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Khairat S, John R, Pillai M, McDaniel P, Edson B. Patient Characteristics Associated With Phone and Video Visits at a Tele-Urgent Care Center During the Initial COVID-19 Response: Cross-Sectional Study. Online J Public Health Inform 2024; 16:e50962. [PMID: 38241073 PMCID: PMC10802832 DOI: 10.2196/50962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems rapidly adopted telemedicine as an alternative health care delivery modality in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic factors, such as age and gender, may play a role in patients' choice of a phone or video visit. However, it is unknown whether there are differences in utilization between phone and video visits. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate patients' characteristics, patient utilization, and service characteristics of a tele-urgent care clinic during the initial response to the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of urgent care patients using a statewide, on-demand telemedicine clinic with board-certified physicians during the initial phases of the pandemic. The study data were collected from March 3, 2020, through May 3, 2020. RESULTS Of 1803 telemedicine visits, 1278 (70.9%) patients were women, 730 (40.5%) were aged 18 to 34 years, and 1423 (78.9%) were uninsured. There were significant differences between telemedicine modalities and gender (P<.001), age (P<.001), insurance status (P<.001), prescriptions given (P<.001), and wait times (P<.001). Phone visits provided significantly more access to rural areas than video visits (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that offering patients a combination of phone and video options provided additional flexibility for various patient subgroups, particularly patients living in rural regions with limited internet bandwidth. Differences in utilization were significant based on patient gender, age, and insurance status. We also found differences in prescription administration between phone and video visits that require additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Khairat
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- School of Nursing, University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Roshan John
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Malvika Pillai
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Philip McDaniel
- Digital Research Services Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Chung-Lee L, Catallo C, Meade A. What are COVID-19 Patient Preferences for and Experiences with Virtual Care? Findings From a Scoping Review. J Patient Exp 2023; 10:23743735231215603. [PMID: 38026065 PMCID: PMC10664431 DOI: 10.1177/23743735231215603] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Virtual care became a routine method for healthcare delivery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient preferences are central to delivering patient-centered and high-quality care. The pandemic challenged healthcare organizations and providers to quickly deliver safe healthcare to COVID-19 patients. This resulted in varied implementation of virtual healthcare services. With an increased focus on remote COVID-19 monitoring, little research has examined patient experiences with virtual care. This scoping review examined patient experiences and preferences with virtual care among community-based self-isolating COVID-19 patients. We identified a paucity of literature related to patient experiences and preferences regarding virtual care. Few articles focused on patient experiences and preferences as a primary outcome. Our research suggests that (1) patients view virtual care positively and to be feasible to use; (2) patient access to technology impacts patient satisfaction and experiences; and (3) to enhance the patient experience, healthcare organizations and providers need to support patient use of technology and resolve technology-related issues. When planning virtual care modalities, purposeful consideration of patient experiences and preferences is needed to deliver quality patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ava Meade
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
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Romaszko-Wojtowicz A, Jaśkiewicz Ł, Jurczak P, Doboszyńska A. Telemedicine in Primary Practice in the Age of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1541. [PMID: 37763659 PMCID: PMC10532942 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine, so far underestimated, has gained in value. Currently, telemedicine is not only a telephone or chat consultation, but also the possibility of the remote recording of signals (such as ECG, saturation, and heart rate) or even remote auscultation of the lungs. The objective of this review article is to present a potential role for, and disseminate knowledge of, telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: In order to analyze the research material in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of the ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed databases was conducted. Out of the total number of 363 papers identified, 22 original articles were subjected to analysis. Results: This article presents the possibilities of remote patient registration, which contributes to an improvement in remote diagnostics and diagnoses. Conclusions: Telemedicine is, although not always and not by everyone, an accepted form of providing medical services. It cannot replace direct patient-doctor contact, but it can undoubtedly contribute to accelerating diagnoses and improving their quality at a distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Romaszko-Wojtowicz
- Department of Pulmonology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Łukasz Jaśkiewicz
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Paweł Jurczak
- Student Scientific Club of Cardiopulmonology and Rare Diseases of the Respiratory System, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Anna Doboszyńska
- Department of Pulmonology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
