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Khan S, Khan MZ, Saeed R, Ahmed J, Naveed AK, Shah HH. Age of Robotic Surgery and Telemedicine: Is Pakistan Lagging Behind? Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:1537-1541. [PMID: 37530908 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Robotic surgery and telemedicine have revolutionized the healthcare industry, offering improved patient outcomes and access to medical knowledge. However, Pakistan lags behind in adopting these cutting-edge technologies due to several challenges, including limited infrastructure, budget constraints, and low awareness among patients and healthcare professionals. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of the healthcare system in Pakistan, highlighting the need for investment and policy reforms to integrate robotic surgery and telemedicine effectively. The potential benefits, including medical tourism, enhanced facilities, and skilled workforce retention, are discussed as incentives for the government to embrace digital medicine and bridge the healthcare gap. Through increased awareness, training programs, and collaborations with other nations, Pakistan can pave the way for a digitally empowered healthcare future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanza Khan
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Risham Saeed
- Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jalib Ahmed
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Elendu C, Elendu TC, Elendu ID. 5G-enabled smart hospitals: Innovations in patient care and facility management. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38239. [PMID: 38758872 PMCID: PMC11098186 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Smart hospitals represent the pinnacle of healthcare innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform patient care and facility management. This article addresses the pressing need for effective implementation of 5G technology in smart hospitals, aiming to enhance connectivity, improve patient outcomes, and drive operational efficiency. The methodology employed involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and expert insights to analyze the impact of 5G on various aspects of smart hospital operations. The article highlights the significance of 5G technology in enabling real-time data analytics, remote monitoring, and telemedicine, thus revolutionizing healthcare delivery. By providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity, 5G facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, leading to more efficient diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Additionally, the adoption of 5G enables smart hospitals to leverage artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions for predictive analytics, personalized medicine and enhanced patient engagement. Furthermore, the article explores the potential of 5G-enabled smart hospitals in enhancing disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. Case studies and examples demonstrate how 5G technology can improve situational awareness, coordinate resources, and deliver timely care during natural disasters and pandemics. Overall, this article underscores the transformative impact of 5G technology on smart hospitals and emphasizes the importance of embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities. By adopting 5G technology, smart hospitals can usher in a new era of healthcare delivery characterized by enhanced connectivity, improved patient outcomes, and unparalleled efficiency.
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Su XV, Isnani S, Sharifah Khadijah WMS, Shareezan HS, Lau LK, Maziah I, Ahmad Tajuddin NA, Chan CW. Perception of primary care doctors towards telemedicine in Kuching, Sarawak: A cross-sectional study. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2024; 19:10. [PMID: 38496772 PMCID: PMC10944642 DOI: 10.51866/oa.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Telemedicine is the provision of healthcare remotely via information and communications technology (ICT). This study aimed to assess the familiarity and factors related to the perception towards telemedicine and the willingness to practise telemedicine among primary care doctors. Methods A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted prospectively at all public healthcare clinics across Kuching, Sarawak. A questionnaire was adapted and modified from an overseas validated questionnaire, consisting of four parts: demographic data, familiarity towards telemedicine, factors related to the perception of telemedicine and willingness to implement telemedicine. Results A total of 131 doctors were recruited. Of them, 43.5% had never interacted with patients via email, WhatsApp or Telegram, while 68.7% had never attended any conferences, speeches or meetings regarding telemedicine. The doctors had low familiarity towards guidelines, technology and medical applications of telemedicine. The majority agreed on the ability of telemedicine to save patients' time and money, the potential of ICT in healthcare and the necessity during a pandemic but perceived the possibility of technical difficulties. The doctors who had experience in interacting with patients via email, WhatsApp or Telegram (P=0.001) and those who had ≤8 years of working experience (P=0.04) had a significantly better perception towards telemedicine. Conclusion Although the familiarity towards telemedicine among public primary care doctors is low, their perception is good in a majority of areas. Adequate technological support and continuous education on telemedicine and its guidelines, especially medicolegal issues, are imperative to adopt and propagate telemedicine in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Vin Su
- MD, Klinik Kesihatan Petra Jaya, Jalan Siol, Kanan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Sutiman Isnani
- MD, Klinik Kesihatan Petra Jaya, Jalan Siol, Kanan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | | | - Hoklai Sarudu Shareezan
- MD, Klinik Kesihatan Batu Kawa, Jalan Stapok Utara, Taman Stapok, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lih Kai Lau
- MD, Klinik Kesihatan Batu Kawa, Jalan Stapok Utara, Taman Stapok, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Ishak Maziah
- MD, MFamMed, Klinik Kesihatan Petra Jaya, Jalan Siol, Kanan, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Nur Amani Ahmad Tajuddin
- MBBS, MFamMed, Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Wai Chan
- MD, MPH, DABFM, Department of Family Medicine, International Medical University, Jalan Rasah, Seremban, Negeri, Sembilan, Malaysia
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Kaynar AM, Lin C, Sanchez AG, Lavage DR, Monroe A, Zharichenko N, Strassburger M, Saucier K, Groff YJ, Klatt BA, O'Malley MJ, Szigethy E, Wasan AD, Chelly JE. SuRxgWell: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of telemedicine-based digital cognitive behavioral intervention for high anxiety and depression among patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. Trials 2023; 24:715. [PMID: 37946291 PMCID: PMC10634062 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood disorders (anxiety, depression), sleep disorders, and catastrophizing lead to increased post-operative pain perception, increase in postoperative opioid consumption, decreased engagement with physical activity, and increased resource utilization in surgical patients. Psychosocial disorders significantly affect postoperative outcome. Unfortunately, studies focused on perioperative psychological assessment and treatment are scarce. We propose to test whether digital cognitive behavioral intervention (dCBI) can help surgical patients. dCBI such as RxWell™ is a proven treatment for mood disorders in medical patients such as reducing depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We hypothesize that RxWell™ will also be effective in surgical patients. This study aims to test whether RxWell™ can improve preoperative mood disorders and subsequently reduce postoperative pain and opioid requirement in patients scheduled for primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). We named the trial as the SuRxgWell trial. METHODS This is a randomized, controlled trial that will enroll primary and unilateral THA or TKA patients with anxiety and/or depression symptoms before surgery to receive the SuRxgWell dCBI program and investigate its impact on postoperative outcomes including postoperative pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and catastrophizing. After signing an informed consent, subjects will be screened using the PROMIS questionnaires, and subjects with a T-score of ≥ 60 on the short Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 4a Anxiety and/or short PROMIS 4a Depression questionnaires will be randomized to either usual care (control group) or the cognitive behavioral intervention, RxWell™, plus usual care (intervention group). The control group will receive information on how to locate tools to address anxiety and depression, whereas the intervention group will have access to SuRxgWell 1 month prior to surgery and up to 3 months after surgery. The allocation will be 3:1 (intervention to control). Investigators will be blinded, but research coordinators approaching patients and research subjects will not. The primary outcome will be day of surgery anxiety or depression symptoms measured with the PROMIS Short Form v1.0 -Anxiety 4a/Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Measure (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Secondary end points include measuring other health-related quality of life outcomes including sleep disturbance, fatigue, ability to participate in social roles, pain interference, cognitive function, pain catastrophizing, and physical function. Other secondary outcomes include collecting data about preoperative and postoperative pain scores, and pain medication usage, and orthopedic functional recovery at baseline, day of surgery, and 1, 2, and 3 months after the surgery with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Hip injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). In addition, subjects will be asked to complete a GAD-7 and PHQ-8 questionnaires bi-weekly (via the RxWell™ app for the interventional group or REDCAP for the control group). Data about postsurgical complications, and resource utilization will also be recorded. We will also receive monthly reports measuring the usage and engagement of RxWell use for each participant randomized to that arm. The primary hypotheses will be assessed with intention-to-treat estimates, and differences in primary outcome will be tested using independent two sample t-tests. This trial is registered to the ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT05658796) and supported by the DAPM, UPMC Health Plan, and the NIH. DISCUSSION Our trial will evaluate the feasibility of digital cognitive behavioral intervention as a perioperative tool to improve anxiety and depression before and after major orthopedic surgery in comparison to education. If digital cognitive behavioral intervention proves to be effective, this might have important clinical implications, reducing the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Murat Kaynar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- The Clinical Research, Investigation, and Systems Modeling of Acute Illness (CRISMA) Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Charles Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea Gomez Sanchez
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Danielle R Lavage
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amy Monroe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nicole Zharichenko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Katheryn Saucier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yram J Groff
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brian A Klatt
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael J O'Malley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eva Szigethy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ajay D Wasan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jacques E Chelly
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Pain Care (CIPC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Rajeev A, Rajeev J, Devalia K. Patient Outcomes of Virtual Foot and Ankle Telephone Clinics During COVID-19 Pandemic: 1 Year Experience. J Foot Ankle Surg 2023; 62:571-575. [PMID: 36872104 PMCID: PMC9892250 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has instigated to find alternative methods of assessing and treating patients with foot and ankle disorders. We have implemented virtual telephone clinic consultations along with the face-to-face consultations. It has reduced overcrowding in the busy outpatient waiting area and thus limiting close patient contact. The aim of this study is to audit the patient satisfaction outcomes, assess the feasibility and to find out the potential financial implications of introducing telephone clinic consultations for foot and ankle disorders. A total of 426 patients who had telephone consultations for foot and ankle disorders for a period of 1 year were included. Patients were given individual time slots for the consultations. The patient satisfaction outcomes were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The outcomes following the telephone consultation was audited. The financial cost was calculated for the study period. Following the telephone consultation 35% of the patients were discharged and 36% were given further face to face appointments. 97.5% were very satisfied or satisfied with the methodology and outcomes of the telephone consultation. Ninety-five percent of the patients commented that they would recommend telephone consultations for foot and ankle to their friends and family. The financial savings calculated during the study period was about £25,000 ($30,000). Virtual telephone clinic consultations are safe, efficient and cost effective with good patient satisfaction outcomes. It is an alternative or can be conducted adjunct to face to face consultations with adequate planning, training, good communication skills and proper documentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Rajeev
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gateshead Health Foundation NHS Trust, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 6SX.
