1
|
Youssef Y, Fellmer F, Gehlen T, Estel K, Tsitsilonis S, Maerdian S, Digitalisierung AG, Back DA. Joint and Functional Examinations in the Orthopaedic and Traumatological Video Consultation - What is Currently Possible? ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ORTHOPADIE UND UNFALLCHIRURGIE 2024; 162:149-165. [PMID: 36473487 DOI: 10.1055/a-1957-5763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultations have gained importance in orthopaedic and traumatological departments. In current literature, different adaptations of classic joint and functional examinations have been described for the virtual examination. METHODOLOGY A systematic review of current literature on adaptations for the virtual joint and functional examination in orthopaedics and trauma surgery was performed over PubMed (January 2010 to April 2021). The identified examination methods were then summarised systematically according to body region and pathology. Each examination was then described in detail and depicted in an exemplary picture. RESULTS In total 17 articles were identified and included in the analysis. Most of the examinations employed classical examination methods which were adapted so that they could be performed by the patient independently. Everyday items were described as supporting tools. In five publications, orthopaedic examinations performed in video consultations were compared to the classical examination. Results of functional examinations showed less agreement with results of classical orthopaedic examinations when compared to inspection and ROM-testing. CONCLUSION Current literature offers a substantial repertoire of examination options that can be used in the orthopaedic and traumatological video consultation. The reported examinations are mostly oriented to classical orthopaedic examinations. In future digital examinations have to be validated and possibly further adapted in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Youssef
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Felix Fellmer
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Septisch-Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Tobias Gehlen
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
- Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Estel
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Septisch-Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Serafeim Tsitsilonis
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
- Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Sven Maerdian
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
- Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - A G Digitalisierung
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - David Alexander Back
- AG Digitalisierung, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Berlin, Deutschland
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Septisch-Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rappard G, Harb J, Yi C, Russell R. Feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth in the management of cervicothoracic and lumbar pain during the first six months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A case series. INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MEDICINE 2023; 2:100260. [PMID: 39238914 PMCID: PMC11373078 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2023.100260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The primary study objective is to assess the effectiveness and utility of telehealth in managing spine pain. The secondary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of employing various treatments utilizing telehealth. Study design Retrospective case series of patients with spinal pain managed primarily by telehealth during the first 6 months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the United States. Setting A single center community based out-patient clinic and ambulatory surgical facility. Subjects 101 consecutive adult patients complaining of cervicothoracic or low back pain presenting to a specialized spine clinic. Methods Telehealth was the preferred method of consultation for 101 consecutive patients presenting with cervicothoracic and/or low-back pain. After conservative care, patients with continued pain and disability were offered procedures. Disability Index (NDI and ODI) and pain Visual Analog Scores (VAS) were used to determine patient outcomes. Results 101 new out-patient consultations occurred. Telehealth initial consultation occurred in 98% of cases. There was a total of 504 follow up consultations. Follow up was via telehealth in 69%. Significant neurological abnormalities were detected by telehealth in 3% of patients. The lost to follow up rate was 10%. All 63 interventional procedures performed on 42 patients were completed as planned during telehealth visits. Likewise for all 9 surgical procedures. Outcomes were monitored via telehealth. Overall, for patients with cervicothoracic pain, minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for VAS or NDI were reached in 71%. Overall, the MCID for VAS or ODI for low back pain patients was reached in 70%. Conclusion Telehealth in our series was easily deployable, highly feasible, allowed accurate monitoring of patient care and resulted in accurate triaging for interventions and surgery. Overall patient outcomes compare favorably with that reported for in-person spinal pain care. Telehealth was effective and easily utilizable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Rappard
- Los Angeles Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, 8929 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 210, Beverly Hills, California, 90211, USA
- Southern California University of Health Sciences, 16200 Amber Valley Dr, Whittier, California, 90604, USA
| | - Jake Harb
- Los Angeles Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, 8929 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 210, Beverly Hills, California, 90211, USA
| | - Caitlin Yi
- Los Angeles Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, 8929 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 210, Beverly Hills, California, 90211, USA
| | - Robb Russell
- Southern California University of Health Sciences, 16200 Amber Valley Dr, Whittier, California, 90604, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tenforde AS, Alexander JJ, Alexander M, Annaswamy TM, Carr CJ, Chang P, Díaz M, Iaccarino MA, Lewis SB, Millett C, Pandit S, Ramirez CP, Rinaldi R, Roop M, Slocum CS, Tekmyster G, Venesy D, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Zorowitz RD, Rowland TR. Telehealth in PM&R: Past, present, and future in clinical practice and opportunities for translational research. PM R 2023; 15:1156-1174. [PMID: 37354209 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth refers to the use of telecommunication devices and other forms of technology to provide services outside of the traditional in-person health care delivery system. Growth in the use of telehealth creates new challenges and opportunities for implementation in clinical practice. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) assembled an expert group to develop a white paper to examine telehealth innovation in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). The resultant white paper summarizes how telehealth is best used in the field of PM&R while highlighting current knowledge deficits and technological limitations. The report identifies new and transformative opportunities for PM&R to advance translational research related to telehealth and enhance patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Tenforde
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua J Alexander
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marcalee Alexander
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Thiru M Annaswamy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Conley J Carr
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Philip Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Mary A Iaccarino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen B Lewis
- Physiatry-Pharmacy Collaborative, NJ Institute for Successful Aging, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Carolyn Millett
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rosemont, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Rinaldi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Megan Roop
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rosemont, Illinois, USA
| | - Chloe S Slocum
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gene Tekmyster
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Richard D Zorowitz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang T, Zhu C, Zhao Y, Zhao M, Wang Z, Song R, Meng N, Sial A, Diwan A, Liu J, Cheung JPY. Deep Learning Model to Classify and Monitor Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents Using a Single Smartphone Photograph. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2330617. [PMID: 37610748 PMCID: PMC10448299 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.30617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common pediatric spinal disorder. Routine physical examinations by trained personnel are critical to diagnose severity and monitor curve progression in AIS. In the presence of concerning malformation, radiographs are necessary for diagnosis or follow-up, guiding further management, such as bracing correction for moderate malformation and spine surgery for severe malformation. If left unattended, progressive deterioration occurs in two-thirds of patients, leading to significant health concerns for growing children. Objective To assess the ability of an open platform application (app) using a validated deep learning model to classify AIS severity and curve type, as well as identify progression. Design, Setting, and Participants This diagnostic study was performed with data from radiographs and smartphone photographs of the backs of adolescent patients at spine clinics. The ScolioNets deep learning model was developed and validated in a prospective training cohort, then incorporated and tested in the AlignProCARE open platform app in 2022. Ground truths (GTs) included severity, curve type, and progression as manually annotated by 2 experienced spine specialists based on the radiographic examinations of the participants' spines. The GTs and app results were blindly compared with another 2 spine surgeons' assessments of unclothed back appearance. Data were analyzed from October 2022 to February 2023. Exposure Acquisitions of unclothed back photographs using a mobile app. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcomes of interest were classification of AIS severity and progression. Quantitative statistical analyses were performed to assess the performance of the deep learning model in classifying the deformity as well as in distinguishing progression during 6-month follow-up. Results The training data set consisted of 1780 patients (1295 [72.8%] female; mean [SD] age, 14.3 [3.3] years), and the prospective testing data sets consisted of 378 patients (279 [73.8%] female; mean [SD] age, 14.3 [3.8] years) and 376 follow-ups (294 [78.2%] female; mean [SD] age, 15.6 [2.9] years). The model recommended follow-up with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.839 (95% CI, 0.789-0.882) and considering surgery with an AUC of 0.902 (95% CI, 0.859-0.936), while showing good ability to distinguish among thoracic (AUC, 0.777 [95% CI, 0.745-0.808]), thoracolumbar or lumbar (AUC, 0.760 [95% CI, 0.727-0.791]), or mixed (AUC, 0.860 [95% CI, 0.834-0.887]) curve types. For follow-ups, the model distinguished participants with or without curve progression with an AUC of 0.757 (95% CI, 0.630-0.858). Compared with both surgeons, the model could recognize severities and curve types with a higher sensitivity (eg, sensitivity for recommending follow-up: model, 84.88% [95% CI, 75.54%-91.70%]; senior surgeon, 44.19%; junior surgeon, 62.79%) and negative predictive values (NPVs; eg, NPV for recommending follow-up: model, 89.22% [95% CI, 84.25%-93.70%]; senior surgeon, 71.76%; junior surgeon, 79.35%). For distinguishing curve progression, the sensitivity and NPV were comparable with the senior surgeons (sensitivity, 63.33% [95% CI, 43.86%-80.87%] vs 77.42%; NPV, 68.57% [95% CI, 56.78%-78.37%] vs 72.00%). The junior surgeon reported an inability to identify curve types and progression by observing the unclothed back alone. Conclusions This diagnostic study of adolescent patients screened for AIS found that the deep learning app had the potential for out-of-hospital accessible and radiation-free management of children with scoliosis, with comparable performance as spine surgeons experienced in AIS management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- Digital Health Laboratory, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuang Zhu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Yongkang Zhao
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Moxin Zhao
- Digital Health Laboratory, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoning Song
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Meng
- Digital Health Laboratory, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Alisha Sial
- SpineLabs, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St George Hospital Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ashish Diwan
- SpineLabs, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St George Hospital Campus, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jun Liu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Jason P. Y. Cheung
- Digital Health Laboratory, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yılmaz HG, Büyükaslan A, Kuşvuran A, Turan Z, Tuna F, Tunc H, Özdoğan S. A New Clinical Tool for Scoliosis Risk Analysis: Scoliosis Tele-Screening Test. Asian Spine J 2023; 17:656-665. [PMID: 37226382 PMCID: PMC10460665 DOI: 10.31616/asj.2022.0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Methodological, observational clinical study. PURPOSE This study aimed to develop a virtual screening test to detect scoliosis risk initially by parents without the need for medical visit during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE The scoliosis screening program has been implemented to early detect scoliosis. Unfortunately, access to health professionals was limited during the pandemic. However, during this time, interest in telemedicine has increased remarkably. Recently, mobile applications related to postural analysis were developed, but none permits evaluation by parents. METHODS Researchers developed the Scoliosis Tele-Screening Test (STS-Test), which included drawing-based images of body asymmetries, to assess the scoliosis-associated risk factors. The STS-Test was shared on social networks, allowing the parents to evaluate their children. After test completion, the risk score was generated automatically, and children with medium and high risks were then advised for medical consultation for further evaluation. The test accuracy and consistency between the clinician and parents were also analyzed. RESULTS Of the 865 tested children, 358 (41.4%) consulted clinicians to confirm their STS-Test results. Scoliosis was then confirmed in 91 children (25.4%). The parents were able to detect asymmetry in 50% of the lumbar/thoracolumbar curvatures and 82% of the thoracic curvatures. In addition, the forward bend test revealed favorable agreement between parents and clinicians (r =0.809, p<0.0005). Internal consistency of the esthetic deformities domain in the STS-Test was also excellent (α=0.901). This tool was 94.97% accurate, 83.51% sensitive, and 98.87% specific. CONCLUSIONS The STS-Test is a new parent-friendly, virtual, cost-effective, result-oriented, and reliable tool for scoliosis screening. It allows parents to actively participate in the early detection of scoliosis by screening their children for the risk of scoliosis periodically without the need to visit the health institution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahsen Büyükaslan
- Formed Healthcare Scoliosis Treatment and Brace Center, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Kinesiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslihan Kuşvuran
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Toros University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Turan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Tuna
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Hande Tunc
- Formed Healthcare Scoliosis Treatment and Brace Center, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Özdoğan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medstar Antalya Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eckley MJ, Hsu C, Tenforde AS. Feasibility Using Telehealth for Planning Use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in a Sports Medicine Clinic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111574. [PMID: 37297714 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to describe whether telehealth compared with in-person visits, led to a similar agreement of primary diagnosis reached at the time of procedure using extracorporeal shockwave therapy. (2) Methods: This retrospective study consisted of chart reviews of all new patients evaluated in a sports medicine clinic prior to performing extracorporeal shockwave therapy from April 2020 to March 2021. The primary outcome of the study was describing agreement in primary diagnosis at the time of evaluation (telehealth and in-person) and during the procedure using extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Logistic regression was utilized to identify patient characteristics that may predict agreement of diagnosis using telehealth. (3) Results: The chart review identified 166 patients (45 telehealth and 121 in-person) evaluated for extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Agreement of diagnosis was similar for patients evaluated using telehealth compared to in-person visits (84% vs. 92%, Χ2 = 1.90, p = 0.168). Agreement on diagnosis was more likely in patients who started shockwave within the 1 week of initial visit (OR = 8.27, 95% CI = 1.69-45.29), patients over age 60 (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90-0.99), and in patients without a history of osteoarthritis (OR = 14.00, 95% CI = 1.88-113.46). (4) Conclusions: Telehealth resulted in a similar agreement to in-person visits to identify a primary diagnosis for planning extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Telehealth may be a reasonable alternative to in-person visits for procedural planning of extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Eckley
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Connie Hsu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adam S Tenforde
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sabetian PW, Ouyang VW, Fox JD, Jimenez AE, Ankem HK, Saks BR, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG. Telemedicine: An Effective Tool for Patient-Physician Communication. Orthopedics 2023; 46:e173-e178. [PMID: 36623281 DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20230104-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine appointments in a tertiary orthopedic hip clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a substitute for traditional in-person visits. One hundred sixty-three patients had a telemedicine visit from March to September 2020. Patients were divided into two cohorts. The presurgical group included all patients who had not undergone any prior surgical hip procedures. The pre-surgical group was further subdivided into two groups based on the purpose of the visit: conservative treatment and imaging review. Patients who were indicated for surgical treatment from these two groups were identified to assess their compliance with the surgical indication. The effectiveness was measured by assessing whether patients required an in-person visit before the scheduled follow-up after the telemedicine visit for further medical assessment. Fifty (30.7%) men and 113 (69.3%) women had a telemedicine visit during the 6-month period. The mean age was 43.68 (±16.95) years. There were 92 (56.4%) patients in the presurgical group, of whom 41% followed up after indication for conservative treatment and 59% visited to review imaging. From these groups, 27% were indicated for surgical treatment. The postsurgical group contained 71 (43.6%) patients, divided into three groups based on their surgery date: 0 to 3 months (27%), 4 to 12 months (59%), and more than 12 months (14%). All patients were compliant with the scheduled follow-up after their telemedicine visit. This study showed that telemedicine can be an effective tool for patient-physician communication, obviating the need for subsequent follow-up beyond regularly scheduled visits. [Orthopedics. 20XX;XX(X):xx-xx.].