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AlSalloum H, Almalq HM, Alyamani MJ. Factors Affecting Awareness About E-Health Services in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e37011. [PMID: 37139033 PMCID: PMC10150938 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Telemedicine or using e-health applications was maximized during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore awareness and satisfaction with several e-health services provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH), including Seha, Moed, 937 Services, and Wasfati. Methods A population-based social media survey assessed awareness and satisfaction with these applications. The survey gathered information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to highlight factors that affect awareness of and satisfaction with these services and thus could be a target for future development. Results Overall, 1333 surveys were completed; most (70%) of the participants were female, 44% were between the ages of 18 and 24 years, 83% were of Saudi nationality, and 70% had university degrees or above. Awareness was greatest with the 937 Services, Seha, Moed, and Wasfati applications. Satisfaction was the highest with the Moed application. Factors affecting awareness and satisfaction included age, sex, nationality, and education. Conclusion Awareness of and satisfaction with the four major e-health applications were high. This indicates the readiness of the Saudi population to embrace advances in telemedicine in alliance with the Saudi 2030 vision.
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Khairat S, Chourasia P, Muellers KA, Andreadis K, Lin JJ, Ancker JS. Patient and Provider Recommendations for Improved Telemedicine User Experience in Primary Care: A Multi-Center Qualitative Study. TELEMEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 4:21-29. [PMID: 36950478 PMCID: PMC10027343 DOI: 10.1089/tmr.2023.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore telemedicine use and obtain actionable recommendations to improve telemedicine user experience from a diverse group of patients and providers. METHODS We interviewed adult patients and primary care providers (PCPs) across three National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet) sites in New York City, North Carolina, and Florida. Both patients and providers could participate via phone or videoconferencing; patients could complete the interview in English or Spanish. Spanish interviews were conducted by a member of the research team who spoke Spanish fluently. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and when necessary, professionally translated. RESULTS We interviewed 21 PCPs and 65 patients between March and October 2021. We found that patients' and providers' perspectives on ways to improve the telemedicine experience focused on three recommendation themes: (1) expectations of care provided via telemedicine, (2) innovations to support usability, and (3) alleviation of physician burden. Key recommendations were related to expectations regarding (1) care provided, for example, adding educational content for the patients, and clarity about long-term payment models; (2) support innovation to improve telemedicine usability, for example, providing patients with remote monitoring devices, integrating in-home testing and nursing evaluation; (3) and reduce physician burden, for example, virtual rooming, reimbursement of time spent outside of the telemedicine encounter. DISCUSSION Primary care patients and providers see merit in telemedicine. However, both groups recommended novel ways to improve the quality of care and user experience. Findings from this article suggest that policymakers would be best served by addressing current gaps in patient digital literacy by creating technical support strategies, and gaps in telemedicine reimbursement to present an equitable form of payment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Khairat
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Sheps G. Cecil Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Prabal Chourasia
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Muellers
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychology, Pace University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katerina Andreadis
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jenny J. Lin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica S. Ancker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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6
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Yi Y, Chiu DK. Public information needs during the COVID-19 outbreak: a qualitative study in mainland China. LIBRARY HI TECH 2023. [DOI: 10.1108/lht-08-2022-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThe impact of COVID-19 has led to a surge in the public’s reliance on the Internet for pandemic information, and the policy of home isolation has exacerbated this. This study aimed to investigate public information needs and ways of accessing and disseminating information during COVID-19 in mainland China.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative research approach to conduct semi-structured interviews with 15 participants from 9 cities in mainland China about information needs and access behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak. All interview recordings were converted into text and proofread, then coded and summarised in correspondence with the research questions using the grounded theory.FindingsThis study summarized the dynamics of public information needs during the 2.5-year pandemic and identified the difficulties in accessing certain information.Originality/valueAlthough information needs of public health emergencies have been a hot topic during COVID-19, scant studies focus on information needs in specific countries in Asia, especially in mainland China, the first country with a major outbreak and stringent lockdown mandates. Therefore, the current study is well enriched by focusing on information demand behavior in the context of COVID-19. Possible measures for improvement were also given to existing and potential problems, taking into account the participants’ views.
