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Kim RG, Patel S, Satre DD, Shumway M, Chen JY, Magee C, Wong RJ, Monto A, Cheung R, Khalili M. Telehepatology Satisfaction Is Associated with Ethnicity: The Real-World Experience of a Vulnerable Population with Fatty Liver Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:732-742. [PMID: 38217682 PMCID: PMC10960743 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08222-7] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, telemedicine use has transformed healthcare delivery. Yet there is concern that telemedicine may widen care disparities for vulnerable populations, and patient experience data are limited. AIMS We aimed to assess patient satisfaction with hepatology-related telemedicine (telehepatology) for delivery of fatty liver disease (FLD) care in a safety-net healthcare system. METHODS Adult patients with FLD were surveyed regarding satisfaction with telehepatology. Clinical, demographic, resources, and social determinants of health (SDoH) data were collected to identify factors associated with satisfaction through multivariable modeling. RESULTS From June 2020 to March 2022, 220 participants were enrolled: the median age was 52 years, 37% were men, and 68% were Hispanic. One hundred nineteen (54%) had prior telehepatology experience. Overall, satisfaction was high; 70% reported being somewhat or very satisfied. On univariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity (versus non-Hispanic, OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.1-0.9, p = 0.03) and limited access to personal cellphone/internet (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.6, p = 0.01) were associated with lower satisfaction. On multivariable logistic regression modeling adjusted for pandemic duration, age, sex, severity of liver disease, and coexisting liver disease, Hispanic ethnicity and lack of personal cellphone/internet remained independently associated with lower telehepatology satisfaction (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.9, p = 0.03 and OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.04-0.9, p = 0.04, respectively). The association remained statistically significant after inclusion of various SDoH in the multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS Satisfaction with telehepatology among FLD patients in a safety-net clinical setting was high overall. However, Hispanic ethnicity and lack of personal cellphone/internet were independently associated with lower telehepatology satisfaction. A better understanding of patients' experience with telehepatology is needed to identify reasons for dissatisfaction, and in-person visits should remain an option for patients to ensure equitable care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shyam Patel
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Derek D Satre
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Martha Shumway
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Y Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Magee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert J Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Monto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mandana Khalili
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Vinadé Chagas ME, Cristina Jacovas V, de Campos Moreira T, Rodrigues Moleda Constant HM, Fernanda Rohden S, Stiehl Alves S, Santini F, Dall'Agnol S, König Klever E, Cezar Cabral F, da Silva Terres M. Are We Adequately Measuring Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine? A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38436274 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0530] [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: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Telemedicine has gained significant attention as an effective means of providing health care remotely, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient satisfaction is a critical aspect of implementing telemedicine, but we have no comprehensive understanding of satisfaction levels and the associated factors. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess patient satisfaction related to telemedicine consultations and to identify key factors influencing satisfaction levels. Results: The search yielded a total of 147 cross-sectional studies, of which 107 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall, patient satisfaction with teleconsultations was found to be high, with satisfaction levels ranging from 38 to 100 on a scale of 0 to 100. Only a small percentage (2.72%) of the studies reported satisfaction levels below 75%. Surprisingly, most studies used nonvalidated satisfaction questionnaires, which highlight the need for the development of standardized measurement instruments. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that patients generally exhibit high levels of satisfaction with telemedicine consultations. The use of nonvalidated satisfaction questionnaires in many studies, however, suggests a need for more standardized assessment tools. Factors such as the time interval between the consultation and the assessment were found to influence satisfaction levels. Understanding these factors can help health care providers improve telemedicine services and patient-provider relationships and optimize health care delivery in the context of telemedicine. Further research is warranted to develop validated satisfaction measurement instruments and explore any additional factors that influence patient satisfaction with telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eulália Vinadé Chagas
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Suelen Stiehl Alves
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fernando Santini
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos), Business School, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sara Dall'Agnol
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Emanuele König Klever
- Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Mellina da Silva Terres
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Onyeador N, Thiruppathy K. Virtual consultations: navigating the future landscape of delivering gastroenterology outpatient care to young people. Frontline Gastroenterol 2023; 14:450-452. [PMID: 37854774 PMCID: PMC10579549 DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2023-102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nkem Onyeador
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Henley Business School, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Kumaran Thiruppathy
- Henley Business School, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, UK
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Gherson S, Tripp R, Goudelias D, Johnson AM. Rapid Implementation of Teletherapy for Voice Disorders: Challenges and Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00206-0. [PMID: 37537109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid restructuring of the clinical management of voice and upper airway disorders by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). As in-person therapy sessions were suspended, voice-specialized SLPs across healthcare settings shifted to online teletherapy. In this survey study, we queried voice therapists on their experiences with and opinions regarding the adoption of teletherapy into routine clinical practice. METHODS Voice-specialized SLPs were recruited nationwide to complete an online survey which included questions about the usability of software and hardware, patient management, the effectiveness of therapy, overall satisfaction, and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS 48 participants completed the survey. The majority of respondents reported frequent technical difficulties and poor access to or understanding of appropriate equipment. Overall, participants endorsed better patient access, attendance, and compliance, as well as increased scheduling flexibility. While 95% of the respondents stated they would recommend teletherapy to another SLP, only 20% supported a shift to exclusively virtual sessions. Forty percent of respondents endorsed a hybrid model consisting of initial in-person sessions followed by virtual ones. DISCUSSION Incorporating teletherapy into clinical voice practice has, for the most part, followed Carl May's normalization process theory framework, in that clinicians have invested understanding, training, time and effort, and appraisal into its implementation. However, the unusually rapid pace of change necessitated by the pandemic has presented its own set of challenges. Given the inherent conveniences of virtual therapy, the online modality is likely here to stay. It is critical that we understand the facilitators and barriers to its successful adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Gherson
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Raquel Tripp
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Deanna Goudelias
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Aaron M Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY.