| | - Jake Rajeev
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gateshead Health Foundation NHS Trust, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 6SX
| | - Kailash Devalia
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gateshead Health Foundation NHS Trust, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 6SX
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Arzilli C, Annunziata M, Ernst CM, Peruzzi M, Macucci C, Pochesci S, Nassi N. Inter-hospital cardiorespiratory telemonitoring of newborns and infants: a wellworking example of a hub and spoke network. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:5. [PMID: 36635722 PMCID: PMC9837930 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients who experience cardiorespiratory events usually have to be moved to specialized centers to perform cardiorespiratory studies. To avoid the transfer of these patients to specialized centers, a network has been created based on an interchange system, where the recordings were uploaded in unspecialized centers (spokes) and downloaded by the Sleep Disorders Breathing (SDB) Center (hub) to be analyzed. METHODS The inter-hospital network was established in November 2008. Initially only 3 non-tertiary hospitals in the Tuscany Region joined the network. Currently, 12 Tuscany hospitals are included. RESULTS From November 2008 to December 2020, 625 recordings were collected belonging to 422 infants. No recurrent life-threatening episode or infant death occurred in the study population and none of the infants needed to be readmitted or be moved to a tertiary center, except infants who underwent home monitoring. The discharge diagnoses belong to the following categories: apnoea, respiratory problem of the newborn, syncope, gastroesophageal reflux, altered consciousness, transient loss of consciousness and cyanosis. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the inter-hospital network is an efficient system that allows accurate and safe management of infants at risk for apnoea, bradycardia, and hypoxemia to remain in unspecialized centers, avoiding unnecessary transfers of patients and over - hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Arzilli
- grid.413181.e0000 0004 1757 8562Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Sleep Disorder Breathing and SIDS Center, Viale Pieraccini, 24, Florence, 50139 Italy
| | - Monica Annunziata
- grid.413181.e0000 0004 1757 8562Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Sleep Disorder Breathing and SIDS Center, Viale Pieraccini, 24, Florence, 50139 Italy
| | - Carola-Maria Ernst
- grid.413181.e0000 0004 1757 8562Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Sleep Disorder Breathing and SIDS Center, Viale Pieraccini, 24, Florence, 50139 Italy
| | - Marta Peruzzi
- grid.413181.e0000 0004 1757 8562Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Sleep Disorder Breathing and SIDS Center, Viale Pieraccini, 24, Florence, 50139 Italy
| | - Chiara Macucci
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Paediatrics, Meyer Children’s Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Saverio Pochesci
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Paediatrics, Meyer Children’s Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Nassi
- grid.413181.e0000 0004 1757 8562Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Sleep Disorder Breathing and SIDS Center, Viale Pieraccini, 24, Florence, 50139 Italy
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Fabrés Martín C, Ventura Parellada C, Herrero Antón de Vez H, Ordoñez Urgiles CE, Alonso-Rodríguez Piedra J, Mora Guix JM. Telemedicine approach for patient follow-up after total knee and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a pilot study. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2023; 18:595-602. [PMID: 36422767 PMCID: PMC9686457 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-022-02784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to demonstrate the reduction in postoperative follow-up visit time for patients receiving total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) by implementing a novel asynchronous telemedicine system compared to face-to-face visits. The range of motion interobserver agreement and patient satisfaction were evaluated in the telemedicine group. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 28 patients with a mean age of 71 years (range 13.3). Patients were distributed into two study groups, TKA (n = 14) and RTSA (n = 14), and each group was randomly allocated into a face-to-face or virtual follow-up visit group. For the virtual group, software was designed including patient-specific model items (X-ray, range of motion and functional scores) for each arthroplasty. Functional assessment was conducted using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score for TKA and American Shoulder and Elbow score (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) for RTSA. The range of motion interobserver concordance was conducted in the virtual follow-up groups via an intraclass correlation coefficient. Finally, a satisfaction survey was performed in the virtual follow-up groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Mean time differences between face-to-face and virtual follow-ups were 502.5 s (95% CI 387.8-617.1; p < 0.002) in the RTSA group and 710 s (95% CI 597.91-822; p < 0. 002) in the TKA group. The range of motion interobserver concordance in the virtual group was 0.974 for TKA and 0.804 for RTSA. Finally, virtual follow-up satisfaction using the telematic method was 8.9 out of 10. CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that a virtual follow-up using asynchronous telemedicine systems could reduce visit times, allow a correct articular range of motion evaluation and maintain satisfaction perception for patients. Asynchronous telemedicine could be an efficient method to conduct postoperative follow-up after knee and shoulder arthroplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Fabrés Martín
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain.
| | | | - Hugo Herrero Antón de Vez
- Clinic for Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, München Klinik Bogenhausen, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - José María Mora Guix
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
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Bashir MS, Lalithabai DS, AlOtaiby S, Abu-Shaheen A. Health care professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward telemedicine. Front Public Health 2023; 11:957681. [PMID: 36875416 PMCID: PMC9978414 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.957681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The utilization of modern communication technology in the healthcare field is known as telemedicine, and it represents an advancement in the healthcare industry. For effective implementation of these technologies, healthcare professionals must possess the appropriate knowledge and hold a positive perspective toward the implementation of telemedicine. The current study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perspective of healthcare professionals in King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia toward telemedicine. Methods This study was carried out in a diverse hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia and it was a cross-sectional study. The study took place from June 2019 until February 2020, during which 370 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals participated. The data was gathered by using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Results The analysis of the data revealed that the majority of the healthcare professionals who participated in the study, 237 (63.7%), had limited knowledge of telemedicine. About 41 (11%) participants had a good understanding of the technology, and 94 participants (25.3%) had extensive knowledge. The overall attitude of the participants toward telemedicine was positive, with a mean score of 3.26. The mean attitude scores varied significantly (P < 0.001) among the different professions, with physicians scoring 3.69, allied healthcare professionals scoring 3.31, and nurses scoring 3.07. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to evaluate the variation in attitude toward telemedicine and it was found that education (12.4%) and nationality (4.7%) had the least impact on the attitude toward telemedicine. Conclusion Healthcare professionals are crucial to the successful implementation and continuity of telemedicine. However, despite their positive attitude toward telemedicine, most of the healthcare professionals who participated in the study had limited knowledge of it. There were differences in attitude among different groups of healthcare professionals. As a result, it is necessary to create specialized educational programs for healthcare professionals to guarantee the proper implementation and continuation of telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salman Bashir
- Department of Biostatistics, Research Services Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Diana Selvamony Lalithabai
- Nursing Education and Practice Improvement Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahad AlOtaiby
- Department of Scientific Writing and Publication, Research Services Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Abu-Shaheen
- Department of Scientific Writing and Publication, Research Services Administration Research Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Chaudhry BM, Islam A. A Mobile Application-Based Relational Agent as a Health Professional for COVID-19 Patients: Design, Approach, and Implications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13794. [PMID: 36360674 PMCID: PMC9656668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Relational Agents' (RAs) ability to maintain socio-emotional relationships with users can be an asset to COVID-19 patients. The goal of this research was to identify principles for designing an RA that can act as a health professional for a COVID-19 patient. We first identified tasks that such an RA can provide by interviewing 33 individuals, who had recovered from COVID-19. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Based on the findings, four sets of hypothetical conversations were handcrafted to illustrate how the proposed RA will execute the identified tasks. These conversations were then evaluated by 43 healthcare professionals in a qualitative study. Thematic analysis was again used to identify characteristics that would be suitable for the proposed RA. The results suggest that the RA must: model clinical protocols; incorporate evidence-based interventions; inform, educate, and remind patients; build trusting relationships, and support their socio-emotional needs. The findings have implications for designing RAs for other healthcare contexts beyond the pandemic.
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Telemedicine System Applicability Using Drones in Pandemic Emergency Medical Situations. ELECTRONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics11142160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Drones have evolved significantly in recent years, acquiring greater autonomy and carrier capacity. Therefore, drones can play a substantial role in civil medicine, especially in emergency situations or for the detection and monitoring of disease spread, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this paper is to present the real possibilities of using drones in field rescue operations, as well as in nonsegregated airspace, in order to obtain solutions for monitoring activities and aerial work in support of the public health system in crisis situations. The particularity of our conceptual system is the use of a “swarm” of fast drones for aerial reconnaissance that operate in conjunction, thus optimizing both the search and identification time while also increasing the information area and the operability of the system. We also included a drone with an RF relay, which was connected to a hub drone. If needed, a carrier drone with medical supplies or portable devices can be integrated, which can also offer two-way audio and video communication capabilities. All of these are controlled from a mobile command center, in real time, connected also to the national dispatch center to shorten the travel time to the patient, provide support with basic but life-saving equipment, and offer the opportunity to access remote or difficult-to-reach places. In conclusion, the use of drones for medical purposes brings many advantages, such as quick help, shortened travel time to the patient, support with basic but life-saving equipment, and the opportunity to access remote or difficult-to-reach places.
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Appleman ER, O'Connor MK, Rockefeller W, Morin P, Moo LR. Using Video Telehealth to Deliver Patient-Centered Collaborative Care: The G-IMPACT Pilot. Clin Gerontol 2022; 45:1010-1019. [PMID: 32228299 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2020.1738000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: This pilot project aimed to explore a new model of healthcare delivery to older adult medically complex Veterans by combining telehealth technology with an interdisciplinary medical team operating in real time.Methods: The Geriatric-Interdisciplinary Mobile Patient Access Team (G-IMPACT) was comprised of a field team including a nurse practitioner and technology assistant who visited enrolled patients in their homes using synchronous video to link to a suite of geriatric specialists in a video-enabled room at a Veterans Affairs hospital. Clinicians interacted with patients, caregivers, and each other to develop mutually agreed upon treatment plans that were then immediately implemented in the field.Results: 11 total visits were conducted with 9 Veteran patients aged 55-91 (mean = 75.3 years). Both patients and clinicians reported a high level of satisfaction across multiple metrics, including visit quality, and positive indirect indicators of effectiveness were apparent from qualitative data.Conclusions: Nurse practitioner facilitated video visits allowed geriatric patients to meet with multiple specialists simultaneously with both high patient satisfaction and increased real-time care coordination.Clinical Implications: This project identified challenges and opportunities afforded by this type of real-time telehealth care delivery and can inform the development of future interdisciplinary mobile medical teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica R Appleman
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Department of Psychology, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maureen K O'Connor
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Department of Psychology, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Whitney Rockefeller
- Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Healthcare Transformation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Peter Morin
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren R Moo
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Sagstad MH, Morken NH, Lund A, Dingsør LJ, Nilsen ABV, Sorbye LM. Quantitative User Data From a Chatbot Developed for Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Observational Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e28091. [PMID: 35436213 PMCID: PMC9062719 DOI: 10.2196/28091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rising prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) calls for the use of innovative methods to inform and empower these pregnant women. An information chatbot, Dina, was developed for women with GDM and is Norway’s first health chatbot, integrated into the national digital health platform. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate what kind of information users seek in a health chatbot providing support on GDM. Furthermore, we sought to explore when and how the chatbot is used by time of day and the number of questions in each dialogue and to categorize the questions the chatbot was unable to answer (fallback). The overall goal is to explore quantitative user data in the chatbot’s log, thereby contributing to further development of the chatbot. Methods An observational study was designed. We used quantitative anonymous data (dialogues) from the chatbot’s log and platform during an 8-week period in 2018 and a 12-week period in 2019 and 2020. Dialogues between the user and the chatbot were the unit of analysis. Questions from the users were categorized by theme. The time of day the dialogue occurred and the number of questions in each dialogue were registered, and questions resulting in a fallback message were identified. Results are presented using descriptive statistics. Results We identified 610 dialogues with a total of 2838 questions during the 20 weeks of data collection. Questions regarding blood glucose, GDM, diet, and physical activity represented 58.81% (1669/2838) of all questions. In total, 58.0% (354/610) of dialogues occurred during daytime (8 AM to 3:59 PM), Monday through Friday. Most dialogues were short, containing 1-3 questions (340/610, 55.7%), and there was a decrease in dialogues containing 4-6 questions in the second period (P=.013). The chatbot was able to answer 88.51% (2512/2838) of all posed questions. The mean number of dialogues per week was 36 in the first period and 26.83 in the second period. Conclusions Frequently asked questions seem to mirror the cornerstones of GDM treatment and may indicate that the chatbot is used to quickly access information already provided for them by the health care service but providing a low-threshold way to access that information. Our results underline the need to actively promote and integrate the chatbot into antenatal care as well as the importance of continuous content improvement in order to provide relevant information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Haaland Sagstad
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils-Halvdan Morken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Agnethe Lund
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Linn Jannike Dingsør
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Britt Vika Nilsen
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Linn Marie Sorbye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Research Centre for Womens´s Health, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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PRISED tangle: a privacy-aware framework for smart healthcare data sharing using IOTA tangle. COMPLEX INTELL SYST 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40747-021-00610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHealthcare has evolved significantly in recent years primarily due to the advancements in and increasing adoption of technology in healthcare processes such as data collection, storage, diagnostics, and treatment. The emergence of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) has further evolved e-Health by facilitating the development of connected healthcare systems which can significantly improve data connectivity, visibility, and interoperability leading to improved quality of service delivered to patients. However, such technological advancements come with their perils—there are growing concerns with regards to the security and privacy of healthcare data especially when collected, shared, and processed using cutting-edge connected sensor devices affecting the adoption of next-generation e-healthcare systems. In particular, during the front-end and back-end data transfer in health information exchange (HIE) there exist a security risk in term of confidentiality, integrity, authentication and access control of the data due to the limited capabilities of IoT devices involved. In this paper, we investigate the use of distributed ledger technologies (DLT) to address such security concerns for emerging healthcare systems. In particular, we use masked authenticated messaging (MAM) over the Tangle to achieve secure data sharing within a healthcare system and provide a proof-of-concept of applying the proposed approach for securing healthcare data in a connected IIoT environment. Further, we have performed the evaluation and analysis of data communication against the metrics of encryption and efficiency in transaction time.