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Anvari S, Neumark S, Jangra R, Sandre A, Pasumarthi K, Xenodemetropoulos T. Best Practices for the Provision of Virtual Care: A Systematic Review of Current Guidelines. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:3-22. [PMID: 35532969 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine has emerged as a feasible adjunct to in-person care in multiple clinical contexts, and its role has expanded in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there exists a general paucity of information surrounding best practice recommendations for conducting specialty or disease-specific virtual care. The purpose of this study was to systematically review existing best practice guidelines for conducting telemedicine encounters. Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) of existing guidelines for the provision of virtual care was performed. Data were synthesized using the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guideline, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Instrument (AGREE II) tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results: A total of 60 guidelines for virtual care encounters were included; 52% of these were published in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority (95%) of provider guidelines specified a type of virtual encounter to which their guidelines applied. Of included guidelines, 65% provided guidance regarding confidentiality/security, 58% discussed technology/setup, and 56% commented on patient consent. Thirty-one guidelines also provided guidance to patients or caregivers. Overall guideline quality was poor. Discussion: General best practices for successful telemedicine encounters include ensuring confidentiality and consent, preparation before a visit, and clear patient communication. Future studies should aim to objectively assess the efficacy of existing clinician practices and guidelines on patient attitudes and outcomes to further optimize the provision of virtual care for specific patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Anvari
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel Neumark
- Translational Research Program, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rhea Jangra
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Sandre
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keerthana Pasumarthi
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ted Xenodemetropoulos
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Education and Innovation, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Viitanen J, Valkonen P, Savolainen K, Karisalmi N, Hölsä S, Kujala S. Patient Experience from an eHealth Perspective: A Scoping Review of Approaches and Recent Trends. Yearb Med Inform 2022; 31:136-145. [PMID: 36463871 PMCID: PMC9719751 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742515] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients' experiences are increasingly gaining interest in multiple research fields. Researchers have applied various approaches to studying patient experience (PX); however, there is no commonly agreed-upon definition of PX. This scoping review focuses on PX from an eHealth perspective. Our aim was to: 1) describe how PX has been defined, 2) investigate which factors influencing PX and components of PX have been identified and researched, 3) explore the methods used in studying PX, and 4) find out the recent trends in PX research from an eHealth perspective. METHODS We selected six major journals covering the fields of health informatics, PX, and nursing informatics. Using the search terms "patient experience" and technology-related terms (e.g., digital, eHealth), we searched for articles published between 2019 and 2021. From 426 articles, 44 were included in the analysis. RESULTS Multiple concepts and meanings are used to refer to PX. Few articles include vague descriptions of the concept. Numerous eHealth factors are influencing PX, as well as components considering PX. The influencing factors were related to eHealth solutions' type and quality, and care process, when the components of PX were related to communication, remote interaction, risks and concerns, and patients' attitudes towards telehealth. Surveys were the main method used to study PX, followed by interviews. CONCLUSIONS PX is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and it is described as a synonym for patient satisfaction and telehealth experiences. Further multidisciplinary research is needed to understand PX as a phenomenon and to outline a framework for the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Viitanen
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland,Correspondence to: Johanna Viitanen PO Box 15400, FI-00076 AALTOFinland+358 505 936 822
| | - Paula Valkonen
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
| | | | - Nina Karisalmi
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
| | - Sini Hölsä
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
| | - Sari Kujala
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Finland
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9
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Ingels DJ, Zajac SA, Kilcullen MP, Bisbey TM, Salas E. Interprofessional teamwork in healthcare: Observations and the road ahead. J Interprof Care 2022; 37:338-345. [PMID: 35997226 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2022.2090526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