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Stine JG, Rivas G, Hummer B, Duarte-Rojo A, May CN, Geyer N, Chinchilli VM, Conroy DE, Mitchell ES, McCallum M, Michealides A, Schmitz KH. Mobile health lifestyle intervention program leads to clinically significant loss of body weight in patients with NASH. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202304010-00005. [PMID: 36930864 PMCID: PMC10027041 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Lifestyle intervention remains the foundation of clinical care for patients with NASH; however, most patients are unsuccessful in enacting sustained behavioral change. There remains a clear unmet need to develop lifestyle intervention programs to support weight loss. Mobile health (mHealth) programs offer promise to address this need, yet their efficacy remains unexplored. APPROACH RESULTS We conducted a 16-week randomized controlled clinical trial involving adults with NASH. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive Noom Weight (NW), a mHealth lifestyle intervention program, or standard clinical care. The primary end point was a change in body weight. Secondary end points included feasibility (weekly app engagement), acceptability (>50% approached enrolled), and safety. Of 51 patients approached, 40 (78%) were randomly assigned (20 NW and 20 standard clinical care). NW significantly decreased body weight when compared to standard clinical care (-5.5 kg vs. -0.3 kg, p = 0.008; -5.4% vs. -0.4%, p = 0.004). More NW subjects achieved a clinically significant weight loss of ≥5% body weight (45% vs. 15%, p = 0.038). No adverse events occurred, and the majority (70%) of subjects in the NW arm met the feasibility criteria. CONCLUSIONS This clinical trial demonstrated that NW is not only feasible, acceptable, and safe but also highly efficacious because this mHealth lifestyle intervention program led to significantly greater body weight loss than standard clinical care. Future large-scale studies are required to validate these findings with more representative samples and to determine if mHealth lifestyle intervention programs can lead to sustained, long-term weight loss in patients with NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Stine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Liver Center, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania USA
- Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gloriany Rivas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Breianna Hummer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christine N May
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University-State College Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nathaniel Geyer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vernon M Chinchilli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Ellen Siobhan Mitchell
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University-State College Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meaghan McCallum
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University-State College Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andreas Michealides
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University-State College Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathryn H Schmitz
- Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Academic Research, Noom Inc, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The Pennsylvania State University- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey Pennsylvania, USA
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Ayares G, Idalsoaga F, Díaz LA, Arnold J, Arab JP. Current Medical Treatment for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1333-1348. [PMID: 36157148 PMCID: PMC9499849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease. It comprises a clinical-histologic spectrum of presentations, from steatosis, steatohepatitis, to different degrees of fibrosis, including cirrhosis and severe necroinflammatory disease, called alcohol-associated hepatitis. In this focused update, we aim to present specific therapeutic interventions and strategies for the management of alcohol-associated liver disease. Current evidence for management in all spectra of manifestations is derived from general chronic liver disease recommendations, but with a higher emphasis on abstinence and nutritional support. Abstinence should comprise the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well as withdrawal syndrome. Nutritional assessment should also consider the presence of sarcopenia and its clinical manifestation, frailty. The degree of compensation of the disease should be evaluated, and complications, actively sought. The most severe acute form of this disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis, which has high mortality and morbidity. Current treatment is based on corticosteroids that act by reducing immune activation and blocking cytotoxicity and inflammation pathways. Other aspects of treatment include preventing and treating hepatorenal syndrome as well as preventing infections although there is no clear evidence as to the benefit of probiotics and antibiotics in prophylaxis. Novel therapies for alcohol-associated hepatitis include metadoxine, interleukin-22 analogs, and interleukin-1-beta antagonists. Finally, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, microbiota transplantation, and gut-liver axis modulation have shown promising results. We also discuss palliative care in advanced alcohol-associated liver disease.
