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Koay WLA, Aware Y, Andine T, Cruz Figueroa GM, Selekman RE, Bryant Y, Rakhmanina NY. Patient Perspectives on Telehealth for HIV and Mental Health Care at a Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Clinic in Washington, DC. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:993-1001. [PMID: 37843684 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the scale-up of telehealth for children and youth living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic, their experience and interest in continued telehealth use in the future is unknown. We conducted a quality improvement project to identify areas for improvement of telehealth delivery to children and youth living with HIV and evaluate youth's experiences when using telehealth for mental health services. Children and youth living with HIV (up to 24 years) seen at a specialty HIV program during 2020-2021 were surveyed regarding technology access, telehealth knowledge, barriers to telehealth use and interest in future telehealth use for HIV care. Youth (12-<24 years) who used telehealth for mental health services were surveyed regarding their experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of the 170 patients in care, we surveyed 103 children and youth living with HIV (median age 17.6 years, 88.3% Black, 52.4% female, 77.7% perinatally infected), of whom 69.9% had prior telehealth use for their clinical visit. Most patients had access to a device with internet (99%) and were interested in future telehealth use for HIV care (87.4%). Reasons for not wanting to use telehealth included privacy concerns, distrust, discomfort with telehealth, preferring in-person visits, technology access issues and needing translation services. Most youth (81%) surveyed regarding telehealth for mental health services were satisfied and very likely to recommend it to others. Despite some reported barriers to telehealth, there is a high desirability for continued telehealth use among children and youth receiving HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li Adeline Koay
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Yashvi Aware
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Tsion Andine
- College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Rachel E Selekman
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Urology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Natella Y Rakhmanina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, USA
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Zeineddin S, Macy ML, Bouchard ME, Carroll MS, Linton S, De Boer C, Abdullah F, Ghomrawi H. Disparities in Telemedicine Use Among Children Seen in Surgical Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience of One Tertiary Care Freestanding Children's Hospital. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:642-650. [PMID: 37910777 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Telemedicine use dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effects of telemedicine on pre-existing disparities in pediatric surgical access have not been well described. We describe our center's early experience with telemedicine and disparities in patients' access to outpatient surgical care. Methods: A retrospective study of outpatient visits within all surgical divisions from May to December 2020 was conducted. We assessed the rates of scheduled telemedicine visits during that period, as well as the rate of completing a visit after it has been scheduled. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations between these rates and patient characteristics. Results: Over the study period, 109,601 visits were scheduled. Telemedicine accounted for 6.1% of all visits with lower cancellation rates than in-person visits (26.9% vs. 34.7%). More scheduled telemedicine encounters were observed for older patients, White, English speakers, those with private insurance, and those living in rural areas. Lower odds of telemedicine visit completion were observed among patients with public insurance (odds ratio [OR] 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-0.77), Spanish language preference (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97), and those living in rural areas (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64-0.84). In contrast, higher odds of telemedicine visit completion were associated with a higher Social Deprivation Index score (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.27-1.58). Telemedicine visit completion was also associated with increasing community-level income and distance from the hospital. Conclusions: Telemedicine use for outpatient surgical care was generally low during the peak of the pandemic, and certain populations were less likely to utilize it. These findings call for further action to bridge gaps in telemedicine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Zeineddin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michelle L Macy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan E Bouchard
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael S Carroll
- Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel Linton
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher De Boer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Fizan Abdullah
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hassan Ghomrawi