In this effort we draw from the literature on interprofessional teamwork in high reliability organizations from different fields of study, including healthcare, industrial/organizational psychology, and management. We combine this literature with our collective experience to offer five observations on future needs for the field of team science research and practice. These themes include: (1) exploration of nonclinical teams, (2) evaluation of multi-team systems in healthcare, (3) the study of dyad leadership of teams, (4) the proliferation of virtual healthcare teams, and (5) the continuing integration of organizational and team science into the study of interprofessional teams. By presenting these observations, we argue why each is critical to the overall understanding of interprofessional teamwork in healthcare and provide areas for future scholarly advancement that will inform healthcare practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Ingels
- Leadership Institute, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie A Zajac
- Leadership Institute, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Molly P Kilcullen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tiffany M Bisbey
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Salas
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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Agarwal P, Wang R, Meaney C, Walji S, Damji A, Gill N, Yip G, Elman D, Florindo T, Fung S, Witty M, Pham TN, Ramji N, Kiran T. Sociodemographic differences in patient experience with primary care during COVID-19: results from a cross-sectional survey in Ontario, Canada. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056868. [PMID: 35534055 PMCID: PMC9086266 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to understand patients' care-seeking behaviours early in the pandemic, their use and views of different virtual care modalities, and whether these differed by sociodemographic factors. METHODS We conducted a multisite cross-sectional patient experience survey at 13 academic primary care teaching practices between May and June 2020. An anonymised link to an electronic survey was sent to a subset of patients with a valid email address on file; sampling was based on birth month. For each question, the proportion of respondents who selected each response was calculated, followed by a comparison by sociodemographic characteristics using χ2 tests. RESULTS In total, 7532 participants responded to the survey. Most received care from their primary care clinic during the pandemic (67.7%, 5068/7482), the majority via phone (82.5%, 4195/5086). Among those who received care, 30.53% (1509/4943) stated that they delayed seeking care because of the pandemic. Most participants reported a high degree of comfort with phone (92.4%, 3824/4139), video (95.2%, 238/250) and email or messaging (91.3%, 794/870). However, those reporting difficulty making ends meet, poor or fair health and arriving in Canada in the last 10 years reported lower levels of comfort with virtual care and fewer wanted their practice to continue offering virtual options after the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that newcomers, people living with a lower income and those reporting poor or fair health have a stronger preference and comfort for in-person primary care. Further research should explore potential barriers to virtual care and how these could be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Agarwal
- Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ri Wang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Meaney
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sakina Walji
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mount Sinai Academic Family Health Team, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali Damji
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Credit Valley Family Health Team, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Navsheer Gill
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gina Yip
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Oak Valley Health Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debbie Elman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tiffany Florindo
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susanna Fung
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Scarborough Health Network, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Witty
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Barrie and Community Family Health Team, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thuy-Nga Pham
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- South East Toronto Family Health Team, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noor Ramji
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Kiran
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institue of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Khairat S, Wallace E, Bohlmann A, Zebrowski A, Stabile K, Yao Y, Lakdawala A, Edson B, Catlett T. Digital Health Experiences of Incarcerated Populations Using Telemedicine in North Carolina Prisons. J Patient Exp 2022; 9:23743735221092611. [PMID: 35465408 PMCID: PMC9024156 DOI: 10.1177/23743735221092611] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 1.2 million adults are incarcerated in the United States and hence, require health care from prison systems. The current delivery of care to incarcerated individualss is expensive, logistically challenging, risk fragmenting care, and pose security risks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of patient characteristics and experiences with the perceived telemedicine experiences of incarcerated individuals during the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional study of incarcerated individuals in 55 North Carolina prison facilities seeking medical specialty care via telemedicine. Data collection took place from June 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020. Of the 482 patient surveys completed, 424 (88%) were male, 257 (53.3%) were over 50 years of age, and 225 (46.7%) were Black or African American and 195 (40.5%) were White, and 289 (60%) no prior telemedicine experience. There were 3 strong predictors of how patients rated their telemedicine experience: personal comfort with telemedicine (P-value < .001), wait time (P-value < .001), and the clarity of the treatment explanation by the provider (P-value < .001). There was a relationship between telemedicine experiences and how patient rated their experience. Also, patients who were less satisfied with using telemedicine indicated their preference for an in-clinic visit for their next appointment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif Khairat