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Key Words
- AC, Amoxicillin/clavulanate
- ACLF, Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
- ADLs, Activities of Daily Living
- AH, Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis
- AKI-HRS, Acute Kidney Injury - Hepatorenal Syndrome
- ALD
- ALD, Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
- ASH, Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
- AUD, Alcohol Use Disorder
- AWS, Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
- BCAAs, Branched-Chain Amino Acids
- CDC, Center for Disease Control
- CI, Confidence Interval
- COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019
- CT, Computerized Tomography
- GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HCC, Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- HCV, Hepatitis C Virus
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- HR, Hazard Ratio
- IBW, Ideal Body Weight
- ICA, International Club of Ascites
- IL-1β, Interleukin-1β
- IL-22, Interleukin-22
- KPS, Karnofsky Performance Status
- LB, Liver Biopsy
- LPS, Lipopolysaccharide
- LSM, Liver Stiffness Measurement
- LT, Liver Transplantation
- MDF, Maddrey’s Discriminant Function
- MELD, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease
- MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- MUST, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
- NIAAA, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- NRS-2002, Nutritional Risk Screening-2002
- OR, Odds Ratio
- PAMPs, Pathogen-Activated Molecular Patterns
- PMI, Psoas Muscle Index
- PTX, Pentoxifylline
- RAI, Relative Adrenal Insufficiency
- RCT, Randomized Clinical Trials
- RFH-NPT, Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool
- ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species
- RR, Relative Risk
- SIRS, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
- TNF, Tumor Necrosis Factor
- WKS, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
- alcohol
- alcohol use disorders
- alcohol-associated hepatitis
- cirrhosis
- fatty liver disease
- steatosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ayares
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Idalsoaga
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis A. Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Arnold
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P. Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Kim ME, Sund LT, Morton M, Kim J, Choi JS, Castro ME. Provider and Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine Voice Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00211-9. [PMID: 36038478 PMCID: PMC9289043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.07.009] [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: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic expanded the use of telemedicine, but there is no literature exploring both patient and provider satisfaction specifically in the provision of voice therapy. This study aims to investigate patient and provider satisfaction with virtual voice therapy, its associated factors, and any correlation between the two. METHODS Cross-sectional study. Participants included 226 adults who underwent voice therapy delivered via telepractice at the USC Voice Center between April and October 2020. Patients and providers self-reported their level of satisfaction on a visual analog scale (VAS; range 0-100). Patient satisfaction was additionally measured using a previously validated Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ; range 1-5), and a binary question about their desire to choose telemedicine over in-person therapy in the future. Three speech-language pathologists rated provider satisfaction for all 226 patients. Patient satisfaction survey was completed by 55 patients. Multivariable linear regression analyses and linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the results. RESULTS Patient and provider mean (SD) VAS satisfaction scores were 86.8 (18.6) and 80.6 (19.7), respectively. The mean (SD) TSQ score was 4.4 (0.6). In a multivariable model, patient satisfaction levels were significantly higher for hypofunctional than for hyperfunctional dysphonia diagnoses. Forty-four (73%) patients reported they would prefer telemedicine voice therapy over in-person appointments, which was significantly correlated with internet reliability (P = 0.04). For providers, satisfaction was significantly lower for patients whose diagnosis had changed after initiation of voice therapy (Δ = -16.0 [95% CI: -28.7 to -3.2]) and for encounters with Asian patients compared to White patients (Δ = -11.6 [95% CI: -18.9 to -4.2]). Patient and provider satisfaction scores were weakly correlated (r = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that virtual voice therapy is not simply an alternative to in-person service, but rather an effective method useful beyond the current pandemic with proper diagnosis and technical support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California Caruso, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Lauren Timmons Sund
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California Caruso, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mariah Morton
- Auburn University School of Kinesiology, Auburn, Albama
| | - James Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California Caruso, Los Angeles, California
| | - Janet S Choi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - M Eugenia Castro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California Caruso, Los Angeles, California
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Moein H, Arteaga EJ, Sarkar S. Using Telehealth for Diagnosis and Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2022; 19:171-175. [PMID: 35505922 PMCID: PMC9053681 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Content available: Author Interview and Author Audio Recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid‐Reza Moein
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyCarolinas Medical CenterAtrium Health Wake Forest BaptistCharlotteNC
| | - Elvis J Arteaga
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavis, SacramentoCA
| | - Souvik Sarkar
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavis, SacramentoCA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavis, SacramentoCA