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Hoi KK, Brazina SA, Kolar-Anderson R, Zopf DA, Bohm LA. A Longitudinal Comparison of Telemedicine Versus In-Person Otolaryngology Clinic Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction During COVID-19. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021; 131:34894211055349. [PMID: 34861781 DOI: 10.1177/00034894211055349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Telemedicine was increasingly adopted in otolaryngology as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but how it compares to in-person visits over the longitudinal course of the pandemic has not been characterized. This study compares telemedicine visits to in-person visits on measures of clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction. METHODS We examined all in-person and telemedicine encounters that occurred during the 13-month period from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic associated with a large tertiary care children's hospital. We compared patient demographics, primary encounter diagnoses, completions, cancellations, no-shows, cycle time, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS A total of 19 541 (90.5%) in-person visits and 2051 (9.5%) telemedicine visits were scheduled over the study period. There was no difference in patient age or gender between the visit types. There was a difference in race (75% White or Caucasian for in-person and 73% for telemedicine, P = .007) and average travel distance (53.3 miles for in-person vs 71.0 for telemedicine, P = .000). The most common primary diagnosis was Eustachian tube dysfunction for in-person visits (11.8%) and sleep disordered breathing for telemedicine visits (13.7%). Completion rate was greater for telemedicine visits (52.4% in-person vs 62.5% telemedicine). Cancellations were greater for in-person visits (42.6% in-person vs 24.2% telemedicine), but no-shows were greater for telemedicine (5.0% in-person vs 13.3% telemedicine, all P = .000). Average cycle time was shorter for telemedicine visits (56.5 minutes in-person vs 47.6 minutes telemedicine, P = .000). Patient satisfaction with provider interactions and overall care experience was high for both visit types. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine was utilized more during months of heightened COVID-19 cases, with higher completion rates, fewer cancellations, shorter cycle times, saved travel distance, and comparable patient satisfaction to in-person visits. Telemedicine has the potential to remain an efficient mode of care delivery in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K Hoi
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Rachel Kolar-Anderson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David A Zopf
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren A Bohm
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Weidner K, Lowman J, Fleischer A, Kosik K, Goodbread P, Chen B, Kavuluru R. Twitter, Telepractice, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Social Media Content Analysis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:2561-2571. [PMID: 34499843 PMCID: PMC9132031 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Telepractice was extensively utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about issues experienced during the wide-scale rollout of a service delivery model that was novel to many. Social media research is a way to unobtrusively analyze public communication, including during a health crisis. We investigated the characteristics of tweets about telepractice through the lens of an established health technology implementation framework. Results can help guide efforts to support and sustain telehealth beyond the pandemic context. Method We retrieved a historical Twitter data set containing tweets about telepractice from the early months of the pandemic. Tweets were analyzed using a concurrent mixed-methods content analysis design informed by the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework. Results Approximately 2,200 Twitter posts were retrieved, and 820 original tweets were analyzed qualitatively. Volume of tweets about telepractice increased in the early months of the pandemic. The largest group of Twitter users tweeting about telepractice was a group of clinical professionals. Tweet content reflected many, but not all, domains of the NASSS framework. Conclusions Twitter posting about telepractice increased during the pandemic. Although many tweets represented topics expected in technology implementation, some represented phenomena were potentially unique to speech-language pathology. Certain technology implementation topics, notably sustainability, were not found in the data. Implications for future telepractice implementation and further research are discussed.
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Miao M, Power E, Rietdijk R, Brunner M, Togher L. Implementation of online psychosocial interventions for people with neurological conditions and their caregivers: A systematic review protocol. Digit Health 2021; 7:20552076211035988. [PMID: 34567610 PMCID: PMC8456620 DOI: 10.1177/20552076211035988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the burden of neurological conditions increases globally, online psychosocial interventions offer a potentially scalable solution to enabling healthcare access. However, their successful development and implementation require research into electronic healthcare implementation specifically. Methods Using a search strategy combining the concepts of implementation, electronic healthcare, psychosocial interventions and neurological conditions, we will conduct comprehensive electronic searches for primary implementation evidence in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, SpeechBITE and NeuroBITE databases. Included studies will be analysed according to the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability framework, appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool and evaluated for theoretical underpinning in implementation science, with hybrid studies of effectiveness-implementation research classified according to the type of hybrid design. Discussion This review will be the first to use a theoretical underpinning in the Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability framework to evaluate strengths and gaps in existing implementation research into online psychosocial interventions for people with neurological conditions and/or their caregivers. The results may be useful to provide direction and recommendations for future clinical implementation and research into online psychosocial interventions for people with neurological conditions and/or their caregivers. Systematic review registration PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020186387.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Miao
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma Power
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachael Rietdijk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Melissa Brunner
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Leanne Togher
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
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Aminoff H, Meijer S. Context and Complexity in Telemedicine Evaluation: Work Domain Analysis in a Surgical Setting. JMIR Perioper Med 2021; 4:e26580. [PMID: 34528894 PMCID: PMC8485199 DOI: 10.2196/26580] [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: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many promising telemedicine innovations fail to be accepted and used over time, and there are longstanding questions about how to best evaluate telemedicine services and other health information technologies. In response to these challenges, there is a growing interest in how to take the sociotechnical complexity of health care into account during design, implementation, and evaluation. This paper discusses the methodological implications of this complexity and how the sociotechnical context holds the key to understanding the effects and outcomes of telemedicine. Examples from a work domain analysis of a surgical setting, where a telemedicine service for remote surgical consultation was to be introduced, are used to show how abstracted functional modeling can provide a structured and rigorous means to analyze and represent the implementation context in complex health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Aminoff
- Division of Health Informatics and Logistics, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastiaan Meijer
- Division of Health Informatics and Logistics, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Singh Y, Innamuri R, Chichra A. Attitudes towards video consultation for telepsychiatry services among psychiatrists during the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 62:102717. [PMID: 34082282 PMCID: PMC9760173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yogendra Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Raviteja Innamuri
- Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Abhinav Chichra
- Department of Psychiatry, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
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Winward S, Patel T, Al-Saffar M, Noble M. The Effect of 24/7, Digital-First, NHS Primary Care on Acute Hospital Spending: Retrospective Observational Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24917. [PMID: 34292160 PMCID: PMC8367118 DOI: 10.2196/24917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health has the potential to revolutionize health care by improving accessibility, patient experience, outcomes, productivity, safety, and cost efficiency. In England, the NHS (National Health Service) Long Term Plan promised the right to access digital-first primary care by March 31, 2024. However, there are few global, fully digital-first providers and limited research into their effects on cost from a health system perspective. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of highly accessible, digital-first primary care on acute hospital spending. METHODS A retrospective, observational analysis compared acute hospital spending on patients registered to a 24/7, digital-first model of NHS primary care with that on patients registered to all other practices in North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups. Acute hospital spending data per practice were obtained under a freedom of information request. Three versions of NHS techniques designed to fairly allocate funding according to need were used to standardize or "weight" the practice populations; hence, there are 3 results for each year. The weighting adjusted the populations for characteristics that impact health care spending, such as age, sex, and deprivation. The total spending was divided by the number of standardized or weighted patients to give the spending per weighted patient, which was used to compare the 2 groups in the NHS financial years (FY) 2018-2019 (FY18/19) and 2019-2020 (FY19/20). FY18/19 costs were adjusted for inflation, so they were comparable with the values of FY19/20. RESULTS The NHS spending on acute hospital care for 2.43 million and 2.54 million people (FY18/19 and FY19/20) across 358 practices and 49 primary care networks was £1.6 billion and £1.65 billion (a currency exchange rate of £1=US $1.38 is applicable), respectively. The spending on acute care per weighted patient for Babylon GP at Hand members was 12%, 31%, and 54% (£93, P=.047; £223, P<.001; and £389, P<.001) lower than the regional average in FY18/19 for the 3 weighting methodologies used. In FY19/20, it was 15%, 35%, and 51% (£114, P=.006; £246, P<.001; and £362, P<.001) lower. This amounted to lower costs for the Babylon GP at Hand population of £1.37, £4.40 million, and £11.6 million, respectively, in FY18/19; and £3.26 million, £9.54 million, and £18.8 million, respectively, in FY19/20. CONCLUSIONS Patients with access to 24/7, digital-first primary care incurred significantly lower acute hospital costs.