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Erin Wallace
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aaron Bohlmann
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ashlyn Zebrowski
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Stabile
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yuxiao Yao
- School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Adnan Lakdawala
- Carolina Health Informatics Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Terri Catlett
- Healthcare Administration, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, NC, USA
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Khairat S, Yao Y, Coleman C, McDaniel P, Edson B, Shea CM. Changes in Patient Characteristics and Practice Outcomes of a Tele-Urgent Care Clinic Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Policy Expansions. PERSPECTIVES IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 2022; 19:1k. [PMID: 35692856 PMCID: PMC9123528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) has resulted in major changes in lifestyle practices and healthcare delivery. The goal of this study was to examine changes in practice and service outcomes in a telehealth program before and after the federal and private telehealth policy expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings are particularly useful to understand what may be needed to overcome telehealth challenges in future disasters. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of virtual visits through a statewide telehealth center embedded in a large academic healthcare system. Primary outcomes of this study were changes in telehealth visits pre- and post-policy expansions among at-risk populations. RESULTS A total of 2,132 telehealth visits were conducted: 1,530 (71.8 percent) patients were female, 1,561 (73.2 percent) were between the ages 18-50, 1,576 (74 percent) were uninsured, and 1,225 (57.5 percent) were from rural regions. The average number of telehealth visits per day increased from 14 to 33 visits post-expansion. A significant change in patient characteristics was found among senior, uninsured, and rural patients after the telehealth expansion.There was an 11 percent decrease in telehealth visits from very high vulnerability regions post-expansion compared to pre-expansion. There was a 15 percent decrease in visits resulting in prescription post-expansion (p-value<0.01). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 policy expansions expanded telehealth utilization among at-risk populations such as senior, uninsured, and rural patients while decompressing hospitals and emergency rooms and maintaining positive patient experiences. Further regulations are needed around virtual visits unintended consequences, software certification, and guidelines for workforce training.
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Vilendrer S, Sackeyfio S, Akinbami E, Ghosh R, Luu JH, Pathak D, Shimada M, Williamson EE, Shieh L. Patient Perspectives of Inpatient Telemedicine During COVID-19: A Qualitative Assessment (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2021; 6:e32933. [PMID: 35147510 PMCID: PMC8970158 DOI: 10.2196/32933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Telemedicine has been adopted in the inpatient setting to facilitate clinical interactions between on-site clinicians and isolated hospitalized patients. Such remote interactions have the potential to reduce pathogen exposure and use of personal protective equipment but may also pose new safety concerns given prior evidence that isolated patients can receive suboptimal care. Formal evaluations of the use and practical acceptance of inpatient telemedicine among hospitalized patients are lacking. Objective We aimed to evaluate the experience of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with inpatient telemedicine introduced as an infection control measure during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a qualitative evaluation in a COVID-19 designated non–intensive care hospital unit at a large academic health center (Stanford Health Care) from October 2020 through January 2021. Semistructured qualitative interviews focused on patient experience, impact on quality of care, communication, and mental health. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants representing diversity across varying demographics until thematic saturation was reached. Interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive-deductive approach. Results Interviews with 20 hospitalized patients suggested that nonemergency clinical care and bridging to in-person care comprised the majority of inpatient telemedicine use. Nurses were reported to enter the room and call on the tablet far more frequently than physicians, who typically entered the room at least daily. Patients reported broad acceptance of the technology, citing improved convenience and reduced anxiety, but preferred in-person care where possible. Quality of care was believed to be similar to in-person care with the exception of a few patients who wanted more frequent in-person examinations. Ongoing challenges included low audio volume, shifting tablet location, and inconsistent verbal introductions from the clinical team. Conclusions Patient experiences with inpatient telemedicine were largely favorable. Although most patients expressed a preference for in-person care, telemedicine was acceptable given the circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvements in technical and care team use may enhance acceptability. Further evaluation is needed to understand the impact of inpatient telemedicine and the optimal balance between in-person and virtual care in the hospital setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie Vilendrer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Sackeyfio
- Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Eliel Akinbami
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Roy Ghosh
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jacklyn Ha Luu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Divya Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Masahiro Shimada
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | | | - Lisa Shieh
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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14
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Alipour J, Hayavi-Haghighi MH. Opportunities and Challenges of Telehealth in Disease Management during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Appl Clin Inform 2021; 12:864-876. [PMID: 34528234 PMCID: PMC8443403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unexpected universal problem that has changed health care access across the world. Telehealth is an effective solution for health care delivery during disasters and public health emergencies. This study was conducted to summarize the opportunities and challenges of using telehealth in health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A structured search was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine, for studies published until November 4, 2020. The reviewers analyzed 112 studies and identified opportunities and challenges. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocols. Quality appraisal was done according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS A total of 112 unique opportunities of telehealth application during the pandemic were categorized into 4 key themes, such as (1) clinical, (2) organizational, (3) technical, and (4) social, which were further divided into 11 initial themes and 26 unique concepts. Furthermore, 106 unique challenges were categorized into 6 key themes, such as (1) legal, (2) clinical, (3) organizational, (40 technical, (5) socioeconomic, and (6) data quality, which were divided into 16 initial themes and 37 unique concepts altogether. The clinical opportunities and legal challenges were the most frequent opportunities and challenges, respectively. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the use of telehealth. This study could offer useful information to policymakers about the opportunities and challenges of implementing telehealth for providing accessible, safe, and efficient health care delivery to the patient population during and after COVID-19. Furthermore, it can assist policymakers to make informed decisions on implementing telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the obstacles ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanpour Alipour
- Health Information Management, Health Information Technology Department, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Hayavi-Haghighi
- Department of Health Information Technology, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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15
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Goldberg EM, Jiménez FN, Chen K, Davoodi NM, Li M, Strauss DH, Zou M, Guthrie K, Merchant RC. Telehealth was beneficial during COVID-19 for older Americans: A qualitative study with physicians. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:3034-3043. [PMID: 34245165 PMCID: PMC8447382 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Individuals aged 65 and older face unique barriers to adoption of telehealth, and the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has provided a “natural experiment” in how to meet the health needs of older patients remotely. Physician perspectives on practical considerations surrounding telehealth adoption, motivations of use, and reasons for nonuse are necessary to inform the future of healthcare delivery. The objective is to understand the experiences of physicians using telemedicine for older patients. Methods From September to November 2020, we conducted 30‐min semi‐structured interviews using purposeful sampling to identify and enroll participants from diverse settings. We included 48 U.S.‐based physicians (geriatrician, n = 18, primary care, n = 15, emergency, n = 15) from all geographic regions, rural–urban and academic/community settings. Audio‐recorded interviews were professionally transcribed and analyzed using framework analysis. Major themes and subthemes were identified. Results Participants had a median (interquartile range) age of 37.5 (34–44.5), 27 (56%) were women. Five major themes emerged: (1) telehealth uptake was rapid and iterative, (2) telehealth improved the safety of medical care, (3) use cases were specialty‐specific (for geriatricians and primary care physicians telehealth substituted for in‐person visits; for emergency physicians it primarily supplemented in‐person visits), (4) physicians altered clinical care to overcome older patient barriers to telehealth use, and (5) telehealth use among physicians declined in mid‐April 2020, due primarily to patient needs and administrator preferences, not physician factors. Conclusion In this qualitative analysis, physicians reported a rapid, iterative uptake of telehealth and attenuation of use as coronavirus disease 2019 prevalence declined. Physician experiences during the pandemic can inform interventions and policies to help buoy telehealth for ongoing healthcare delivery and ensure its accessibility for older Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Goldberg