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9
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Barayev E, Shental O, Yaari D, Zloczower E, Shemesh I, Shapiro M, Glassberg E, Magnezi R. WhatsApp Tele-Medicine - usage patterns and physicians views on the platform. Isr J Health Policy Res 2021; 10:34. [PMID: 34074319 PMCID: PMC8167384 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-021-00468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine has become an integral part of health care delivery in recent years. One of the leading applications for this use is WhatsApp - a free smartphone application that allows instant messaging with pictures and videos. This study analyzed the emerging role of WhatsApp on reducing the need for referrals to medical specialists and to compare the views of physicians regarding WhatsApp consultations. METHODS A cross-sectional study based on an anonymous web-survey was conducted among PCPs and medical specialists working in the Israel Defense Forces Medical-Corps during September and October, 2019. RESULTS Of 201 participants, 153 were PCPs and 48 were medical specialists. 86.9 % of PCPs and 86.5 % of specialists used WhatsApp every day in professional settings. Added workload, potential breaching of patient confidentiality and lack of full documentation of consultations were the main concerns among physicians using the application. 60.7 % of PCPs and 95.7 % of specialists stated that these consultations have reduced the need for in-person appointments at least once a week. CONCLUSIONS In times of COVID-19 that require social distancing, WhatsApp provides a simple, readily available platform for consultations between healthcare providers, even to the extent of rendering some in-person appointments unnecessary. Healthcare organizations should address the matters troubling healthcare providers, mainly patient confidentiality and lack of documentation in patients' medical records, while providing adequate compensation for those providing the service during and after work hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Barayev
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems Management Program, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel.
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Omri Shental
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems Management Program, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dotan Yaari
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems Management Program, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elchanan Zloczower
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems Management Program, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Itai Shemesh
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems Management Program, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Racheli Magnezi
- Department of Public Health and Health Systems Management Program, Bar Ilan University, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
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10
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Verma N, Mishra S, Singh S, Kaur R, Kaur T, De A, Premkumar M, Taneja S, Duseja A, Singh M, Singh V. Feasibility, outcomes, and safety of tele-hepatology services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:65-76. [PMID: 34230904 PMCID: PMC8251420 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has hampered health care delivery globally. We evaluated the feasibility, outcomes, and safety of telehepatology in delivering quality care amid the pandemic. A telemedicine setup using smartphones by hepatologists was organized at our tertiary‐care center after pilot testing. Consecutive patients availing telehepatology services were recruited between March and July 2020. An adapted model for assessment of telemedicine was used after validity and reliability testing, to evaluate services 7‐21 days after index teleconsultation. Of the 1,419 registrations, 1,281 (90.3%) consultations were completed. From 245 randomly surveyed patients, 210 (85.7%) responded (age [years, interquartile range]: 46 [35‐56]; 32.3% females). Seventy percent of patients belonged to the middle or lower socio‐economic class, whereas 61% were from rural areas. Modes of teleconsultation were audio (54.3%) or hybrid video call (45.7%). Teleconsultation alone was deemed suitable in 88.6% of patients. Diagnosis and compliance rates were 94% and 82.4%, respectively. Patients’ convenience rate, satisfaction rate, improvement rate, success rate, and net promoter scores were 99.0%, 85.2%, 49.5%, 46.2% and 70, respectively. Physical and mental quality of life improved in 67.1% and 82.8% of patients, respectively, following index teleconsultation. Person‐hours and money spent by patients were significantly lower with teleconsultation (P < 0.001); however, person‐hours spent by hospital per teleconsultation were higher than in physical outpatient services (P < 0.001). Dissatisfied patients were more likely to have lower diagnosis rate, unsuitability for teleconsultation, noncompliance, poorer understanding, and uncomfortable conversation during teleconsultation. Connectivity issues (22.9%) were the most common barrier. Three patients, all of whom were advised emergency care during teleconsultation, succumbed to their illness. Conclusion: Telehepatology is a feasible and reasonably effective tool for rendering health care services using smartphones during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Systematic implementation, possible integration into routine health care delivery, and formal cost‐effectiveness of telehepatology services need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Verma
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Saurabh Mishra
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Surender Singh
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Rajwant Kaur
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Talwinder Kaur
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Arka De
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Meenu Singh
- Departments of Telemedicine Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
| | - Virendra Singh
- Departments of Hepatology Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Sector 12 Chandigarh-160012 India
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