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20
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Collins L, Khasriya R, Malone-Lee J. An evidence-based perspective on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 11:1119-1124. [PMID: 34306908 PMCID: PMC8285284 DOI: 10.1007/s12553-021-00576-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing the COVID-19 pandemic, has had an enormous effect on conventional clinical practice. Telemedicine has emerged as critical to the provision of healthcare services when reducing the transmission of COVID-19 among patients, families, and clinicians. It has been an essential tool for continuing care for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been the link between socially distant patient contact. The aim of this perspective paper was to identify the strengths and limitations of technology-based care focusing on literature linked to patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We search PubMed and CINHAL Plus for grey literature and secondary research on LUTS and telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Publications dated between the year March 2020 and March 2021were searched. We gathered key specialist opinions in the field of LUTS from several countries around the world, including the countries that had been hit significantly with COVID-19. This perspective paper proposes that there is evidence to support the use of modern technology to facilitate continued healthcare services for patients with LUTS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine has been recognised a crucial digital tool for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up appointments during a time of social distancing. Although there are many advantages of telemedicine, the older adult population and those economically disadvantaged with technology may not benefit from technology-based healthcare. The available literature on telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be successful in the management of some patients with LUTS. It is certain that the COVID-19 pandemic has given telemedicine a significant drive for implementation now and in the immediate future. Robust data on long-term efficacy and safety of telemedicine is required to ensure there are governance protocols embedded when looking after patients with LUTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Collins
- Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Rajvinder Khasriya
- Department of Renal Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Malone-Lee
- Department of Renal Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
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van der Hout A, van Uden-Kraan C, Holtmaat K, Jansen F, Lissenberg-Witte B, Nieuwenhuijzen G, Hardillo J, Baatenburg de Jong R, Tiren-Verbeet N, Sommeijer D, de Heer K, Schaar C, Sedee R, Bosscha K, van den Brekel M, Petersen J, Westerman M, Honings J, Takes R, Houtenbos I, van den Broek W, de Bree R, Jansen P, Eerenstein S, Leemans C, Zijlstra J, Cuijpers P, van de Poll-Franse L, Verdonck-de Leeuw I. Reasons for not reaching or using web-based self-management applications, and the use and evaluation of Oncokompas among cancer survivors, in the context of a randomised controlled trial. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100429. [PMID: 34401388 PMCID: PMC8350584 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The web-based self-management application Oncokompas was developed to support cancer survivors to monitor health-related quality of life and symptoms (Measure) and to provide tailored information (Learn) and supportive care options (Act). In a previously reported randomised controlled trial (RCT), 68% of 655 recruited survivors were eligible, and of those 45% participated in the RCT. Among participants of the RCT that were randomised to the intervention group, 52% used Oncokompas as intended. The aim of this study was to explore reasons for not participating in the RCT, and reasons for not using Oncokompas among non-users, and the use and evaluation of Oncokompas among users. METHODS Reasons for not participating were assessed with a study-specific questionnaire among 243 survivors who declined participation. Usage was investigated among 320 participants randomised to the intervention group of the RCT via system data and a study-specific questionnaire that was assessed during the 1 week follow-up (T1) assessment. RESULTS Main reasons for not participating were not interested in participation in scientific research (40%) and not interested in scientific research and Oncokompas (28%). Main reasons for not being interested in Oncokompas were wanting to leave the period of being ill behind (29%), no symptom burden (23%), or lacking internet skills (18%). Out of the 320 participants in the intervention group 167 (52%) used Oncokompas as intended. Among 72 non-users, main reasons for not using Oncokompas were no symptom burden (32%) or lack of time (26%). Among 248 survivors that activated their account, satisfaction and user-friendliness were rated with a 7 (scale 0-10). Within 3 (IQR 1-4) sessions, users selected 32 (IQR 6-37) topics. Main reasons for not using healthcare options in Act were that the information in Learn was already sufficient (44%) or no supportive care needs (32%). DISCUSSION Main reasons for not reaching or using Oncokompas were no symptom burden, no supportive care needs, or lack of time. Users selected many cancer-generic and tumour-specific topics to address, indicating added value of the wide range of available topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. van der Hout
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C.F. van Uden-Kraan
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - K. Holtmaat
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F. Jansen
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - B.I. Lissenberg-Witte
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - J.A. Hardillo
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Centre, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R.J. Baatenburg de Jong
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Centre, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - N.L. Tiren-Verbeet
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - D.W. Sommeijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - K. de Heer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C.G. Schaar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gelre ziekenhuis, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
| | - R.J.E. Sedee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Haaglanden MC, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - K. Bosscha
- Department of Surgery, Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, Den Bosch, the Netherlands
| | - M.W.M. van den Brekel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J.F. Petersen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M. Westerman
- Department of Hematology, Northwest Clinics, Alkmaar, the Netherlands
| | - J. Honings
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - R.P. Takes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - I. Houtenbos
- Department of Hematology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | | | - R. de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P. Jansen
- Department of Surgery, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - S.E.J. Eerenstein
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C.R. Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J.M. Zijlstra
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P. Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - L.V. van de Poll-Franse
- Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
- Division of Psychosocial Research & Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, the Netherlands
- CoRPS - Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - I.M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author at: Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Thong HK, Wong DKC, Gendeh HS, Saim L, Athar PPBSH, Saim A. Perception of telemedicine among medical practitioners in Malaysia during COVID-19. J Med Life 2021; 14:468-480. [PMID: 34621369 PMCID: PMC8485382 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought unprecedented changes in the way conventional health care is delivered. This study examined if clinicians' perceptions regarding telemedicine and its barriers to implementation in Malaysia have changed during this pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Malaysian medical doctors of various specialties in four urban healthcare facilities between June 2020 and July 2020. A total of 146 (41.7%) out of 350 responses were obtained. 62% of doctors reported a reduction greater than 50% in outpatient visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of doctors either found telemedicine useful in situations similar to COVID-19 (34.2%) or that it is essential to their daily practice (42.5%). However, only 22% reported using telemedicine for consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 74% of doctors felt that telemedicine would only benefit up to 30% of their patient population. Significantly more female doctors (80%) felt that telemedicine would benefit their patients compared to male doctors (45.8%) (P=0.03). Physicians (51.3%) were more inclined to adopt telemedicine in comparison to surgeons (32.4%) (P=0.03). The majority cited medico-legal issues and consent (80.6%), billing and charges (66.7%) and insurance reimbursement (62.5%), technical difficulties (62.5%) as their barrier to the adoption of telemedicine. Female doctors and physicians were more willing to adopt telemedicine when compared to male doctors and surgeons. Although the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to improve the perception, significant barriers should be resolved before many can incorporate it into their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- How Kit Thong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Faculty of Medicine, KPJ Healthcare University College, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Danny Kit Chung Wong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Faculty of Medicine, KPJ Healthcare University College, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Hardip Singh Gendeh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lokman Saim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Faculty of Medicine, KPJ Healthcare University College, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, KPJ Tawakal Specialist Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Primuharsa Putra Bin Sabir Husin Athar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Faculty of Medicine, KPJ Healthcare University College, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Aminuddin Saim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Faculty of Medicine, KPJ Healthcare University College, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia
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23
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Tostes JG, Tostes CBDS, Cruz RP, Souza VSD, Figueiredo MDGMCDA, Alves R. Teleconsultation and the challenges for maintaining health care in times of pandemic. REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE 2021. [DOI: 10.21876/rcshci.v11i2.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine has proven to be an important tool for the assistance continuity facing the current COVID-19 pandemic. We discussed the role of tele-interconsultation and remote matrix support as resources, within the scope of the Unified Health System, in supporting primary care teams, aiming at maintaining quality and resolution, increasing demand for services, as well as the limitations to their implementation. There are difficulties in access by the population, the need for investment and resistance by professionals and managers. It is still necessary regulation of telemedicine activity in the country, given that the permission by the Federal Council of Medicine occured only during the pandemic. The ability to fill gaps and deficiencies left by specialized services and reference centers stands out, since there is an increase in demand in several areas. In addition, the opportunity for learning, safety in conduct and empowerment of primary care professionals is investigated.
