more likely to be younger, but had no other firm demographic differences from those seen for upper respiratory tract infections in urgent care. Hazard ratio for 2-week follow-up (= failure), with no significant effect from covariates, was 0.55 (confidence interval 0.324-0.939, p < 0.05) in virtual patients. In this cohort of patients with upper respiratory tract infection, a virtual visit, compared to an in-person one at urgent care, is an independent prognostic factor for less follow-up within 2 weeks. Further research into other age groups, time periods, and different diagnoses using similar methodology is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lo Fu Tan
- 1 On Demand Medicine, Southwest Medical , Part of OptumCare, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | | | - W James Gonzaga
- 3 Health Informatics, United Health Group , Las Vegas, Nevada
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Kulkarni R, Mauser-Bunschoten EP, Stedman C, Street A. Medical co-morbidities and practice. Haemophilia 2014; 20 Suppl 4:130-6. [PMID: 24762288 DOI: 10.1111/hae.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
All-oral treatments of hepatitis C (HCV) have been trialled in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders and found to be effective. Further refinements of dosing and duration are being established. Importantly for patient acceptability these regimens are interferon-free. Cohort studies in older patients with haemophilia direct the need for attention to weight control, exercice, assessment of cardiovascular risk, especially hypertension and detection of osteoporosis. Where patients live a long way from a comprehensive care centre, telemedicine connections can engage centre experts with the patient and his/her local practitioners in devising and monitoring care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kulkarni
- Professor and Director Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Information technology such as electronic medical records (EMRs), electronic prescribing and decision support systems are recognized as essential tools in Europe, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. But significant barriers impede wide-scale adoption of these tools, especially EMR systems. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to investigate the present status of information technology in health care, the perceived benefits and barriers by primary care physicians. METHODS Literature analysis and survey data from primary care physicians on adoption of information technology are reviewed. RESULTS The U.S. trails European countries as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the use of information technology in primary care. The results of the study indicate that physicians in general perceive benefits to information technology, but also cite major barriers to its implementation in their practices. These barriers include lack of access to capital by health care providers, complex systems and lack of data standards that permit exchange of clinical data, privacy concerns and legal barriers. CONCLUSIONS Overcoming these barriers will require subsidies and performance incentives by payers and government; certification and standardization of vendor applications that permit clinical data exchange; removal of legal barriers; and greater security of medical data to convince practitioners and patients of the value of EMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Anderson
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2059, United States.
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