Satisfaction and feasibility of videoconsultation (VC) in orthopaedic and trauma surgery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Prospective study of 783 patients

The clinical effectiveness in telemedicine in Trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine (TM) has emerged as a transformative tool in trauma care, enabling remote consultation and guidance for healthcare providers, especially in resource-limited settings. This review evaluates TM's effectiveness in trauma care by assessing its impact on clinical outcomes, mortality, injury severity, and healthcare resource utilization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, ProQuest, Medline, and Web of Science and included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies involving adult trauma patients. Extracted data encompassed demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Analysis of 25 studies (n = 45,097 patients) revealed that TM was associated with higher Injury Severity Scores (ISS), likely due to improved detection and documentation of severe injuries through specialist input. Increased blood transfusion rates were observed, which may reflect more accurate triage and timely intervention facilitated by TM, though confounding factors (e.g., case mix) cannot be ruled out. Both patient and physician satisfaction rates were high. However, TM demonstrated no statistically significant effect on mortality (p > 0.05), transfer times, or emergency department (ED) utilization-a finding consistent with some prior studies but warranting further investigation, given the heterogeneity in protocols.

CONCLUSION

TM enhances trauma care coordination in rural and underserved areas by improving access to specialist expertise, which may explain observed benefits like higher ISS detection and transfusion rates. However, its inconsistent impact on mortality and resource use underscores the need for standardized implementation protocols. Future integration should optimize TM workflows (e.g., reducing decision delays) and pair them with targeted resource allocation to maximize outcomes.

Are patients satisfied with online video consultations for assessing their hand disorder?

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to evaluate patient satisfaction with online video consultations in assessing hand disorder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study included patients who attended a video consultation, either as an initial meeting to assess the need for further evaluation or treatment or as an early postoperative follow-up consultation. After the consultation, they completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Regression models were used to reveal determinants of patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

We included 100 patients, with a mean age of 55 years (range 17-81 years). 95% were satisfied or very satisfied. The main reasons for choosing this form of consultation were shorter travel and wait times. Age, gender and educational level did not determine satisfaction. Significant factors for dissatisfaction were insufficient video and sound quality.

CONCLUSION

Online video consultation in hand surgery is a valuable alternative to in-clinic appointments for all age groups. However, it is crucial to ensure adequate video and audio quality.