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24
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Childs AW, Bacon SM, Klingensmith K, Li L, Unger A, Wing AM, Fortunati F. Showing Up Is Half the Battle: The Impact of Telehealth on Psychiatric Appointment Attendance for Hospital-Based Intensive Outpatient Services During COVID-19. Telemed J E Health 2021; 27:835-842. [PMID: 33999738 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth to deliver psychiatric services. Continuation of psychiatric services for individuals with high clinical acuity was critical. This study examined attendance to rapidly deployed telehealth services for psychiatrically high-risk individuals receiving intensive outpatient program (IOP), primarily group-based psychotherapy services for adults and adolescents by race/ethnicity, insurance, and clinical treatment program within a large hospital-based outpatient psychiatric setting. Methods: Chi-square tests compared whether attendance rates for telehealth versus in-person IOP services varied by population group, race, insurance, and clinical program, using observational data of adolescent and adult patients treated between October 1, 2019, and July 31, 2020. Results: Appointment attendance increased for telehealth versus in-person services for adolescents (χ2 (df = 1) = 27.49, p < 0.0001) and adults (χ2 (df = 1) = 434.37, p < 0.0001). For adults, increased appointment attendance for telehealth was observed across insurance type (Medicaid: +11.5%; Medicare: +13.79%; Commercial: +6.94%), race/ethnicity (+6.23% to +15.76% across groups), and for IOP groups across all five diagnostic treatment programs (between 7.59% and 15.9% increases across groups). Adolescent results were mixed; increased appointment attendance for telehealth was observed among commercially insured youth (+7.11%), but no differences were observed for Medicaid-insured youth. Non-Hispanic white youth had increased attendance for telehealth (+8.38%) and no differences were observed for non-Hispanic black youth. Decreases were found in telehealth attendance for Hispanic/Latinx youth (-13.49%). Discussion: Rapidly deployed telehealth increased attendance to intensive services for psychiatrically high-risk individuals, particularly among adults and for adolescents with commercial insurance and non-Hispanic white youth. Trends among racial/ethnic and Medicaid-insured youth warrant further investigation regarding the potential for special challenges or vulnerabilities and advocacy needs. Findings highlight telehealth as an important tool in supporting availability of services for individuals with high levels of psychiatric acuity, particularly for group-based services, during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber W Childs
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sandra M Bacon
- Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Katherine Klingensmith
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Luming Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Adam Unger
- Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Angelina M Wing
- Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Frank Fortunati
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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25
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Braune K, Boss K, Schmidt-Herzel J, Gajewska KA, Thieffry A, Schulze L, Posern B, Raile K. Shaping Workflows in Digital and Remote Diabetes Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic via Service Design: Prospective, Longitudinal, Open-label Feasibility Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e24374. [PMID: 33571104 PMCID: PMC8023381 DOI: 10.2196/24374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic poses new challenges to health care providers and the delivery of continuous care. Although many diabetes technologies, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, have been established, the data from these devices are rarely assessed. Furthermore, telemedicine has not been sufficiently integrated into clinical workflows. OBJECTIVE We sought to remotely support children with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers, enhance the clinical outcomes and quality of life of children with diabetes, increase multiple stakeholders' engagement with digital care via a participatory approach, evaluate the feasibility of using an interoperable open-source platform in a university hospital setting, and analyze the success factors and barriers of transitioning from conventional care to digital care. METHODS Service design methods were used to adapt clinical workflows. Remote consultations were performed on a monthly and on-demand basis. Diabetes device data were uploaded from patients' homes to an open-source platform. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes were assessed before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown period in Germany. RESULTS A total of 28 children with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers enrolled in this study and completed 6 months of remote visits. Of these 28 participants, 16 (57%) also opted to attend at least one of their regular visits remotely. After 3 months of remote visits, participants' time in range (P=.001) and time in hyperglycemia (P=.004) significantly improved, and their time in hypoglycemia did not increase. These improvements were maintained during the COVID-19 lockdown period (ie, between months 3 and 6 of this study). Participants' psychosocial health improved after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Remote consultations and commonly shared data access can improve the clinical outcomes and quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes, even during challenging circumstances. A service design approach helped with the delivery of comprehensive and holistic solutions that accounted for the needs of multiple stakeholders. Our findings can inform the future integration of digital tools into clinical care during and beyond the pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00016170; https://tinyurl.com/skz4wdk5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Braune
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karina Boss
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jessica Schmidt-Herzel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Axel Thieffry
- Novo Nordisk Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Klemens Raile
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Moisan P, Barimani B, Antoniou J. Orthopedic Surgery and Telemedicine in Times of COVID-19 and Beyond: a Review. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2021; 14:155-159. [PMID: 33460020 PMCID: PMC7812031 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-021-09693-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review article presents the current knowledge on the use of telemedicine and summarizes the literature highlighting the advantages and limitations of this technology in the field of orthopedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. RECENT FINDINGS Orthopedic surgery is the surgical specialty that has seen the highest proportion of its procedures cancelled due to the pandemic. In this context and onward, telemedicine seems to be a reasonable option for the orthopedic surgeon. Multiple studies have described its safety and a similar patient satisfaction compared to in-person consultations. It has a potential to increase productivity and decrease wait times by providing easier access to the clinician and by decreasing travel-associated limitations and costs. Authors have described the possibility to conduct a reliable virtual assessment of the patient range of motion. Some of the limitations to the use of this technology are technological literacy and access to virtual consultation platforms, the inability to conduct a complete physical examination, potential reduction in identification of intimate and child abuse victims, and limited knowledge about the legal implications of this technology. Telemedicine in orthopedic surgery has a potential to increase productivity, reduce costs, and increase the access to healthcare. Identified limitations include risk of misdiagnosis, required technologic literacy, unknown legal implications, and failure to identify victims of abuse. In order to use this technology judiciously, the clinician must take into consideration the patient's condition and his technological literacy and be aware of the advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Moisan
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Bardia Barimani
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - John Antoniou
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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27
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Saldivar RT, Tew WP, Shahrokni A, Nelson J. Goals of care conversations and telemedicine. J Geriatr Oncol 2021; 12:995-999. [PMID: 33619000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rapid expansion of telemedicine is one of the transformative healthcare consequences of the COVID pandemic. As a result, telemedicine has allowed clinicians to address the needs of older adults with cancer, who faced the highest risks from COVID, while maintaining safety at home. In light of the COVID experience, which is an important source of learning, this article provides guidance on approaches to enhance telemedicine-enabled supportive care for the geriatric cancer patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William P Tew
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Armin Shahrokni
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judith Nelson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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28
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Heyer A, Granberg RE, Rising KL, Binder AF, Gentsch AT, Handley NR. Medical Oncology Professionals' Perceptions of Telehealth Video Visits. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2033967. [PMID: 33443581 PMCID: PMC7809588 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.33967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Telehealth has emerged as a means of improving access and reducing cost for medical oncology care; however, use by specialists prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still remained low. Medical oncology professionals' perceptions of telehealth for cancer care are largely unknown, but are critical to telehealth utilization and expansion efforts. OBJECTIVE To identify medical oncology health professionals' perceptions of the barriers to and benefits of telehealth video visits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study used interviews conducted from October 30, 2019, to March 5, 2020, of medical oncology health professionals at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, an urban academic health system in the US with a cancer center. All medical oncology physicians, physicians assistants, and nurse practitioners at the hospital were eligible to participate. A combination of volunteer and convenience sampling was used, resulting in the participation of 29 medical oncology health professionals, including 20 physicians and 9 advanced practice professionals, in semistructured interviews. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Medical oncology health professionals' perceptions of barriers to and benefits of telehealth video visits as experienced by patients receiving cancer treatment. RESULTS Of the 29 participants, 15 (52%) were women and 22 (76%) were White, with a mean (SD) age of 48.5 (12.0) years. Respondents' perceptions were organized using the 4 domains of the National Quality Forum framework: clinical effectiveness, patient experience, access to care, and financial impact. Respondents disagreed on the clinical effectiveness and potential limitations of the virtual physical examination, as well as on the financial impact on patients. Respondents also largely recognized the convenience and improved access to care enabled by telehealth for patients. However, many reported concern regarding the health professional-patient relationship and their limited ability to comfort patients in a virtual setting. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Medical oncology health professionals shared conflicting opinions regarding the barriers to and benefits of telehealth in regard to clinical effectiveness, patient experience, access to care, and financial impact. Understanding oncologists' perceptions of telehealth elucidates potential barriers that need to be further investigated or improved for telehealth expansion and continued utilization; further research is ongoing to assess current perceptions of health professionals and patients given the rapid expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Heyer
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Kristin L. Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam F. Binder
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexzandra T. Gentsch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan R. Handley
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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29
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Knighton AJ, Ranade-Kharkar P, Brunisholz KD, Wolfe D, Allen L, Belnap TW, Moores Todd T, Srivastava R, Kapsandoy S, Ize-Ludlow D, Allen TL. Rapid Implementation of a Complex, Multimodal Technology Response to COVID-19 at an Integrated Community-Based Health Care System. Appl Clin Inform 2020; 11:825-838. [PMID: 33327036 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 or SARS-CoV-2 necessitated a scaled treatment response to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the design and rapid implementation of a complex, multimodal, technology response to COVID-19 led by the Intermountain Healthcare's (Intermountain's) Care Transformation Information Systems (CTIS) organization to build pandemic surge capacity. METHODS Intermountain has active community-spread cases of COVID-19 that are increasing. We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pandemic Intervals Framework (the Framework) to characterize CTIS leadership's multimodal technology response to COVID-19 at Intermountain. We provide results on implementation feasibility and sustainability of health information technology (HIT) interventions as of June 30, 2020, characterize lessons learned and identify persistent barriers to sustained deployment. RESULTS We characterize the CTIS organization's multimodal technology response to COVID-19 in five relevant areas of the Framework enabling (1) incident management, (2) surveillance, (3) laboratory testing, (4) community mitigation, and (5) medical care and countermeasures. We are seeing increased use of traditionally slow-to-adopt technologies that create additional surge capacity while sustaining patient safety and care quality. CTIS leadership recognized early that a multimodal technology intervention could enable additional surge capacity for health care delivery systems with a broad geographic and service scope. A statewide central tracking system to coordinate capacity planning and management response is needed. Order interoperability between health care systems remains a barrier to an integrated response. CONCLUSION The rate of future pandemics is estimated to increase. The pandemic response of health care systems, like Intermountain, offers a blueprint for the leadership role that HIT organizations can play in mainstream care delivery, enabling a nimbler, virtual health care delivery system that is more responsive to current and future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Knighton
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States
| | - Pallavi Ranade-Kharkar
- Care Transformation Information Systems, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Kimberly D Brunisholz
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States
| | - Douglas Wolfe
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States
| | - Lauren Allen
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States
| | - Thomas W Belnap
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States
| | - Tamara Moores Todd
- Care Transformation Information Systems, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Rajendu Srivastava
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Seraphine Kapsandoy
- Care Transformation Information Systems, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Diego Ize-Ludlow
- Care Transformation Information Systems, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Todd L Allen
- Healthcare Delivery Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah, United States
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30
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Hatch MN, Martinez RN, Etingen B, Cotner B, Hogan TP, Wickremasinghe IM, Sippel J, Smith BM. Characterization of Telehealth Use in Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders. PM R 2020; 13:1094-1103. [PMID: 33098620 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) require frequent interdisciplinary health care to address impairments in mobility, autonomic function, and secondary complications. Telehealth has the capacity to substantially transform health care delivery and improve care by increasing access and communication. However, relatively little is known about telehealth use in this specific population. Here we attempt to fill part of this gap. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency and characteristics associated with telehealth use in Veterans with SCI/D. DESIGN Cross-sectional, descriptive project. SETTING Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. PARTICIPANTS A total of 15 028 Veterans living with SCI/D who received services from the VHA SCI/D System of Care. INTERVENTION Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency and characteristics associated with VHA telehealth utilization. RESULTS Of the 15 028 Veterans with SCI/D included in the evaluation, 17% used some form of telehealth in VHA Fiscal Year (FY)2017. Veterans older than 65 years of age had lower odds (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, P < .05, confidence interval [CI] 0.80-0.98) of using telehealth. Being Caucasian (OR = 1.29, P < .01, CI 1.09-1.52), living in rural areas (OR = 1.16, P < .01, CI 1.05-1.28), living greater distances away from the VHA (P < .01 for all distances), and being in priority group 8, meaning that Veterans have higher copayment requirements (OR = 1.46, P < .001, CI 1.19-1.81), were all significantly associated with greater odds of telehealth use. The most frequent types of telehealth used were real-time clinical video and store-and-forward between a provider and patient within the same hub network. CONCLUSION There are opportunities to increase telehealth adoption in the SCI/D arena. The findings from this project highlight which Veterans are currently using telehealth services, as well as gaps regarding telehealth adoption in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya N Hatch
- Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Center, Long Beach Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, UC Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rachael N Martinez
- Edward Hines Jr. Department of VA Hospital, Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bella Etingen
- Edward Hines Jr. Department of VA Hospital, Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bridget Cotner
- Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Section, Research Service, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Timothy P Hogan