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medicine (Rheumatology), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Mulkey SB, Arroyave-Wessel M, Peyton C, Ansusinha E, Gutierrez C, Sorkar A, Cure A, Samper Y, Cure D, Msall ME, Cure C. Harnessing the power of telemedicine to accomplish international pediatric outcome research during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Telemed Telecare 2024; 30:388-392. [PMID: 34962177 PMCID: PMC9237184 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x211063166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic occurred during planned neurodevelopmental follow-up of Colombian children with antenatal Zika-virus exposure. The objective of the study was to leverage the institution's telemedicine infrastructure to support international clinical child outcome research. In a prospective cohort study of child neurodevelopment (NCT04398901), we used synchronous telemedicine to remotely train a research team and perform live observational assessments of children in Sabanalarga, Colombia. An observational motor and conceptional standardized tool kit was mailed to Colombia; other materials were translated and emailed; team training was done virtually. Children were recruited by team on the ground. Synchronous activities were video-recorded directly to two laptops, each with a telehealth Zoom link to allow simultaneous evaluation of "table" and "standing" activities, and backup recordings were captured directly on the device in Colombia. The U.S. team attended live over Zoom from four states and five distinct locations, made observational notes, and provided real-time feedback. Fifty-seven, 3-4-year-old children with Zika-virus exposure and 70 non-exposed controls were studied during 10 daytrips. Direct laptop recording ensured complete record of child activities due to internet outages. Telemedicine can be used to successfully perform international neurodevelopmental outcome research in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine can benefit global health studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B. Mulkey
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington, University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Colleen Peyton
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Ansusinha
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael E. Msall
- University of Chicago Medicine Kennedy Research Center on Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Chicago IL, USA
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Horton DB, Yang Y, Neikirk A, Huang C, Crystal S, Davidow A, Haynes K, Gerhard T, Rose CD, Strom BL, Parlett L. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Analysis of United States Commercial Insurance Data. J Clin Rheumatol 2023; 29:388-395. [PMID: 37798830 PMCID: PMC10843854 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000002035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Given limited information on health care and treatment utilization for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during the pandemic, we studied JIA-related health care and treatment utilization in a commercially insured retrospective US cohort. METHODS We studied rates of outpatient visits, new disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) initiations, intra-articular glucocorticoid injections (iaGC), dispensed oral glucocorticoids and opioids, DMARD adherence, and DMARD discontinuation by quarter in March 2018-February 2021 (Q1 started in March). Incident rate ratios (IRR, pandemic vs prepandemic) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Poisson or Quasi-Poisson models stratified by diagnosis recency (incident JIA, <12 months ago; prevalent JIA, ≥12 months ago). RESULTS Among 1294 children diagnosed with JIA, total and in-person outpatient visits for JIA declined during the pandemic (IRR, 0.88-0.90), most markedly in Q1 2020. Telemedicine visits, while higher during the pandemic, declined from 21% (Q1) to 13% (Q4) in 2020 to 2021. During the pandemic, children with prevalent JIA, but not incident JIA, had lower usage of iaGC (IRR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.34-1.07), oral glucocorticoids (IRR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.33-0.67), and opioids (IRR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.75). Adherence to and discontinuation of DMARDs was similar before and during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS In the first year of the pandemic, visits for JIA dropped by 10% to 12% in commercially insured children in the United States, declines partly mitigated by use of telemedicine. Pandemic-related declines in intra-articular glucocorticoids, oral glucocorticoids, and opioids were observed for children with prevalent, but not incident, JIA. These changes may have important implications for disease control and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Horton
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Cecilia Huang
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Stephen Crystal
- Rutgers Center for Health Services Research, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Social Work, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Amy Davidow
- New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Haynes
- Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - Tobias Gerhard
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Brian L. Strom
- Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