Collapse
|
8
|
Glinkowski WM. Telemedicine Orthopedic Consultations Duration and Timing in Outpatient Clinical Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2022; 29:778-787. [PMID: 36251954 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Orthopedic associations advocated telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent disease transmission without hindering providing services to orthopedic patients. The study aimed to evaluate outpatient orthopedic teleconsultations' timing, length, and organizational issues in the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic based on consecutive orthopedic teleconsultations during the period of the first lockdown. Methods: Orthopedic telemedical consultations (OTCs) were provided from March 23, 2020, to June 1, 2020, and analyzed retrospectively based on mobile smartphone billing and electronic health record. Teleconsultations were based on the legal regulations of telemedicine services in Poland. Results: One thousand seventy-one patients (514 women and 557 men) with a mean age of 41.7 were teleconsulted. The length of the OTC averagely lasted 13.36 min (standard deviation 8.63). Consulted patients suffered from orthopedic disorders 65.3%, musculoskeletal injuries 26.3%, and other diseases 8.4%. Most OTCs were delayed (74.22%) concerning the planned schedule, with a median delay time of 12 min. Only 7.3% of teleconsultations were held precisely on time. Conclusions: Televisit length may not be dependent on gender, older age, or more diagnoses. The services like e-prescriptions, e-Referrals, e-Orders for orthotics, and e-Sick-leaves influence OTC length. Any extension of the patient's OTC may create a "snowball effect" of further delay for each subsequent OTC. Orthopedic teleconsultation requires new understanding and skills by both the patient and specialist physicians. Future research directions should concern the practical aspects of orthopedic teleconsultations, like legal, organizational, and technological issues and their implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech, M. Glinkowski
- Center of Excellence “TeleOrto” for Telediagnostics and Treatment of Disorders and Injuries of the Locomotor System, Department of Medical Informatics and Telemedicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Polish Telemedicine and eHealth Society, Warsaw, Poland
- Gabinet Lekarski, Warsaw, Poland
- Centrum Medyczne PZU Zdrowie, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu JC, Haider SA, Sharma A, Blumenfeld K, Cheng J, Mazzola CA, Orrico KO, Rosenow J, Stacy J, Stroink A, Tomei K, Tumialán LM, Veeravagu A, Linskey ME, Schwalb J. Telehealth in Neurosurgery: 2021 Council of State Neurosurgical Societies National Survey Results. World Neurosurg 2022; 168:e328-e335. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.09.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
10
|
Troutner A, Barbato M. Use of Telemedicine in the Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy in a US Veteran During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med 2022; 21:225-231. [PMID: 36118106 PMCID: PMC9479199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this case study was to describe the diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy through telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical Features A 57-year-old male patient was evaluated at a Veterans Affairs chiropractic clinic via video telemedicine for evaluation regarding neck pain and bilateral arm paresthesia. Intervention and Outcome During the initial evaluation performed by video telemedicine, the doctor of chiropractic was concerned about the possibility of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This prompted a face-to-face consultation with the patient for further evaluation. The face-to-face evaluation revealed correlating objective findings, including brisk reflexes and transient clonus. Noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine was performed, which showed evidence of cord compression with associated myelomalacia in the cervical spine at the C4-C5 level. After a neurosurgical consultation, the patient underwent successful anterior cervical decompression and fusion at the C4-C5 level. Conclusion Chiropractic services through live video telemedicine in conjunction with face-to-face evaluation resulted in a timely neurosurgical consultation and successful decompression of the affected region. In this case, telemedicine facilitated a positive outcome for a patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Barbato
- Corresponding author: Michael Barbato, DC, 76 Veterans Ave, Bath, NY 14810
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Telemedicine Visits Can Generate Highly Accurate Diagnoses and Surgical Plans for Spine Patients. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2022; 47:1194-1202. [PMID: 35797655 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To (1) assess whether diagnoses and surgical plans established during a new patient telemedicine visit changed following an in-person evaluation and (2) determine any differences in perioperative outcomes between patients who only had a telemedicine visit before surgery versus those who had a telemedicine visit followed by an in-person evaluation before surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Data on capability of telemedicine to deliver high-quality preoperative assessment without a traditional in-person interaction and physical examination is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of patients who had a new patient telemedicine visit and indicated for surgery with documented specific diagnosis as well as surgical plans from a spine department at an urban tertiary center from April 2020 to April 2021 were reviewed. For a subset of patients that had a follow-up in-person evaluation before surgery, these diagnoses and plans were compared. Perioperative outcomes were compared between patients who only had a telemedicine visit before surgery versus those who had a telemedicine visit followed by an in-person evaluation before surgery. RESULTS A total of 166 patients were included. Of these, 101 patients (61%) only had a new patient telemedicine visit before surgery while 65 (39%) had a telemedicine visit followed by an in-person evaluation. There were no differences in the rate of case cancellations before surgery and patient-reported outcome measures between these two groups ( P >0.05). Of 65 patients who had both a telemedicine followed by an in-person visit, the diagnosis was unchanged for 61 patients (94%) and the surgical plan did not change for 52 patients (80%). The main reason for surgical plan change was due to updated findings on new imaging, 10 patients, (77%). CONCLUSIONS The current study suggests that telemedicine evaluations can provide an effective means of preoperative assessment for spine patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ftouni R, AlJardali B, Hamdanieh M, Ftouni L, Salem N. Challenges of Telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:207. [PMID: 35922817 PMCID: PMC9351100 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the decrease of in-person visits to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Telemedicine is an efficient communication tool employed between healthcare providers and patients that prevents the risk of exposure to infected persons. However, telemedicine use is not infallible; its users reported multiple issues that complicated the expansion of this technology. So, this systematic review aimed to explore the barriers and challenges of telemedicine use during the pandemic and to propose solutions for improving future use. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) statement. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Embase, and Science Direct were used to look for articles addressing barriers and challenges, in addition to articles proposing solutions. Studies were screened by title and abstract, followed by a full-text review. Risk of bias assessment was done using Critical Appraisal Skills Program for qualitative studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies, and A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews. After the extraction of data, a narrative synthesis and analysis of the outcomes were performed. RESULTS Among 1194 papers identified, only 27 studies were included. Barriers and challenges were assembled under 7 categories: technical aspects, privacy, data confidentiality and reimbursement, physical examination and diagnostics, special populations, training of healthcare providers and patients, doctor-patient relationship, and acceptability. Poor internet connection and lack of universal access to technology were among the technical barriers. Concerns about patient privacy and reimbursement hindered the use of telemedicine too. Physical examination and certain procedures were impossible to perform via telemedicine. Training both healthcare providers and patients was deficient. The doctor-patient relationship was troubled by telemedicine, and both healthcare providers and patients were reluctant to use telemedicine. CONCLUSION Widespread use of telemedicine is still hampered by various barriers and challenges. Healthcare providers should work with various stakeholders to implement the proposed solutions. More research and policy changes are essential to optimize telemedicine utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Racha Ftouni