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Norse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
- Division of Health Informatics and Implementation Science, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Itala M Wickremasinghe
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care Program Office, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Sippel
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders System of Care Program Office, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bridget M Smith
- Edward Hines Jr. Department of VA Hospital, Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Studies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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31
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Mahoney MF. Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Related Technologic Platforms: Current Practice and Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2020; 47:439-444. [PMID: 32970029 PMCID: PMC7722284 DOI: 10.1097/won.0000000000000694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing health care at a distance has evolved over the past decades, resulting in a myriad of terms and styles of care delivery. Telehealth is defined as any health care service delivered at a distance. Nursing services have been delivered by a wide range of specialty nurses for many years using various technological formats. Clinical experience suggests that few WOC nurses had extensively adopted these technologies and principles into their practice as recently as 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has forced both administrators and clinicians to rapidly adapt or introduce telemedicine technologies to deliver specialty care including WOC nurse services. CASES Three WOC nurses were chosen to describe the use of telehealth technologies to illustrate opportunities for WOC nurses to integrate telehealth nursing into a health care setting. Two adapted telehealth technology into their practice before the pandemic, and one started telehealth practice as a means to provide care after the onset of the pandemic. Disadvantages and advantages are discussed to provide further information regarding WOC patient care using these technologies. CONCLUSION The pandemic crisis has accelerated the need for health care to reimagine the delivery of care to patients. Telehealth technologies and principles have emerged as essential for WOC nurses to deliver safe and effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F. Mahoney
- Mary F. Mahoney, MSN, RN, CWOCN, CFCN, UnityPoint at Home, West Des Moines, Iowa; WEB WOC Nursing Education Programs, Adjunct Faculty
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32
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Tan NG, Yang LWY, Tan MZW, Chng J, Tan MHT, Tan C. Virtual care to increase military medical centre capacity in the primary health care setting: A prospective self-controlled pilot study of symptoms collection and telemedicine. J Telemed Telecare 2020; 28:603-612. [PMID: 33016187 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x20959579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) recognises the potential benefits and looks to harnessing telemedicine for primary health care services. In this prospective self-controlled pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficiency and user satisfaction outcomes of virtual care (VC) at a military medical centre. METHODS Out of 320 patients seen during the study period, 28 were enrolled in this study and underwent on-premises VC, comprising digital symptoms collection and telemedicine in addition to the usual in-person physician consultation. Safety outcomes were measured based on the diagnostic concordance between physicians. Efficiency was measured based on consultation times, and user satisfaction was evaluated using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS There was a higher caseload of both upper respiratory infections and dermatological conditions in our population, in which telemedicine performed well. In terms of safety, telemedicine achieved a mean diagnostic concordance of 92.8% compared to in-person consultations. In terms of efficiency, consultation times were 26.2% - or 2 minutes and 15 seconds - shorter on average with telemedicine (p = 0.0488). User satisfaction was favourable, with 85.5% of patients satisfied with the VC experience. DISCUSSION This study has been invaluable in showing that on-premises telemedicine is a safe, efficient and effective means to extend and increase our surge capacity for primary health care. Our results have given us reasonable confidence to explore a larger-scale implementation in our network of military medical centres in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Clive Tan
- Singapore Armed Forces Medical Corps, Singapore
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33
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Cheng A, Guzman CEV, Duffield TC, Hofkamp H. Advancing Telemedicine Within Family Medicine's Core Values. Telemed J E Health 2020; 27:121-123. [PMID: 32744897 PMCID: PMC7888289 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine adoption has been gradual but accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for us to pause and consider how this impacts family medicine. How do we ground ourselves so that we use technology to enhance our practice while maintaining fundamental family medicine values? In this article, we explore how telemedicine interacts with five family medicine tenants: contextual care, continuity of care, access to care, comprehensive care, and care coordination. Keeping this framework in mind and using a health equity lens can help us retain fundamental family medicine values as we adapt to rapid technological change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cirila Estela Vasquez Guzman
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Oregon Health & Science University Fellowship for Diversity in Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tyler C Duffield
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Holly Hofkamp
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Klochkov VA. Telemedicine. “Childish” diseases or serious problems. КАРДИОВАСКУЛЯРНАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ И ПРОФИЛАКТИКА 2020. [DOI: 10.15829/1728-8800-2020-2461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
For more than a century, attempts to use modern technologies for communication between doctors and patients who are far from medical facilities have continued. At first, this was actualized mainly for the diagnosis and treatment of emergency conditions and was very limited. Recent exponential progress of communication technologies and Internet in most remote places allow both providing quality consultation care and developing disease prevention programs, in particular screening. But, unfortunately, in traditional medical organization, these opportunities cannot be fully actualized. The search for optimal communication forms between a doctor and a patient is ongoing. There remain many unsolved problems of the interaction between state, insurance and private medicine. Nevertheless, the accumulated experience suggests that this very promising branch of medicine will be developed.
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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: 1.8] [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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Becevic M, Sheets LR, Wallach E, McEowen A, Bass A, Mutrux ER, Edison KE. Telehealth and Telemedicine in Missouri. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2020; 117:228-234. [PMID: 32636555 PMCID: PMC7302013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Missouri is a national leader in telemedicine, and the Missouri Telehealth Network has led operational, legal and regulatory, and research and evaluation efforts since 1994. Telehealth and telemedicine have the potential to increase access to and efficiency of healthcare delivery, improve quality, and improve patient outcomes. Coverage and reimbursement rules vary by regulator, and Missouri enjoys a broad statutory definition of telehealth coverage and reimbursement parity (no distinction between in-person and telehealth services).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Becevic
- Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Lead Evaluator, Show-Me ECHO/Missouri Telehealth Network, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Lincoln R Sheets
- Assistant Research Professor, Department of Health Management and Informatics, Associate Director of Data and Evaluation, Show-Me ECHO/Missouri Telehealth Network, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Emmanuelle Wallach
- Evaluation Coordinator, Show-Me ECHO/Missouri Telehealth Network, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Anne McEowen
- Center for Health Policy, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Angie Bass
- Chief Executive Officer, Missouri Health Connection, Columbia, Missouri
| | - E Rachel Mutrux
- Senior Program Director and Director, Show-Me ECHO/Missouri Telehealth Network, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Karen E Edison
- MSMA member since 1991, is Professor Emerita of Dermatology, Senior Medical Director, Show-Me ECHO/Missouri Telehealth Network, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
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Lopes MACQ, Oliveira GMMD, Ribeiro ALP, Pinto FJ, Rey HCV, Zimerman LI, Rochitte CE, Bacal F, Polanczyk CA, Halperin C, Araújo EC, Mesquita ET, Arruda JA, Rohde LEP, Grinberg M, Moretti M, Caramori PRA, Botelho RV, Brandão AA, Hajjar LA, Santos AF, Colafranceschi AS, Etges APBDS, Marino BCA, Zanotto BS, Nascimento BR, Medeiros CR, Santos DVDV, Cook DMA, Antoniolli E, Souza Filho EMD, Fernandes F, Gandour F, Fernandez F, Souza GEC, Weigert GDS, Castro I, Cade JR, Figueiredo Neto JAD, Fernandes JDL, Hadlich MS, Oliveira MAP, Alkmim MB, Paixão MCD, Prudente ML, Aguiar Netto MAS, Marcolino MS, Oliveira MAD, Simonelli O, Lemos Neto PA, Rosa PRD, Figueira RM, Cury RC, Almeida RC, Lima SRF, Barberato SH, Constancio TI, Rezende WFD. Guideline of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology on Telemedicine in Cardiology - 2019. Arq Bras Cardiol 2020; 113:1006-1056. [PMID: 31800728 PMCID: PMC7020958 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20190205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Eduardo Rochitte
- Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Fernando Bacal
- Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Carisi Anne Polanczyk
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil.,Instituto de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (IATS), Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Max Grinberg
- Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Miguel Moretti
- Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Vieira Botelho
- Instituto do Coração do Triângulo (ICT), Uberlândia, MG - Brazil.,International Telemedical Systems do Brasil (ITMS), Uberlândia, MG - Brazil
| | | | - Ludhmila Abrahão Hajjar
- Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Bárbara Campos Abreu Marino
- Hospital Madre Teresa, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil.,Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais (PUCMG), Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
| | - Bruna Stella Zanotto
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil.,Instituto de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (IATS), Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
| | - Bruno Ramos Nascimento
- Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniela Matos Arrowsmith Cook
- Hospital Pró-Cardíaco, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil.,Hospital Copa Star, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil.,Hospital dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
| | | | - Erito Marques de Souza Filho
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil.,Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ - Brazil
| | | | - Fabio Gandour
- Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF - Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Iran Castro
- Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil.,Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Souza Hadlich
- Fleury Medicina e Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil.,Rede D'Or, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil.,Unimed-Rio, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
| | | | - Maria Beatriz Alkmim
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil.,Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Osvaldo Simonelli
- Conselho Regional de Medicina do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP - Brazil.,Instituto Paulista de Direito Médico e da Saúde (IPDMS), Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Raupp da Rosa
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP - Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvio Henrique Barberato
- CardioEco-Centro de Diagnóstico Cardiovascular, Curitiba, PR - Brazil.,Quanta Diagnóstico e Terapia, Curitiba, PR - Brazil
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Lacasta Tintorer D, Manresa Domínguez JM, Jiménez-Zarco A, Rodríguez-Blanco T, Flayeh Beneyto S, Torán-Monserrat P, Mundet Tuduri X, Saigí-Rubió F. Efficiency as a determinant of loyalty among users of a Community of Clinical Practice: a comparative study between the implementation and consolidation phases. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:15. [PMID: 31980016 PMCID: PMC6979059 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-1081-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A community of clinical practice called the Online Communication Tool between Primary and Hospital Care (ECOPIH) was created to enable primary care and specialist care professionals to communicate with each other in order to resolve real clinical cases, thereby improving communication and coordination between care levels. The present work seeks to analyse whether ECOPIH makes it possible to reduce the number of referrals. To that end, the objectives are: (1) To find out the degree of loyalty among ECOPIH users, by comparing the medical professionals' profiles in the tool's implementation phase to those in its consolidation phase. (2) To evaluate the degree of fulfilment of users' expectations, by establishing the determining factors that had an influence on the physicians' intention to use ECOPIH in the implementation phase and observing whether its use had an effective, direct impact on the number of patient referrals that primary care physicians made to specialist care professionals. METHODS Two studies were conducted. Based on a survey of all the physicians in a Primary Care area, Study 1 was a descriptive study in ECOPIH's implementation phase. Study 2 was a randomised intervention study of ECOPIH users in the tool's consolidation phase. The results from both studies were compared. Various bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques (exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis, logistic regression analysis and ANOVA) were used in both studies, which were conducted on a sample of 111 and 178 physicians, respectively. RESULTS We confirmed the existence of an ECOPIH user profile stable across both phases: under-50-year-old women. Regarding the second objective, there were two particular findings. First, the discriminant factors that had an influence on greater ECOPIH use were habitual Social media website and app use and Perceived usefulness for reducing costs. Second, PC professionals who were ECOPIH members made fewer referrals to SC professionals in Cardiology, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology than older PC professionals who were not ECOPIH members. CONCLUSIONS The use of a community of clinical practice by primary care and specialist care professionals helps to reduce the number of referrals among medical professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lacasta Tintorer
- Centre d’Atenció Primària Gran Sol, Gerència d’Àmbit d’Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut. Avinguda del Doctor Bassols, 112 - 130, 08914 Badalona, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, IDIAP Jordi Gol, CAP El Maresme. Camí del Mig, 36 planta 4ª, 08303 Mataró, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès. Campus de la UAB, Plaça Cívica, s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Manresa Domínguez
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, IDIAP Jordi Gol, CAP El Maresme. Camí del Mig, 36 planta 4ª, 08303 Mataró, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès. Campus de la UAB, Plaça Cívica, s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Jiménez-Zarco
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rodríguez-Blanco
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès. Campus de la UAB, Plaça Cívica, s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Gran Via Corts Catalanes, 587, àtic, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Souhel Flayeh Beneyto
- Centre d’Atenció Primària Gran Sol, Gerència d’Àmbit d’Atenció Primària Metropolitana Nord, Institut Català de la Salut. Avinguda del Doctor Bassols, 112 - 130, 08914 Badalona, Spain
| | - Pere Torán-Monserrat
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, IDIAP Jordi Gol, CAP El Maresme. Camí del Mig, 36 planta 4ª, 08303 Mataró, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques, Universitat de Girona, C/ Emili Grahit, 77, 2n, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Xavier Mundet Tuduri
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès. Campus de la UAB, Plaça Cívica, s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona Ciutat, IDIAP Jordi Gol, Carrer Sardenya 375, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Saigí-Rubió
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona. Av. Tibidabo, 39-43, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Introduction Telehealth is gaining more attention in multiple specialties, including urology. Video visits in particular have shown high satisfaction and cost-saving for patients. However, there has been little investigation into how video visits compare to traditional clinic visits on measures of clinical efficiency and reimbursement. Methods Our dataset included 250 video visits of established patients at Michigan Medicine Department of Urology and 250 in-person clinic visits with the same providers completed between July 2016 and July 2017. Information on visit completion and cancellation rates; cycle time (time from check in to check out); reimbursement; and patient out-of-pocket expenses was collected using the electronic medical record and billing data. Results Completion rates were similar between video and clinic visits (58% versus 61%, respectively; p=0.24). Average cycle time for video visits was significantly shorter compared to clinic visits (24 min vs 80 min, respectively; p<0.01). Neither average commercial payer reimbursement (p=0.21) nor average out-of-pocket expense (p=0.22) was statistically different between video and traditional visits. More video visits than clinic visits were billed as level 3 encounters (85% and 63%, respectively, p=0.002). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that video visits have the potential to reduce the time patients spend on follow-up care without negatively impacting reimbursement rates. However, these visits could reduce average billing levels. These findings suggest that the incorporation of video visits into practice may be more efficient for patients but may also reduce billing levels.