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Frances N Jiménez
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kevin Chen
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Natalie M Davoodi
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Melinda Li
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Daniel H Strauss
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Maria Zou
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kate Guthrie
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Roland C Merchant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Raffan F, Anderson T, Sinclair T, Shaw M, Amanatidis S, Thapa R, Nilsson SJ, Jagers D, Wilson A, Haigh F. The Virtual Care Experience of Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19. J Patient Exp 2021; 8:23743735211008310. [PMID: 34179437 PMCID: PMC8205417 DOI: 10.1177/23743735211008310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual models of care are seen as a sustainable solution to the growing demand for health care. This paper analyses the experience of virtual care among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in home isolation or health hotel quarantine using a patient-reported experience questionnaire. Results found that patients respond well to virtual models of care during a pandemic. Lessons learned can inform future developments of virtual care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Raffan
- Virtual Hospital, Sydney Local Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Teresa Anderson
- Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Sinclair
- Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miranda Shaw
- Virtual Hospital, Sydney Local Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Amanatidis
- Virtual Hospital, Sydney Local Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rajip Thapa
- Virtual Hospital, Sydney Local Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Jane Nilsson
- Virtual Hospital, Sydney Local Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianna Jagers
- Virtual Hospital, Sydney Local Health, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Wilson
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - Fiona Haigh
- Research and Development Unit, Centre for Health Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Galle A, Semaan A, Huysmans E, Audet C, Asefa A, Delvaux T, Afolabi BB, El Ayadi AM, Benova L. A double-edged sword-telemedicine for maternal care during COVID-19: findings from a global mixed-methods study of healthcare providers. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004575. [PMID: 33632772 PMCID: PMC7908054 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rapid implementation of telemedicine for the provision of maternal and newborn healthcare. The objective of this study was to document the experiences with providing telemedicine for maternal and newborn healthcare during the pandemic among healthcare professionals globally. METHODS The second round of a global online survey of maternal and newborn health professionals was conducted, disseminated in 11 languages. Data were collected between 5 July and 10 September 2020. The questionnaire included questions regarding background, preparedness and response to COVID-19, and experiences with providing telemedicine. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyse responses, disaggregated by country income level. RESULTS Responses from 1060 maternal and newborn health professionals were analysed. Telemedicine was used by 58% of health professionals and two-fifths of them reported not receiving guidelines on the provision of telemedicine. Key telemedicine practices included online birth preparedness classes, antenatal and postnatal care by video/phone, a COVID-19 helpline and online psychosocial counselling. Challenges reported lack of infrastructure and technological literacy, limited monitoring, financial and language barriers, lack of non-verbal feedback and bonding, and distrust from patients. Telemedicine was considered as an important alternative to in-person consultations. However, health providers emphasised the lower quality of care and risk of increasing the already existing inequalities in access to healthcare. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine has been applied globally to address disruptions of care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some crucial aspects of maternal and newborn healthcare seem difficult to deliver by telemedicine. More research regarding the effectiveness, efficacy and quality of telemedicine for maternal healthcare in different contexts is needed before considering long-term adaptations in provision of care away from face-to-face interactions. Clear guidelines for care provision and approaches to minimising socioeconomic and technological inequalities in access to care are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Galle
- ICRH, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Aline Semaan
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Elise Huysmans
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Constance Audet
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Anteneh Asefa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Therese Delvaux
- Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Alison Marie El Ayadi
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lenka Benova
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
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