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Baraa AlJardali
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Hamdanieh
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Louna Ftouni
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nariman Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guerrero M, Castroman P, Quiroga O, Berenguel Cook M, Narvaez Tamayo MA, Venturoni L, Pergolizzi Jr J, Rekatsina M, Varrassi G. Pain Management and COVID-19: A Latin American Perspective. Cureus 2022; 14:e23100. [PMID: 35464506 PMCID: PMC9001811 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations and therapeutics have been developed for COVID-19, but vaccine uptake varies markedly among countries. Public health responses have also varied, in particular, with lockdown efforts and school closing. All over the world, the pandemic exposed healthcare and economic weaknesses. COVID-19 exacerbated mental health issues by exposing the population to prolonged periods of fear, anxiety, financial stress, psychological uncertainties, and sometimes isolation from even family and friends. Chronic pain patients have been disproportionately affected. The pandemic-associated stresses may have exacerbated their already painful symptoms while at the same time interrupting their access to care. The ramifications of the COVID-19 post-viral syndrome (“long COVID-19”) are not yet known. COVID-19 viral infection has been associated with neuropathic pain symptoms. Tele-triage and telehealth applications can help manage chronic pain patients in the COVID-19 era, but many interventional procedures, injections, or other treatments have been delayed. The role of palliative care for patients with terminal cases of infection must be re-examined. Palliative care is a relatively new medical specialty and allows terminally ill patients to die in as much comfort and peace as can be afforded to them. More training in palliative care for all clinicians is urgently needed. COVID-19 exposed much that is wrong or weak or inadequate in our healthcare systems, but it also allowed us to embrace new technologies and develop better systems to manage the challenge of a pandemic.
Collapse
|
14
|
Perez-Roman RJ, Trenchfield DR, Perez-Roman NI, Wang MY. The Legal and Socioeconomic Considerations in Spine Telemedicine. Neurosurgery 2022; 90:365-371. [PMID: 35086979 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine has become indispensable in today's health care because of the recent ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Although it has been beneficial in coping with the pandemic, there is still much uncertainty as to whether it will have a permanent role in treating spine patients. Some of the ongoing legal challenges include patient confidentiality, liability coverage for treating healthcare workers, and financial reimbursements by insurance companies. One of the impediments of telemedicine is its lack of a standard legal framework. Telehealth is currently regulated through a state-based system with each state having its own policy regarding this practice. In addition, each of the components of a virtual visit represent a potential area for legal concerns. Nonetheless, telemedicine has the ability to provide convenient and effective health care to patients. However, the spine surgeon, as well as other physicians, must consider the legal issues along with some socioeconomic factors identified herein. Moreover, without parity and uniformity, the incentive to offer telehealth services decreases. There may be a need for modifications in the law, insurance policies, and medical malpractice coverage to strengthen their support to telemedicine usage. As spine surgeons become more familiarized with the telemedicine framework, its role in patient care will likely expand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto J Perez-Roman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Delano R Trenchfield
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nayda I Perez-Roman
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law, Ponce, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Michael Y Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Crawford AM, Lightsey HM, Xiong GX, Striano BM, Schoenfeld AJ, Simpson AK. Telemedicine visits generate accurate surgical plans across orthopaedic subspecialties. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2022; 142:3009-3016. [PMID: 33866406 PMCID: PMC8053078 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-021-03903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of telemedicine is rapidly evolving across medical specialties and orthopaedics. The utility of telemedicine to identify operative candidates and determine surgical plans has yet to be demonstrated. We sought to assess whether surgical plans proposed following telemedicine visits changed after subsequent in-person interaction across orthopaedic subspecialties. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified all elective telemedicine encounters across two academic institutions from March 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. We identified patients indicated for surgery with a specific surgical plan during the virtual visit. The surgical plans delineated during the telemedicine encounter were then compared to final pre-operative plans documented following subsequent in-person evaluation. Changes in the surgical plan between telemedicine and in-person encounters were defined using a standardised schema. Regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with a change in surgical plan between visits across specialties, including the number of virtual examination manoeuvres performed. RESULTS We identified 303 instances of a patient being indicated for orthopaedic surgery during a telemedicine encounter. In 11 cases (4%), the plan was changed between telemedicine and subsequent in-person encounter. No plans were changed amongst patients indicated for joint arthroplasty and foot and ankle surgery, whilst 4% of plans were changed amongst sports surgery and upper extremity/shoulder surgery. Surgical plans had the highest rate of change amongst spine surgery patients (8%). There was notable variability in the conduct of virtual examinations across subspecialties. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the capability of telemedicine to support development of accurate surgical plans for orthopaedic patients across several subspecialties. Our findings also highlight the substantial variation in the utilisation of physical examination manoeuvres conducted via telemedicine across institutions, subspecialties, and providers. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY TYPE Level IV, retrospective cohort study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry M. Lightsey
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Grace X. Xiong
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Brendan M. Striano
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Andrew J. Schoenfeld
- Department of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical Schools, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Andrew K. Simpson
- Department of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical Schools, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lightsey HM, Yeung CM, Bernstein DN, Sumathipala MG, Chen AF, Schoenfeld AJ, Makhni MC. Patient Experiences of Telemedicine in Spine Care: A Mixed Methods Study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2022; 47:27-33. [PMID: 34352842 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Survey-based study. OBJECTIVE We performed a mixed methods study involving patients using telemedicine for spine care. We sought to understand factors influencing the utilization and evaluation of this modality. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Telemedicine has been integrated into routine spine care; its long-term viability will depend not only on optimizing its safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, but also on understanding patient valuation of its benefits and limitations. METHODS We used a clinical registry to identify spine patients seen virtually by providers at our tertiary academic medical center between March and September of 2020. We distributed an online survey that queried patients' experiences with telemedicine. We performed statistical analyses of Likert-scale questions and a thematic analysis of free-form responses. Sociodemographic data were abstracted and analyzed. RESULTS Overall, we evaluated 139 patient surveys. High levels of patient-rated care and patient-rated experience were observed for both in-person and telemedicine visits; however, in-person visits were rated significantly higher in both respects (9.3/10 vs. 8.7/10 for patient-rated care, P < 0.001; 9.0/10 vs. 8.4/10 for patient-rated experience, P = 0.006). A preference for in-person first-time visits was observed which was not maintained for follow up appointments. Both patient and clinical factors influenced perceptions of telemedicine. Thematic analysis of free-form responses provided by 113 patients (81%) generated favorable, unfavorable, and reflective themes, each further contextualized by subthemes. Responders were not significantly different from nonresponders across sociodemographic characteristics. CONCLUSION Our quantitative and qualitative findings yield insight into the patient experience of telemedicine in spine care. A preference for in-person visits was notable, particularly for new patient evaluations. This preference was not maintained for follow-up care. Patients acknowledged the benefits of telemedicine and reflected on its effective integration with in-person care. These results may guide best practices to improve access and patient satisfaction in the future.Level of Evidence: 4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry M Lightsey