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Chen AL, Spinzi S, Agrawal G, Kan KM. Utilization and safety of telemedicine for pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Low Urin Tract Symptoms 2023; 15:200-205. [PMID: 37448183 DOI: 10.1111/luts.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Telemedicine for pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (pLUTS) is a relatively new mode of delivering bladder health education with scant evidence supporting current practice. We aim to examine the safety of pLUTS-related telemedicine visits surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of new pLUTS referral diagnoses to our institution's pediatric urology clinics. Demographics, wait times, and referral diagnoses were captured and compared before and after March 2020 using χ2 /Fisher exact tests and t-tests. A retrospective chart review was performed for an initial telemedicine visit followed by an in-person visit to identify missed radiology, lab, or physical exam findings. RESULTS Six hundred twelve patients were included from September 2018 to August 2021. Most were 5-10 years old (62.3%), female (56.2%), English speaking (86.5%), White (39.4%), and had private insurance (67.2%). Wait times were shorter for telemedicine versus in-person visits (t190 = -3.56, p < .001). After March 2020, patients with a urinary tract infection (UTI) and females utilized in-person visits more often (p < .001). After chart review (11 patients, mean = 10.4 years), 9 (81.8%) had comorbid conditions and/or family history of lower urinary tract symptoms. None had missed clinical findings that changed management. CONCLUSIONS pLUTS care can be delivered via telemedicine without a significant change in patient volume and population, though additional investigations will clarify the needs of patients with specific referral diagnoses and comorbid conditions. The in-person exam can be omitted safely with proper clinical history taking, supporting future virtual programs that address delays in care within local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby L Chen
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Stav Spinzi
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gunjan Agrawal
- Flushing Hospital Medical Center, Flushing, New York, USA
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kathleen M Kan
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Kronforst K, Barrera L, Casale M, Smith TL, Schinasi D, Macy ML. Pediatric Telehealth Access and Utilization in Chicago During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1324-1331. [PMID: 36730746 PMCID: PMC10468546 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic demanded rapid development of telemedicine services for pediatric care and highlighted disparities for marginalized communities. Objective: To understand the demographic characteristics of patients with completed and incomplete telemedicine visits at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of telemedicine visits for patients <25 years old scheduled between March 21, 2020, and March 17, 2021. We examined visit outcomes and compared outcomes by race/ethnicity, language, and payer using logistic regression. Geographic information system mapping and linear regression were used to examine the relationship between incomplete visits and broadband access within Cook County. Results: A total of 13,655 eligible video visits were scheduled for children within 147 ZIP codes during the study time frame. Patient characteristics included median age 9 years, 53% female, 42% non-Latinx White, 31% Latinx, 13% non-Latinx Black, 11% non-Latinx other, and 3% declined/unknown. Preferred language was 89% English, 10% Spanish, and 1% other. Payer was 56% private, 43% public, and <1% other/self-pay. Overall, 86% video visits were completed, 7% cancelled, and 7% no-show with significant variation by patient demographic. Odds of incomplete visits were higher for Latinx patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.93) and non-Latinx Black patients (OR 2.33) than for non-Latinx White patients, patients with preferred language other than English (OR 1.53), and patients not privately insured (OR 1.89). Incomplete visit rates and broadband access were inversely related. Conclusion: System and policy solutions are needed to ensure equitable access and address disparities in incomplete telemedicine visits for marginalized populations in urban areas with lower broadband.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Kronforst
- Department of Neonatology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Telehealth and Digital Health Programs, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leonardo Barrera
- Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mia Casale
- Department of Data Analytics and Reporting, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tracie L. Smith
- Department of Data Analytics and Reporting, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dana Schinasi
- Telehealth and Digital Health Programs, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michelle L. Macy
- Telehealth and Digital Health Programs, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Katato GK, Sitaula P, Gupte A, Al-Antary ET. The Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Malignancy Diagnosis and Treatment: Never the Same but Lessons Learned. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030667. [PMID: 36992251 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic affected the pediatric oncology population globally. Over the course of 2 years, increasing reports have been made to better understand this entity and its pathologic complications on these patients. The pandemic has allowed healthcare providers, hospital systems, and leading oncologic societies to quickly adapt and formulate new guidelines for the effective understanding, management, and treatment of patients with pediatric malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadir K Katato
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI 48603, USA
| | - Prasiksha Sitaula
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI 48603, USA
| | - Avanti Gupte