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Chen JA, Chung WJ, Young SK, Tuttle MC, Collins MB, Darghouth SL, Longley R, Levy R, Razafsha M, Kerner JC, Wozniak J, Huffman JC. COVID-19 and telepsychiatry: Early outpatient experiences and implications for the future. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2020; 66:89-95. [PMID: 32750604 PMCID: PMC7347331 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically transformed the U.S. healthcare landscape. Within psychiatry, a sudden relaxing of insurance and regulatory barriers during the month of March 2020 enabled clinicians practicing in a wide range of settings to quickly adopt virtual care in order to provide critical ongoing mental health supports to both existing and new patients struggling with the pandemic's impact. In this article, we briefly review the extensive literature supporting the effectiveness of telepsychiatry relative to in-person mental health care, and describe how payment and regulatory challenges were the primary barriers preventing more widespread adoption of this treatment modality prior to COVID-19. We then review key changes that were implemented at the federal, state, professional, and insurance levels over a one-month period that helped usher in an unprecedented transformation in psychiatric care delivery, from mostly in-person to mostly virtual. Early quality improvement data regarding virtual visit volumes and clinical insights from our outpatient psychiatry department located within a large, urban, tertiary care academic medical center reflect both the opportunities and challenges of virtual care for patients and providers. Notable benefits have included robust clinical volumes despite social distancing mandates, reduced logistical barrieres to care for many patients, and decreased no-show rates. Finally, we provide clinical suggestions for optimizing telepsychiatry based on our experience, make a call for advocacy to continue the reduced insurance and regulatory restrictions affecting telepsychiatry even once this public health crisis has passed, and pose research questions that can help guide optimal utilization of telepsychiatry as mainstay or adjunct of outpatient psychiatric treatment now and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Corresponding author at: Massachusetts General Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Department, 15 Parkman Street, Wang ACC 812, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wei-Jean Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah K. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margaret C. Tuttle
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sarah L. Darghouth
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina Longley
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mahdi Razafsha
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Kerner
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeff C. Huffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Cowan KE, McKean AJ, Gentry MT, Hilty DM. Barriers to Use of Telepsychiatry: Clinicians as Gatekeepers. Mayo Clin Proc 2019; 94:2510-2523. [PMID: 31806104 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Telepsychiatry is effective and has generated hope and promise for improved access and enhanced quality of care with reasonable cost containment. Clinicians and organizations are informed about clinical, technological, and administrative telepsychiatric barriers via guidelines, but there are many practical patient and clinician factors that have slowed implementation and undermined sustainability. Literature describing barriers to use of telepsychiatry was reviewed. PubMed search terms with date limits from January 1, 1959, to April 25, 2019, included telepsychiatry, telemedicine, telemental health, videoconferencing, video based, Internet, synchronous, real-time, two-way, limitations, restrictions, barriers, obstacles, challenges, issues, implementation, utilization, adoption, perspectives, perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, willingness, acceptability, feasibility, culture/cultural, outcomes, satisfaction, quality, effectiveness, and efficacy. Articles were selected for inclusion on the basis of relevance. Barriers are described from both patient and clinicians' perspectives. Patients and clinicians are largely satisfied with telepsychiatry, but concerns about establishing rapport, privacy, safety, and technology limitations have slowed acceptance of telepsychiatry. Clinicians are also concerned about reimbursement/financial, legal/regulatory, licensure/credentialing, and education/learning issues. These issues point to system and policy concerns, which, in combination with other administrative concerns, raise questions about system design/workflow, efficiency of clinical care, and changing organizational culture. Although telepsychiatry service is convenient for patients, the many barriers from clinicians' perspectives are concerning, because they serve as gatekeepers for implementation and sustainability of telepsychiatry services. This suggests that solutions to overcome barriers must start by addressing the concerns of clinicians and enhancing clinical workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Cowan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Essentia Health, Duluth, MN
| | | | - Melanie T Gentry
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Donald M Hilty
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
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Alami H, Gagnon MP, Ag Ahmed MA, Fortin JP. Digital health: Cybersecurity is a value creation lever, not only a source of expenditure. HEALTH POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Sterling R, LeRouge C. On-Demand Telemedicine as a Disruptive Health Technology: Qualitative Study Exploring Emerging Business Models and Strategies Among Early Adopter Organizations in the United States. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e14304. [PMID: 31730038 PMCID: PMC6884714 DOI: 10.2196/14304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background On-demand telemedicine is increasingly adopted by health organizations to meet patient demand for convenient, accessible, and affordable services. Little guidance is currently available to new entrant organizations as they consider viable business models and strategies to harness the disruptive potential of on-demand telemedicine services (in particular, virtual urgent care clinics [VCCs] as a predominant and catalyst form of on-demand telemedicine). Objective We recognized on-demand telemedicine as a disruptive technology to explore the experiences of early adopter organizations as they launch on-demand telemedicine services and deploy business models and strategies. Focusing on VCC service lines, this study addressed the following research questions: (1) what is the emerging business model being deployed for on-demand telemedicine?; (2) what are the core components of the emerging business model for on-demand telemedicine?; and (3) what are the disruptive business strategies employed by early adopter organizations as they launch on-demand telemedicine services? Methods This qualitative study gathered data from 32 semistructured phone interviews with key informants from 19 VCC early adopter organizations across the United States. Interview protocols were developed based on noted dissemination and implementation science frameworks. We used the constant comparison method to transform study data into stable dimensions that revealed emerging business models, core business model components (value proposition, key resources, key processes, and profit formula), and accompanying business strategies. Results Early adopters are deploying business models that most closely align with a value-adding process model archetype. By and large, we found that this general model appropriately matches resources, processes, and profit formulas to support the disruptive potential of on-demand telemedicine. In total, 4 business strategy areas were discovered to particularly contribute to business model success for on-demand disruption among early adopters: fundamental disruptions to the model of care delivery; outsourcing support for on-demand services; disruptive market strategies to target potential users; and new and unexpected organizational partnerships to increase return on investment. Conclusions On-demand telemedicine is a potentially disruptive innovation currently in the early adopter stage of technology adoption and diffusion. On-demand telemedicine must cross into the early majority stage to truly be a positive disruption that will increase accessibility and affordability for health care consumers. Our findings provide guidance for adopter organizations as they seek to deploy viable business models and successful strategies to smooth the transition to early majority status. We present important insights for both early adopters and potential early majority organizations to better harness the disruptive potential of on-demand telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Sterling
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cynthia LeRouge
- Department of Information Systems & Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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Wentink M, van Bodegom-Vos L, Brouns B, Arwert H, Houdijk S, Kewalbansing P, Boyce L, Vliet Vlieland T, de Kloet A, Meesters J. How to improve eRehabilitation programs in stroke care? A focus group study to identify requirements of end-users. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2019; 19:145. [PMID: 31349824 PMCID: PMC6660703 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-019-0871-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A user-centered design approach for eHealth interventions improves their effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation. Nevertheless, insight into requirements of end-users (patients/informal caregivers and/or health professionals) for eRehabilitation is lacking. The aim of this study was to identify end-user requirements for a comprehensive eHealth program in stroke rehabilitation. METHODS Eight focus groups were conducted to identify user requirements; six with patients/informal caregivers and two with health professionals involved in stroke rehabilitation (rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, team coordinators, speech therapist). The focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed in full. Direct content analysis was used to identify the end-user requirements for stroke eHealth interventions concerning three categories: accessibility, usability and content. RESULTS In total, 45 requirements for the accessibility, usability and content of a stroke eRehabilitation program emerged from the focus groups. Most requirements concerned content (27 requirements), followed by usability (12 requirements) and accessibility (6 requirements). Patients/informal caregivers and health professionals each identified 37 requirements, respectively, with 29 of them overlapping. CONCLUSIONS Requirements between stroke patients/informal caregivers and health professionals differed on several aspects. Therefore, involving the perspectives of all end users in the design process of stroke eRehabilitation programs is needed to achieve a user-centered design. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was approved by the Medical Ethical Review Board of the Leiden University Medical Center [P15.281].