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Caleb M Yeung
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David N Bernstein
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Antonia F Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew J Schoenfeld
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Melvin C Makhni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rodrigues A, Li G, Zhang M, Jin MC, Hayden-Gephart M. High-quality neurosurgeon communication and visualization during telemedicine encounters improves patient satisfaction. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 94:18-23. [PMID: 34863435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While recent studies have focused on confirming satisfaction with telemedicine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, we leveraged a novel survey instrument to identify associations between patient experience and telemedicine-specific factors such as device selection, audio/visual resolution, and connection stability. METHODS Telemedicine visit data were gathered from our institution between June 22, 2020 and February 14, 2021. Each patient indicated their overall visit score, likelihood-to-recommend (LTR) score, and device used for the encounter. Remaining questions were randomly distributed to patients to ensure equal distribution across respondents. RESULTS Over 34 weeks, there were 901 unique neurosurgical telemedicine visits linked to a post-visit survey at our institution. The LTR top box score percentage showed no significant change across 34 weeks (p = 0.218). After adjusting across available covariates, patients who experienced wait times exceeding 20 min were significantly less likely to report high overall scores (aOR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03-0.41; p = 0.001). Patients who indicated they were less able to understand the provider (aOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.66; p = 0.007), or who indicated the provider was not able to properly see them (aOR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03-0.43; p = 0.002) were associated with substantially lower overall scores. Visits with interrupted connectivity or those forced to move to a regular phone call were not important predictors of overall score. CONCLUSIONS In the largest description of patient satisfaction with telemedicine in the neurosurgical setting during the COVID-19 era, we identified timely and high-quality physician-patient visualization and communication as among the most important predictors of patient satisfaction in virtual settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Rodrigues
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Guan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Boisvert-Plante V, Noutsios CD, Perez J, Ingelmo P. The Telemedicine-Based Pediatric Examination of the Neck and Upper Limbs: A Narrative Review. J Pain Res 2021; 14:3173-3192. [PMID: 34675645 PMCID: PMC8519790 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s336168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the COVID-19 pandemic hastening the adoption of telemedicine into clinical practice, it has also prompted an abundance of new literature highlighting its capabilities and limitations. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of the literature on telemedicine applied in the context of a musculoskeletal examination of the neck and upper limbs for children 3 to 18 years old. The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant articles from January 2015 to August 2021 using a combination of keywords and nested searches. General examination components including inspection, guided self-palpation, range of motion, sensory and motor examination, as well as special testing are described. Although the literature is focused mainly on adult populations, we describe how each component of the exam can be reliably incorporated into a virtual appointment specific to pediatric patients. Caregivers are generally needed for most consultations, but certain maneuvers can be self-performed by older children and adolescents alone. There is general feasibility, validity, and substantial reliability in performing most examination components of the upper limbs remotely, except for the shoulder exam. Compared to those made in person, clinical diagnoses established virtually were found to be either the same or similar in most cases, and management decisions also had high agreement. Despite this, there is evidence that some pediatric providers may not be able to collect all the information needed from a telemedicine visit to make a complete clinical assessment. Lastly, currently available smartphone applications measuring joint range of motion were found to have high reliability and validity. This narrative review not only establishes a foundation for a structured pediatric musculoskeletal examination, but also aims to increase physicians' confidence in incorporating telemedicine into their standard of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jordi Perez
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, Montreal General Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo Ingelmo
- Alan Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Edwards Family Interdisciplinary Complex Pain Centre, Montreal Children’s Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Noutsios CD, Boisvert-Plante V, Laberge E, Perez J, Ingelmo P. The Telemedicine-Based Pediatric Examination of the Back and Lower Limbs: A Narrative Review. J Pain Res 2021; 14:2959-2979. [PMID: 34584449 PMCID: PMC8464344 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s329173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to virtual healthcare while also prompting an abundance of new literature highlighting telemedicine's capabilities and limitations for various medical applications, notably musculoskeletal examinations. Telemedicine provides an opportunity to deliver timely patient- and family-centred care while maintaining physical distancing and improving access to remote communities. This review aims to narrate the current state of the literature on telemedicine applied in the context of a musculoskeletal examination for children aged 3 to 18 years. The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant articles from January 2015 to August 2021 using a combination of keywords and nested searches. The general examination components relevant to the back and lumbosacral spine, hip, knee, ankle/foot, and gait are described. These components include inspection, palpation, range of motion, motor, and sensory examination as well as special testing. There is general feasibility, validity, and substantial reliability in performing most examination components, and primary diagnoses established virtually were found to be either the same or similar in the vast majority of cases. Despite the current literature focusing mainly on adult populations, we describe how each aspect of the exam can be reliably incorporated into a virtual appointment specific to the pediatric population. Currently available smartphone-based applications that measure joint range of motion were generally found to have high reliability and validity. Caregivers are needed for most of the consultation, especially in younger children, but select physical exam maneuvers can be self-performed by older children and adolescents alone. By providing an overview of the available smartphone tools as well as the reliability and validity of remote assessments, this review not only establishes a foundation for a structured pediatric musculoskeletal examination, but also aims to increase providers' confidence in incorporating telemedicine into their practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erika Laberge