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI 48603, USA
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Eman T Al-Antary
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI 48603, USA
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Schulson LB, Predmore Z, Sousa JL, McCullough CM, Magit A, Lerner C, Chinnock R, Barkley S, Marcin JP, McGuire T, Browne MA, Uscher-Pines L. Perceptions of Pediatric Endocrinologists and Neurologists on the Drivers of Telehealth Use. Acad Pediatr 2023; 23:271-278. [PMID: 35940573 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the extent and drivers of telehealth use variation across clinicians within the same pediatric subspecialties. METHODS In this mixed methods study, 8 pediatric medical groups in California shared data for eleven subspecialties. We calculated the proportion of total visits delivered via telehealth by medical group for each subspecialty and identified the 8 most common International Classification of Diseases 10 diagnoses for telehealth and in-person visits in endocrinology and neurology. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 32 pediatric endocrinologists and neurologists and applied a positive deviance approach comparing high versus low utilizers to identify factors that influenced their level of telehealth use. RESULTS In 2019, medical groups that submitted quantitative data conducted 1.8 million visits with 549,306 unique pediatric patients. For 3 subspecialties, there was relatively little variation in telehealth use across medical groups: urology (mean: 16.5%, range: 9%-23%), orthopedics (mean: 7.2%, range: 2%-14%), and cardiology (mean: 11.2%, range: 2%-24%). The remaining subspecialties, including neurology (mean: 58.6%, range: 8%-93%) and endocrinology (mean: 49.5%, range: 24%-92%), exhibited higher levels of variation. For both neurology and endocrinology, the top diagnoses treated in-person were similar to those treated via telehealth. There was limited consensus on which clinical conditions were appropriate for telehealth. High telehealth utilizers were more comfortable conducting telehealth visits for new patients and often worked in practices with innovations to support telehealth. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians perceive that telehealth may be appropriate for a range of clinical conditions when the right supports are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy B Schulson
- RAND Corporation, Health Care (LB Schulson, Z Predmore, and JL Sousa), Boston, Mass; General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (LB Schulson), Boston, Mass.
| | - Zachary Predmore
- RAND Corporation, Health Care (LB Schulson, Z Predmore, and JL Sousa), Boston, Mass
| | - Jessica L Sousa
- RAND Corporation, Health Care (LB Schulson, Z Predmore, and JL Sousa), Boston, Mass
| | | | - Anthony Magit
- UC San Diego Department of Otolaryngology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego (A Magit), San Diego, Calif
| | - Carlos Lerner
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital (C Lerner), Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Richard Chinnock
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Health (R Chinnock), Loma Linda, Calif
| | - Steven Barkley
- Department of Neonatology, Cottage Children's Medical Center (S Barkley), Santa Barbara, Calif
| | - James P Marcin
- Pediatric Intensive Care, UC Davis Children's Hospital (JP Marcin), Sacramento, Calif
| | - Troy McGuire
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles (T McGuire), Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Michael-Anne Browne
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Children's Health (M-A Browne), Palo Alto, Calif
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Schweiberger K, Verma R, Faulds S, Jonassaint CR, White GE, Ray KN. Scheduled and attended pediatric primary care telemedicine appointments during COVID-19. Pediatr Res 2023:10.1038/s41390-023-02481-w. [PMID: 36690746 PMCID: PMC9869302 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine pediatric primary care telemedicine visit scheduling and attendance during the first year of telemedicine. METHODS Using electronic health record data from two academic pediatric primary care practices between April 2020-March 2021, we used Pearson χ2 tests and logistic regression models to identify child-, family-, and appointment-level characteristics associated with scheduled and attended telemedicine appointments. RESULTS Among 5178 primary care telemedicine appointments scheduled during the 12-month period, the proportion of appointments scheduled differed over time for children in families with a language preference other than English or Spanish (4% quarter 1 vs. 6% in quarter 4, p = 0.01) and residing in ZIP codes with the lowest household technology access (24% in quarter 1 vs. 19% in quarter 3 (p = 0.01). Four thousand one hundred and forty-eight of 5178 scheduled telemedicine appointments were attended. Likelihood of attending a telemedicine appointment was highest for children in families with a language preference other than English or Spanish (90%, 95% CI 86-94% compared to Spanish 74%, 95% CI 65-84%), and same-day appointments (86%, 95% CI 85-87%). Attendance among families preferring Spanish language was higher in later months compared to earlier months. CONCLUSIONS We found disparities in scheduling and attending telemedicine appointments, but signs of greater language equity over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Schweiberger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, 3414 Fifth Avenue, CHOB 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Rhea Verma