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Wentink
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Basalt, The Hague, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University for Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - L van Bodegom-Vos
- Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - B Brouns
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Basalt, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Nutrition and Sports, The Hague University for Applied Sciences, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - H Arwert
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Basalt, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - L Boyce
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Basalt, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - T Vliet Vlieland
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Basalt, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Basalt, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A de Kloet
- Basalt, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Nutrition and Sports, The Hague University for Applied Sciences, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - J Meesters
- Department of Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Basalt, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Culmer N, Smith T, Stager C, Meyer H, Quick S, Grimm K. Evaluation of the triple aim of medicine in prehospital telemedicine: A systematic literature review. J Telemed Telecare 2019; 26:571-580. [PMID: 31238783 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x19853461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With telemedicine becoming more widely implemented in emergency situations, understanding the quality and content of current findings that explore prehospital telemedicine is vital to establish best practices and guide future research. This systematic review examines the clinical importance of telemedicine in patient-provider ambulance-based settings with a focus on multifunctional systems for general prehospital emergency populations. METHODS Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology we found 1564 abstracts, which were blind-reviewed by independent reviewers. Relevant articles were reviewed, classified, and analyzed according to research methods and technology type, as well as quality, cost, and satisfaction. The studies were also reviewed for validated evidence-based practice. RESULTS Those studies that looked at cost, quality, and satisfaction with care generally shared favorable results. Setup notwithstanding, cost was comparable or less than controls. Care quality was also found to be in line with or slightly preferable to face-to-face care with some advantages in response time and quality. Patients and providers were satisfied with the systems. Common obstacles included limited bandwidth and small sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS Although feasibility remains salient, research regarding the impact of ambulance-based telemedicine on patients and healthcare providers is encouraging, but nascent. As a whole, this body of literature does not yet adequately speak to the most important concerns of medicine: quality, cost, and satisfaction. More research is needed in each of these areas. However, those studies that do address these matters share hopeful results. Future research should test these mechanisms in prehospital settings with greater rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Culmer
- The College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, US
| | - Todd Smith
- The College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, US
| | - Catanya Stager
- The College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, US
| | - Hannah Meyer
- The College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, US
| | - Sarah Quick
- The College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, US
| | - Katherine Grimm
- The College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, US
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Chudner I, Drach-Zahavy A, Goldblatt H, Goldfracht M, Karkabi K. Power Gaps Among Stakeholders in Israel's Primary Care and the Role of Primary Care Physicians' Relative Power in Their Intention to Use Video-Consultations with Patients. Telemed J E Health 2019; 26:190-204. [PMID: 31063033 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although some correlates of primary care physicians (PCPs) telemedicine adoption have been studied, little is known about whether the intention to use video-consultations (VCs) relates to how PCPs view their power, relative to other stakeholder groups in primary care. The aim of this study was (1) to describe PCPs', patients', and policy makers' (PMs) views of their power and (2) to explore how PCPs views of power are associated with their intention to use VC. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. Interviews were conducted with five focus groups that comprised 42 patients; five focus groups with 52 PCPs; and 24 individual interviews with PMs. A total of 508 patients, 311 PCPs, and 141 PMs completed the questionnaire, assessing intention to use VC and stakeholders' relative power. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic method; survey data were analyzed using quantitative methods. Results: All stakeholder groups rated PCPs' power as significantly lower, relative to that of patients and managers. PCPs' intention to use telemedicine was found to be significantly related to perceived power gaps between them and patients (r = -0.24, p < 0.001) and between them and managers (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). Themes revealed in the analysis describing how PCPs' low power influences their intention to use VC were as follows: PCPs' low-impact telemedicine-related decisions, increased work overload, "big brother" control, and Health Maintenance Organization demands for telemedicine mandatory usage. Conclusions: To successfully adopt VC, efforts should be made to increase PCPs' relative power, by strengthening their involvement in decision-making procedures and by increasing PCPs' control over their work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Chudner
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Anat Drach-Zahavy
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadass Goldblatt
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Margalit Goldfracht
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Khaled Karkabi
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Family Medicine, Clalit Health Services, Haife, Israel
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Buvik A, Bergmo TS, Bugge E, Smaabrekke A, Wilsgaard T, Olsen JA. Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Remote Orthopedic Consultations: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e11330. [PMID: 30777845 PMCID: PMC6399572 DOI: 10.2196/11330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine consultations using real-time videoconferencing has the potential to improve access and quality of care, avoid patient travels, and reduce health care costs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of an orthopedic videoconferencing service between the University Hospital of North Norway and a regional medical center in a remote community located 148 km away. METHODS An economic evaluation based on a randomized controlled trial of 389 patients (559 consultations) referred to the hospital for an orthopedic outpatient consultation was conducted. The intervention group (199 patients) was randomized to receive video-assisted remote orthopedic consultations (302 consultations), while the control group (190 patients) received standard care in outpatient consultation at the hospital (257 consultations). A societal perspective was adopted for calculating costs. Health outcomes were measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. Resource use and health outcomes were collected alongside the trial at baseline and at 12 months follow-up using questionnaires, patient charts, and consultation records. These were valued using externally collected data on unit costs and QALY weights. An extended sensitivity analysis was conducted to address the robustness of the results. RESULTS This study showed that using videoconferencing for orthopedic consultations in the remote clinic costs less than standard outpatient consultations at the specialist hospital, as long as the total number of patient consultations exceeds 151 per year. For a total workload of 300 consultations per year, the annual cost savings amounted to €18,616. If costs were calculated from a health sector perspective, rather than a societal perspective, the number of consultations needed to break even was 183. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that providing video-assisted orthopedic consultations to a remote clinic in Northern Norway, rather than having patients travel to the specialist hospital for consultations, is cost-effective from both a societal and health sector perspective. This conclusion holds as long as the activity exceeds 151 and 183 patient consultations per year, respectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00616837; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00616837 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/762dZPoKX).
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Buvik
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Trine S Bergmo
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Einar Bugge
- Centre for Quality Improvement and Development, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Arvid Smaabrekke
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tom Wilsgaard
- Centre for Quality Improvement and Development, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, The University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jan Abel Olsen
- Department of Community Medicine, The University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Gentry MT, Lapid MI, Rummans TA. Geriatric Telepsychiatry: Systematic Review and Policy Considerations. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:109-127. [PMID: 30416025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Telemental health (TMH) for older patients has the potential to increase access to geriatric specialists, reduce travel times for patients and providers, and reduce ever growing healthcare costs. This systematic review article examines the literature regarding psychiatric assessment and treatment via telemedicine for geriatric patients. English language literature was searched using Ovid Medline, PubMed, and PsycINFO with search terms including telemedicine, telemental health, aging, and dementia. Abstracts were reviewed for relevance based on inclusion criteria. Multiple study types were reviewed, including open label, qualitative and randomized controlled trial study designs. Data was compiled regarding participants, study intervention, and outcomes. 76 articles were included. TMH was shown to be feasible and well accepted in the areas of inpatient and nursing home consultation, cognitive testing, dementia diagnosis and treatment, depression in integrated and collaborative care models, and psychotherapy. There is limited data on cost-effectiveness of TMH in the elderly. This article will discuss the current barriers to broader implementation of telemedicine for geriatric patients including reimbursement from the Medicare program. Medicare reimbursement for telemedicine is limited to rural areas, which does not allow for the widespread development of telemedicine programs. All Medicare beneficiaries would benefit from increased access to telemedicine services, not only those living in rural areas. As many elderly and disabled individuals have mobility problems, home-based telemedicine services should also be made available. There are efforts in Congress to expand the coverage of these services under Medicare, but strong advocacy will be needed to ensure these efforts are successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie T Gentry
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Maria I Lapid
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Teresa A Rummans
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Torrent-Sellens J, Díaz-Chao Á, Soler-Ramos I, Saigí-Rubió F. Modeling and Predicting Outcomes of eHealth Usage by European Physicians: Multidimensional Approach from a Survey of 9196 General Practitioners. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e279. [PMID: 30348628 PMCID: PMC6231736 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The literature has noted the need to use more advanced methods and models to evaluate physicians’ outcomes in the shared health care model that electronic health (eHealth) proposes. Objective The goal of our study was to design and evaluate a predictive multidimensional model of the outcomes of eHealth usage by European physicians. Methods We used 2012-2013 survey data from a sample of 9196 European physicians (general practitioners). We proposed and tested two composite indicators of eHealth usage outcomes (internal practices and practices with patients) through 2-stage structural equation modeling. Logistic regression (odds ratios, ORs) to model the predictors of eHealth usage outcomes indicators were also calculated. Results European general practitioners who were female (internal practices OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.20; practices with patients OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.14-1.24) and younger—aged <35 years (internal practices OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.26; practices with patients OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.54) and aged 36-45 years (internal practices OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.28; practices with patients OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10-1.33)—had a greater propensity toward favorable eHealth usage outcomes in internal practices and practices with patients. European general practitioners who positively valued information and communication technology (ICT) impact on their personal working processes (internal practices OR 5.30, 95% CI 4.73-5.93; practices with patients OR 4.83, 95% CI 4.32-5.40), teamwork processes (internal practices OR 4.19, 95% CI 3.78-4.65; practices with patients OR 3.38, 95% CI 3.05-3.74), and the doctor-patient relationship (internal practices OR 3.97, 95% CI 3.60-4.37; practices with patients OR 6.02, 95% CI 5.43-6.67) had a high propensity toward favorable effects of eHealth usage on internal practices and practices with patients. More favorable eHealth outcomes were also observed for self-employed European general practitioners (internal practices OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.22-1.45; practices with patients OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.28). Finally, general practitioners who reported that the number of patients treated in the last 2 years had remained constant (internal practices OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.17) or increased (practices with patients OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.22) had a higher propensity toward favorable eHealth usage outcomes. Conclusions We provide new evidence of predictors (sociodemographic issues, attitudes toward ICT impacts, and working conditions) that explain favorable eHealth usage outcomes. The results highlight the need to develop more specific policies for eHealth usage to address different realities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Torrent-Sellens
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ángel Díaz-Chao
- Applied Economics Department, King Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Soler-Ramos
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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Brogan J, Baskaran I, Ramachandran N. Authenticating Health Activity Data Using Distributed Ledger Technologies. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2018; 16:257-266. [PMID: 30101004 PMCID: PMC6071583 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The on-demand digital healthcare ecosystem is on the near horizon. It has the potential to extract a wealth of information from “big data” collected at the population level, to enhance preventive and precision medicine at the patient level. This may improve efficiency and quality while decreasing cost of healthcare delivered by professionals. However, there are still security and privacy issues that need to be addressed before algorithms, data, and models can be mobilized safely at scale. In this paper we discuss how distributed ledger technologies can play a key role in advancing electronic health, by ensuring authenticity and integrity of data generated by wearable and embedded devices. We demonstrate how the Masked Authenticated Messaging extension module of the IOTA protocol can be used to securely share, store, and retrieve encrypted activity data using a tamper-proof distributed ledger.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Brogan
- University College London, Centre for Health Informatics & Multiprofessional Education, London, United Kingdom.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United States
| | | | - Navin Ramachandran
- University College London, Centre for Health Informatics & Multiprofessional Education, London, United Kingdom
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