- Edward’s Family Interdisciplinary Centre for Pediatric Complex Pain, Montreal Children’s Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jordi Perez
- Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, Montreal General Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo Ingelmo
- Edward’s Family Interdisciplinary Centre for Pediatric Complex Pain, Montreal Children’s Hospital (McGill University Health Centre), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cruz MJ, Nieblas-Bedolla E, Young CC, Feroze AH, Williams JR, Ellenbogen RG, Levitt MR. United States Medicolegal Progress and Innovation in Telemedicine in the Age of COVID-19: A Primer for Neurosurgeons. Neurosurgery 2021; 89:364-371. [PMID: 34133724 PMCID: PMC8344865 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine has received increased attention in recent years as a potential solution to expand clinical capability and patient access to care in many fields, including neurosurgery. Although patient and physician attitudes are rapidly shifting toward greater telemedicine use in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains uncertainty about telemedicine's regulatory future. Despite growing evidence of telemedicine's utility, there remain a number of significant medicolegal barriers to its mass adoption and wider implementation. Herein, we examine recent progress in state and federal regulations in the United States governing telemedicine's implementation in quality of care, finance and billing, privacy and confidentiality, risk and liability, and geography and interstate licensure, with special attention to how these concern teleneurosurgical practice. We also review contemporary topics germane to the future of teleneurosurgery, including the continued expansion of reciprocity in interstate licensure, expanded coverage for homecare services for chronic conditions, expansion of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursements, and protections of store-and-forward technologies. Additionally, we discuss recent successes in teleneurosurgery, stroke care, and rehabilitation as models for teleneurosurgical best practices. As telemedicine technology continues to mature and its expanse grows, neurosurgeons' familiarity with its benefits, limitations, and controversies will best allow for its successful adoption in our field to maximize patient care and outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Cruz
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Christopher C Young
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Abdullah H Feroze
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John R Williams
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Richard G Ellenbogen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Stroke and Applied Neurosciences Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael R Levitt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Stroke and Applied Neurosciences Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Crawford AM, Lightsey HM, Xiong GX, Striano BM, Greene N, Schoenfeld AJ, Simpson AK. Interventional procedure plans generated by telemedicine visits in spine patients are rarely changed after in-person evaluation. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2021; 46:478-481. [PMID: 33757998 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2021-102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The role of telemedicine in the evaluation and treatment of patients with spinal disorders is rapidly expanding, brought on largely by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within this context, the ability of pain specialists to accurately diagnose and plan appropriate interventional spine procedures based entirely on telemedicine visits, without an in-person evaluation, remains to be established. In this study, our primary objective was to assess the relevance of telemedicine to interventional spine procedure planning by determining whether procedure plans established solely from virtual visits changed following in-person evaluation. METHODS We reviewed virtual and in-person clinical encounters from our academic health system's 10 interventional spine specialists. We included patients who were seen exclusively via telemedicine encounters and indicated for an interventional procedure with documented procedural plans. Virtual plans were then compared with the actual procedures performed following in-person evaluation. Demographic data as well as the type and extent of physical examination performed by the interventional spine specialist were also recorded. RESULTS Of the 87 new patients included, the mean age was 60 years (SE 1.4 years) and the preprocedural plan established by telemedicine, primarily videoconferencing, did not change for 76 individuals (87%; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.94) following in-person evaluation. Based on the size of our sample, interventional procedures indicated solely during telemedicine encounters may be accurate in 79%-94% of cases in the broader population. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that telemedicine evaluations are a generally accurate means of preprocedural assessment and development of interventional spine procedure plans. These findings clearly demonstrate the capabilities of telemedicine for evaluating spine patients and planning interventional spine procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry M Lightsey
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Grace X Xiong
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brendan M Striano
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nattaly Greene
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew J Schoenfeld
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew K Simpson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Worobey LA, Hibbs R, Rigot SK, Boninger ML, Huzinec R, Sung JH, Rice LA. Intra- and Interrater Reliability of Remote Assessment of Transfers by Wheelchair Users Using the Transfer Assessment Instrument (Version 4.0). Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:816-821. [PMID: 33711281 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reliability, standard error of measurement, minimum detectable change, and item-level consistency of the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) version 4.0 when used to evaluate transfer quality remotely. DESIGN Participants transferred from their wheelchair to a mat table (transfer 1), repeated this after a 10-minute delay to assess intrarater reliability (transfer 2), and repeated this 1-2 days later to assess test-retest reliability (transfer 3). Each transfer was scored in person by 4 raters and asynchronously by a remote clinician rater. SETTING 2017 National Veterans Wheelchair Games. PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample of 44 full-time wheelchair users (N=44). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES TAI total score, subscores (wheelchair setup, body setup, flight/landing), and item scores (15 items). RESULTS Moderate to excellent reliability was found when scoring remotely for TAI total and subscores for intrarater (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(3,1)=0.687-0.854), test-retest (ICC(3,1)=0.695-0.836), and interrater reliability (ICC(3,5)=0.746-0.962). Remote rater total score and flight/landing subscore were greater (indicating higher transfer quality) compared to the average in-person raters (P=.021 and P=.005, respectively). There were no differences between transfers 1-3 in remote rater scores. Item-level percentage agreement between the remote rater and in-person exceeded the 75% cutoff for clinical utility for all items. CONCLUSIONS The TAI is a reliable outcome measure for assessing transfer technique remotely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn A Worobey
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Bioengineering; Physical Therapy; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Centers for Rehab Services, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Rachel Hibbs
- Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Centers for Rehab Services, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stephanie K Rigot
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Bioengineering; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Centers for Rehab Services, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Michael L Boninger
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Bioengineering; Physical Therapy
| | - Randall Huzinec
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Centers for Rehab Services, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jong H Sung
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
| | - Laura A Rice
- Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lightsey HM, Crawford AM, Xiong GX, Schoenfeld AJ, Simpson AK. Surgical plans generated from telemedicine visits are rarely changed after in-person evaluation in spine patients. Spine J 2021; 21:359-365. [PMID: 33227550 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The role of telemedicine within the realm of spine surgery is evolving, catalyzed by the recent pandemic. Specifically, the capability of this technology to provide high-quality, cost-effective care without an in-person interaction and physical examination remains poorly defined. PURPOSE To characterize the impact of telemedicine on spine surgical planning by assessing whether surgical plans established in virtual visits changed following in-person evaluation. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE We evaluated the records of patients who were indicated for surgery with documented specific surgical plans during a virtual encounter (March-July 2020) and underwent subsequent in-person evaluation prior to surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES We determined whether surgical plans changed between the virtual encounter and the in-person interaction. Secondarily, we reviewed use of the virtual physical examination across surgeons. METHODS We reviewed virtual and in-person clinical encounters from a single academic spine division, evaluating those patients who were seen exclusively via telemedicine encounters and indicated for surgery with documented specific surgical plans. These plans were compared to the surgical plan after these same patients underwent in-person evaluation. Demographic data, patient primary complaint, and the type and extent of physical examination performed by the surgeon were recorded. RESULTS Of the 33 patients included, the surgical plan did not change among 31 individuals (94%) following in-person interaction. For the two patients where surgical plans were modified, multilevel fusions were increased by one level. There was notable inter- and intra-surgeon variability with regard to the use of virtual physical exams. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that telemedicine evaluations are efficient means of preoperative assessment of spine patients and delineation of surgical plans. These results may support innovations that can optimize access to care for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry M Lightsey
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Alexander M Crawford
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Grace X Xiong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Andrew J Schoenfeld
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Andrew K Simpson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Haldeman S, Nordin M, Tavares P, Mullerpatan R, Kopansky-Giles D, Setlhare V, Chou R, Hurwitz E, Treanor C, Hartvigsen J, Schneider M, Gay R, Moss J, Haldeman J, Gryfe D, Wilkey A, Brown R, Outerbridge G, Eberspaecher S, Carroll L, Engelbrecht R, Graham K, Cashion N, Ince S, Moon E. Distance Management of Spinal Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Evidence-Based Patient and Clinician Guides From the Global Spine Care Initiative. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e25484. [PMID: 33471778 PMCID: PMC7891494 DOI: 10.2196/25484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly limited patients' access to care for spine-related symptoms and disorders. However, physical distancing between clinicians and patients with spine-related symptoms is not solely limited to restrictions imposed by pandemic-related lockdowns. In most low- and middle-income countries, as well as many underserved marginalized communities in high-income countries, there is little to no access to clinicians trained in evidence-based care for people experiencing spinal pain. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the development and present the components of evidence-based patient and clinician guides for the management of spinal disorders where in-person care is not available. METHODS Ultimately, two sets of guides were developed (one for patients and one for clinicians) by extracting information from the published Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) papers. An international, interprofessional team of 29 participants from 10 countries on 4 continents participated. The team included practitioners in family medicine, neurology, physiatry, rheumatology, psychology, chiropractic, physical therapy, and yoga, as well as epidemiologists, research methodologists, and laypeople. The participants were invited to review, edit, and comment on the guides in an open iterative consensus process. RESULTS The Patient Guide is a simple 2-step process. The first step describes the nature of the symptoms or concerns. The second step provides information that a patient can use when considering self-care, determining whether to contact a clinician, or considering seeking emergency care. The Clinician Guide is a 5-step process: (1) Obtain and document patient demographics, location of primary clinical symptoms, and psychosocial information. (2) Review the symptoms noted in the patient guide. (3) Determine the GSCI classification of the patient's spine-related complaints. (4) Ask additional questions to determine the GSCI subclassification of the symptom pattern. (5) Consider appropriate treatment interventions. CONCLUSIONS The Patient and Clinician Guides are designed to be sufficiently clear to be useful to all patients and clinicians, irrespective of their location, education, professional qualifications, and experience. However, they are comprehensive enough to provide guidance on the management of all spine-related symptoms or disorders, including triage for serious and specific diseases. They are consistent with widely accepted evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. They also allow for adequate documentation and medical record keeping. These guides should be of value during periods of government-mandated physical or social distancing due to infectious diseases, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. They should also be of value in underserved communities in high-, middle-, and low-income countries where there is a dearth of accessible trained spine care clinicians. These guides have the potential to reduce the overutilization of unnecessary and expensive interventions while empowering patients to self-manage uncomplicated spinal pain with the assistance of their clinician, either through direct in-person consultation or via telehealth communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Haldeman
- World Spine Care, Santa Ana, CA, United States
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Margareta Nordin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Patricia Tavares
- Department of Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rajani Mullerpatan
- MGM School of Physiotherapy, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi, Mumbai, India
| | - Deborah Kopansky-Giles
- Department of Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent Setlhare
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Roger Chou
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Medical Informatics & Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Eric Hurwitz
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii, Manoa, HI, United States
| | - Caroline Treanor
- Department of Physiotherapy, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neurosurgical Spinal Service, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Hartvigsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Norway
| | - Michael Schneider
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ralph Gay
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jean Moss
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - David Gryfe
- Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam Wilkey
- World Spine Care Europe, Holmfirth, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Brown
- World Federation of Chiropractic, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Linda Carroll
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Kait Graham
- Volunteer Programs and Operations, World Spine Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan Cashion
- Digital Communications, World Spine Care, Oregon City, OR, United States
| | | | - Erin Moon
- World Spine Care Yoga Project, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Iyer S, Shafi K, Lovecchio F, Turner R, Albert TJ, Kim HJ, Press J, Katsuura Y, Sandhu H, Schwab F, Qureshi S. The Spine Telehealth Physical Examination: Strategies for Success. HSS J 2021; 17:14-17. [PMID: 33967636 PMCID: PMC8077977 DOI: 10.1177/1556331620974954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karim Shafi
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Han Jo Kim
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel Press