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, 3414 Fifth Avenue, CHOB 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Samantha Faulds
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, 3414 Fifth Avenue, CHOB 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Charles R. Jonassaint
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Meyran Avenue, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Gretchen E. White
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Meyran Avenue, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Kristin N. Ray
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Division of General Academic Pediatrics, 3414 Fifth Avenue, CHOB 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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10
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Schweiberger K, Bohnhoff J, Hanmer J, Ray KN. Perceived Usefulness of Increased Telemedicine Use by Pediatric Subspecialists: A National Survey. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1367-1373. [PMID: 35143360 PMCID: PMC10039272 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although many studies have explored the perceived ease-of-use of telemedicine, the perceived usefulness of telemedicine for pediatric subspecialty care is less clear. Methods: We invited a national sample of 840 general pediatricians and 840 pediatric subspecialists to participate in a survey fielded in May-June 2020. Respondents ranked perceptions of usefulness of telemedicine for pediatric subspecialty care on a 5-point Likert scale and prioritization of potential strategies to support telemedicine use on a 4-point scale. Results: Of 285 respondents (18% response rate), physicians perceived that increased telemedicine use by pediatric subspecialists would modestly improve child health (mean = 3.5, standard deviation [SD] = 0.7), and access to care (mean = 3.9, SD = 0.6), but would slightly worsen the clinician experience (mean = 2.8, SD = 0.8). Most respondents highly prioritized payment-related strategies to support use of telemedicine. Conclusions: Pediatric clinicians anticipated that increased telemedicine use by pediatric subspecialists would improve child health and health care access but would worsen clinician experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Schweiberger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Bohnhoff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Janel Hanmer
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristin N. Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Petrarca KA, Worthington M. Pediatric Amplification: A Proposed Protocol for In-Person Hearing Aid Fittings and Virtual Follow-Ups. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:864-875. [PMID: 35868291 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-21-00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with hearing loss and their families face many financial and logistical barriers to accessing audiological care. At Rush University's Student Community Outreach Program of Excellence (SCOPE), a pediatric hearing loss outreach program is under development to address and overcome those barriers through in-person hearing aid fittings and virtual follow-up appointments. OBJECTIVES The goal of this clinical focus article was to develop a proposed protocol for SCOPE's pediatric hearing loss outreach program that would detail the use of a bimodal model of service delivery for pediatric amplification services. This clinical focus article provides a general description of the proposed protocol. METHOD The proposed protocol was developed as a guideline for future service delivery within SCOPE's pediatric hearing loss outreach program. Categories and details within the protocol were derived from previously published protocols and clinically relevant research. RESULTS The final protocol is composed of six sections, which detail the rationale and target population, necessary equipment, procedures for in-person hearing aid fittings, procedures for virtual follow-ups, outcome measures, and schedule of appointments. DISCUSSION On the national level, access to audiological care for pediatric patients and their families is restricted by both financial and logistical barriers. A telehealth model of service delivery has been shown to be effective in providing high-quality patient care while addressing these barriers. A clinical program using a bimodal model of service delivery will be implemented to address these barriers in Chicago, Illinois. Future investigation is required to monitor the efficacy of the program and develop program-specific materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Petrarca
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL
| | - Megan Worthington
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL
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Uscher-Pines L, McCullough C, Dworsky MS, Sousa J, Predmore Z, Ray K, Magit A, Rivanis C, Lerner C, Iwakoshi J, Barkley S, Marcin JP, McGuire T, Browne MA, Swanson C, Cleary JP, Kelly E, Layton K, Schulson L. Use of Telehealth Across Pediatric Subspecialties Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e224759. [PMID: 35357455 PMCID: PMC8972035 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.4759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The identification of variation in health care is important for quality improvement. Little is known about how different pediatric subspecialties are using telehealth and what is driving variation. OBJECTIVE To characterize trends in telehealth use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic across pediatric subspecialties and the association of delivery change with no-show rates and access disparities. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, 8 large pediatric medical groups in California collaborated to share aggregate data on telehealth use for 11 pediatric subspecialties from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Monthly in-person and telehealth visits for 11 subspecialties, characteristics of patients participating in in-person and telehealth visits, and no-show rates. Monthly use rates per 1000 unique patients were calculated. To assess changes in no-show rates, a series of linear regression models that included fixed effects for medical groups and calendar month were used. The demographic characteristics of patients served in person during the prepandemic period were compared with those of patients who received in-person and telehealth care during the pandemic period. RESULTS In 2019, participating medical groups conducted 1.8 million visits with 549 306 unique patients younger than 18 years (228 120 [41.5%] White and 277 167 [50.5%] not Hispanic). A total of 72 928 patients (13.3%) preferred a language other than English, and 250 329 (45.6%) had Medicaid. In specialties with lower telehealth use (cardiology, orthopedics, urology, nephrology, and dermatology), telehealth visits ranged from 6% to 29% of total visits from May 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021. In specialties with higher telehealth use (genetics, behavioral health, pulmonology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and neurology), telehealth constituted 38.8% to 73.0% of total visits. From the prepandemic to the pandemic periods, no-show rates slightly increased for lower-telehealth-use subspecialties (9.2% to 9.4%) and higher-telehealth-use subspecialties (13.0% to 15.3%), but adjusted differences (comparing lower-use and higher-use subspecialties) in changes were not statistically significant (difference, 2.5 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.2 to 6.3 percentage points; P = .15). Patients who preferred a language other than English constituted 6140 in-person visits (22.2%) vs 2707 telehealth visits (11.4%) in neurology (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There was high variability in adoption of telehealth across subspecialties and in patterns of use over time. The documentation of variation in telehealth adoption can inform evolving telehealth policy for pediatric patients, including the appropriateness of telehealth for different patient needs and areas where additional tools are needed to promote appropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristin Ray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anthony Magit
- Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Chris Rivanis
- Children’s Hospital Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Carlos Lerner
- UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joy Iwakoshi
- Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California
| | - Steven Barkley
- Cottage Children's Medical Center, Santa Barbara, California
| | | | - Troy McGuire
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Craig Swanson
- Sutter Children’s Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | | | - Erin Kelly
- Sutter Children’s Medical Center, Sacramento, California
- Children’s Specialty Care Coalition, Sacramento, California
| | - Katie Layton
- Children’s Specialty Care Coalition, Sacramento, California
| | - Lucy Schulson
- RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Saunders GH, Oliver F. Impact of Hearing Loss on Communication During Remote Health Care Encounters. Telemed J E Health 2022; 28:1350-1358. [PMID: 35020484 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Satisfaction with telemedicine is generally high; however, it can lead to communication problems for people with hearing loss (HL), especially when encounters are conducted by telephone, because of the inability to see the face and lips on which many people with HL rely. Despite acknowledgement that HL might affect telemedicine outcomes, no studies have directly examined this. The primary aims of this study were to determine whether and how HL impacts patient satisfaction and willingness to use telemedicine. Methods: Opinions about telemedicine were assessed in a survey of 383 members of the general public. Data regarding reported hearing ability, use of hearing assistive technology, and preferred form of communication (oral/aural vs. sign language) were also collected; people with HL were intentionally oversampled. Survey items included closed set and open-ended responses. Results: People with HL declined the offer of telemedicine appointments, rated telemedicine outcomes significantly less positively, and had stronger preferences for in person care than did people without HL. Explanations provided for this were directly associated with hearing-related difficulties or the indirect consequences of those difficulties. HL resulted in concerns about communication during the appointment, a lack of privacy when an intermediary helped with communication during the appointment, worries that critical information has been misheard/missed, and anxiety/stress. Conclusions: The needs of people with HL during telemedicine encounters must be addressed to ensure equitable access. Health care providers should take responsibility to communicate clearly with people with HL and individuals with HL should be willing to advocate for their needs and use special access tools during telemedicine appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle H Saunders
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Oliver
- The Royal National Institute for Deaf People, Peterborough, United Kingdom
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