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Knaus ME, Ahmad H, Metzger GA, Beyene TJ, Thomas JL, Weaver LJ, Gasior AC, Wood RJ, Halaweish I. Outcomes of a telemedicine bowel management program during COVID-19. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:80-85. [PMID: 34686377 PMCID: PMC8452355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned from an in-person bowel management program (BMP) to a telemedicine BMP. The telemedicine BMP consisted of video and/or phone call visits (remote) or a single initial in-person visit followed by remote visits (hybrid). We hypothesized that patient/family satisfaction of a telemedicine BMP would be comparable to an in-person BMP and that there would be improvement in quality of life and functional outcomes after the telemedicine BMP. METHODS After IRB approval, demographic and outcomes data were obtained for patients who underwent the telemedicine BMP from May-October 2020. Outcomes included a parent/patient satisfaction survey, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and parent/patient-reported outcome measures (Vancouver, Baylor, and Cleveland scores) at baseline, 1 and 3 month follow-up. Variables were compared using Chi-square or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests and a generalized mixed model was used to evaluate outcomes scores at follow-up compared to baseline. RESULTS Sixty-seven patients were included in our analysis with an average age of 8.6 years (SD: 3.9). Patients had the following diagnoses anorectal malformation (52.2%), Hirschsprung's disease (20.9%), functional constipation (19.4%), myelomeningocele (6.0%), and spinal injury (1.5%). Forty-eight patients (72%) underwent the remote BMP and 19 (28%) underwent the hybrid BMP. Sixty-two percent of parents completed the satisfaction survey, with a median score of 5 (very satisfied) for all questions. Over 75% of parents said they would prefer a telemedicine program over an in-person program. There was significant improvement in the Baylor and Vancouver scores after the BMP (p < 0.01), but no difference in the PedsQL or Cleveland scores (p > 0.05). There was a significant improvement in stool continence after the BMP (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION A telemedicine BMP can be an acceptable alternative to a traditional in-person program. There was high parental/patient satisfaction and significant improvement in outcomes. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Knaus
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States,Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Hira Ahmad
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States
| | - Gregory A. Metzger
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tariku J. Beyene
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jessica L. Thomas
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States
| | - Laura J. Weaver
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States
| | - Alessandra C. Gasior
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States,Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Richard J. Wood
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States
| | - Ihab Halaweish
- Department of Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 611 E. Livingston Ave. FB Suite 6B.1, Columbus, OH 43205, United States.
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