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Spine surgeon perceptions of the challenges and benefits of telemedicine: an international study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 30:2124-2132. [PMID: 33452924 PMCID: PMC7811153 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-020-06707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction While telemedicine usage has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains little consensus about how spine surgeons perceive virtual care. The purpose of this study was to explore international perspectives of spine providers on the challenges and benefits of telemedicine. Methods Responses from 485 members of AO Spine were analyzed, covering provider perceptions of the challenges and benefits of telemedicine. All questions were optional, and blank responses were excluded from analysis. Results The leading challenges reported by surgeons were decreased ability to perform physical examinations (38.6%), possible increased medicolegal exposure (19.3%), and lack of reimbursement parity compared to traditional visits (15.5%). Fewer than 9.0% of respondents experienced technological issues. On average, respondents agreed that telemedicine increases access to care for rural/long-distance patients, provides societal cost savings, and increases patient convenience. Responses were mixed about whether telemedicine leads to greater patient satisfaction. North Americans experienced the most challenges, but also thought telemedicine carried the most benefits, whereas Africans reported the fewest challenges and benefits. Age did not affect responses. Conclusion Spine surgeons are supportive of the benefits of telemedicine, and only a small minority experienced technical issues. The decreased ability to perform the physical examination was the top challenge and remains a major obstacle to virtual care for spine surgeons around the world, although interestingly, 61.4% of providers did not acknowledge this to be a major challenge. Significant groundwork in optimizing remote physical examination maneuvers and achieving legal and reimbursement clarity is necessary for widespread implementation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lovecchio F, Riew GJ, Samartzis D, Louie PK, Germscheid N, An HS, Cheung JPY, Chutkan N, Mallow GM, Neva MH, Phillips FM, Sciubba DM, El-Sharkawi M, Valacco M, McCarthy MH, Makhni MC, Iyer S. Provider confidence in the telemedicine spine evaluation: results from a global study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2020; 30:2109-2123. [PMID: 33222003 PMCID: PMC7680633 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-020-06653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To utilize data from a global spine surgeon survey to elucidate (1) overall confidence in the telemedicine evaluation and (2) determinants of provider confidence. Methods Members of AO Spine International were sent a survey encompassing participant’s experience with, perception of, and comparison of telemedicine to in-person visits. The survey was designed through a Delphi approach, with four rounds of question review by the multi-disciplinary authors. Data were stratified by provider age, experience, telemedicine platform, trust in telemedicine, and specialty. Results Four hundred and eighty-five surgeons participated in the survey. The global effort included respondents from Africa (19.9%), Asia Pacific (19.7%), Europe (24.3%), North America (9.4%), and South America (26.6%). Providers felt that physical exam-based tasks (e.g., provocative testing, assessing neurologic deficits/myelopathy, etc.) were inferior to in-person exams, while communication-based aspects (e.g., history taking, imaging review, etc.) were equivalent. Participants who performed greater than 50 visits were more likely to believe telemedicine was at least equivalent to in-person visits in the ability to make an accurate diagnosis (OR 2.37, 95% C.I. 1.03–5.43). Compared to in-person encounters, video (versus phone only) visits were associated with increased confidence in the ability of telemedicine to formulate and communicate a treatment plan (OR 3.88, 95% C.I. 1.71–8.84). Conclusion Spine surgeons are confident in the ability of telemedicine to communicate with patients, but are concerned about its capacity to accurately make physical exam-based diagnoses. Future research should concentrate on standardizing the remote examination and the development of appropriate use criteria in order to increase provider confidence in telemedicine technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Lovecchio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grant J Riew
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dino Samartzis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- The International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philip K Louie
- Neuroscience Institute, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Howard S An
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- The International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jason Pui Yin Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Norman Chutkan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Gary Michael Mallow
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- The International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marko H Neva
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Frank M Phillips
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- The International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel M Sciubba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baltimore, MD, USA, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammad El-Sharkawi
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Assiut University Medical School, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Marcelo Valacco
- Department of Orthopaedics, Churruca Hospital de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Melvin C Makhni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sravisht Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lun R, Walker G, Daham Z, Ramsay T, Portela de Oliveira E, Kassab M, Fahed R, Quateen A, Lesiuk H, P Dos Santos M, Drake B. Transition to virtual appointments for interventional neuroradiology due to the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of satisfaction. J Neurointerv Surg 2020; 12:1153-1156. [PMID: 33028673 DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-016805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way medicine is practiced, including the implementation of virtual care in many specialties. In the field of interventional neuroradiology (INR), virtual clinics are an uncommon practice with minimal literature to support its use. Our objective was to report prospective, single-centre data regarding patient and physician experience with virtual INR clinics for routine follow-up appointments. METHODS We surveyed all patients that participated in a virtual INR clinic follow-up appointment at our hospital over a 3 month period. Information gathered included length of appointment delays (ie, wait times), length of appointment times, overall satisfaction, and perceived safety metrics. A survey was also sent out to all physicians who participated in virtual clinics with similar questions. RESULTS 118/122 patients and 6/6 physicians completed the survey. Wait times before previous in-person appointments were perceived to be much longer than virtual appointments, whereas in-person appointment times were longer. 112/118 (94.9%) patients and 4/6 (67%) physicians reported general satisfaction with their virtual clinic experience. There were 8/118 patients who felt their conditions could not be safely assessed virtually, compared with 1/6 (17%) physicians. Lastly, 72.2% of patients reported that they would prefer virtual or telephone visits in the future for non-urgent follow-up, and 5/6 (83%) of physicians reported the same. CONCLUSION Virtual INR clinics are more efficient and are preferred among patients and physicians for non-urgent follow-up appointments. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of a virtual platform for INR care, which could be sustainable for future practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronda Lun
- Neurology, Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada .,Ottawa Stroke Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory Walker
- Neurology, Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Stroke Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine - Division of Neurology, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeinab Daham
- Ottawa Stroke Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Ramsay
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eduardo Portela de Oliveira
- Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed Kassab
- Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neurosurgery, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Fahed
- Neurology, Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Stroke Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aiman Quateen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Lesiuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marlise P Dos Santos
- Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Drake
- Ottawa Stroke Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Section of Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neurosurgery, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|