The future of health care service in orthopedic practice: telemedicine or in-person visits?

Telehealth Potential in Pediatric Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Care is Comparable to In-Person Care But Disparities Remain

BACKGROUND

Understanding the challenges and potential of telehealth visits (THVs) in a large population can inform future practice and policy discussion for pediatric orthopaedic and sports medicine (OSM) care. We comprehensively assess telehealth challenges and potential in a large pediatric OSM population based on access, visit completion, patient satisfaction, and technological challenges.

METHODS

Demographics, address, insurance, visit information, patient feedback, experience with video visits, and technical challenges of all 2019 to 2020 visits at our hospital were assessed (3,278,006 visits). We evaluated the differences in rate of telehealth utilization, rate of patient adherence, disparities in care access and patient satisfaction, and technological issues.

RESULTS

Compared with in-person prepandemic visits, THVs had lower ratios of non-White patients (by 5.8%; P<0.001), Hispanic patients (by 2.8%; P<0.001) and patients with public insurance (by 1.8%; P<0.001), and a higher mean distance between the patient's residence and clinic (by 18.8 miles; P<0.001). There were minimal differences in median household income (average $2297 less in THV; P<0.001) and social vulnerability index (average 0.01 points lower in THV; P<0.001) between groups. THVs had comparable patient satisfaction to in-person visits. Non-White patients, Hispanics, and those with public insurance had lower ratings for both in-person visits and THVs and had more technical difficulties during their THV.

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth is a viable method of care for a range of pediatric OSM conditions, providing a similar quality of care as in-person visits with a greater geographic reach. However, in its current format, reduced disparities were not observed in pediatric OSM THVs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

The Impact of Experience Versus Decision Aids on Patient Preference Toward Virtual Care

Introduction

Virtual care utilization has increased in recent years bringing questions of how to best inform patients regarding their use. Decision aids (DAs) are tools created to assist patients in making informed decisions about their health care. This study seeks to determine whether a DA or previous experience could better educate and influence patient's preference on virtual care.

Methods

One hundred fifty participants from an orthopedic clinic of a multi-hospital system were divided into three groups. Group 1 (Virtual Care Cohort) had at least one previous virtual care visit and was surveyed with the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ). Group 2 (In-person with Decision Aid) and Group 3 (In-person without Decision Aid) had no virtual care experience. Group 2 received a validated virtual care DA with a knowledge test. Both groups were also administered the TSQ.

Results

After the DA, patients improved their score on 3 of 4 virtual care knowledge questions. Each cohort demonstrated a positive perception of virtual care; however, the specific reasons for their favorable views varied. The DA cohort did not show increased preference toward virtual care compared with the non-DA group and only responded significantly higher regarding encounter comfort. Patients with previous experience in virtual care responded most favorably to the majority of survey questions regarding their virtual care preferences when compared with both virtual care naive cohorts.

Discussion and Conclusion

We found that patient experience was the most important factor in influencing patient preference toward virtual care. Although the DA increased their virtual care knowledge it did not increase their preference; therefore, efforts should be placed at encouraging patient to experience virtual care.

Telemedicine in Spine Patients: Utilization and Satisfaction Remain High Even After Easing of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the present study were to (1) define telemedicine utilization rates during and after the initial height of the COVID-19 lockdown period and (2) determine patient satisfaction with telemedicine during and after the initial height of the COVID-19 lockdown period for spine patients at an orthopedic specialty hospital.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have shown high patient satisfaction with telemedicine during the initial height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there exists limited data about spine telemedicine utilization and patient satisfaction after the reopening of in-person office visits and the easing of restrictions on elective surgical care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who had an in-person or telemedicine visit at an urban tertiary specialty hospital from April 1, 2020 to April 15, 2021 were identified. Rates of overall telemedicine utilization over time were delineated. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine, as assessed through a series of questionnaires, was also evaluated over time.

RESULTS

Overall, 60,368 patients were identified. Of these, 19,568 patients (32.4%) had telemedicine visit. During the peak initial coronavirus lockdown period, the rate of overall telemedicine utilization, on average, was greater than 90%. After the peak period, the rate of overall telemedicine utilization on average was at ~29% of all visits per month. The percentage of patients who would have been definitely comfortable if the telemedicine visit had been in-person increased over the entire study period ( P <0.001). Despite this, patient satisfaction based on survey responses remained statistically similar throughout the study period ( P >0.05).

CONCLUSION

The rate of telemedicine utilization in spine patients remains high, at ~one-third of all visits, even after the initial peak coronavirus lockdown period. In addition, patient satisfaction with telemedicine remained consistent throughout the study period, regardless of pandemic restrictions on in-person visits.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Patients' perspectives and preferences toward telemedicine versus in-person visits: a mixed-methods study on 1226 patients

INTRODUCTION

Despite the fact that telemedicine can eliminate geographical and time limitations and offer the possibility of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases by sharing reliable information, many individuals still prefer to visit medical centers for in-person consultations. The aim of this study was to determine the level of acceptance of telemedicine compared to in-person visits, identify the perceived advantages of telemedicine over in-person visits, and to explore the reasons why patients choose either of these two types of visits.

METHODS

We developed a questionnaire using the rational method. The questionnaire consisted of multiple-choice questions and one open-ended question. A total of 2059 patients were invited to participate in the study. Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. To analyze the data from the open-ended question, we conducted qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA 18.

RESULTS

Out of the 1226 participants who completed the questionnaire, 865 (71%) preferred in-person visits, while 361 (29%) preferred telemedicine. Factors such as education level, specific health conditions, and prior experience with telemedicine influenced the preference for telemedicine. The participants provided a total of 183 different reasons for choosing either telemedicine (108 reasons) or in-person visits (75 reasons). Avoiding infectious diseases, saving cost, and eliminating and overcoming geographical distance barriers were three primary telemedicine benefits. The primary reasons for selecting an in-person visit were: more accurate diagnosis of the disease, more accurate and better examination of the patient by the physician, and more accurate and better treatment of the disease.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that despite the numerous benefits offered by telemedicine, the majority of patients still exhibit a preference for in-person visits. In order to promote broader acceptance of telemedicine, it becomes crucial for telemedicine services to address patient preferences and concerns effectively. Employing effective change management strategies can aid in overcoming resistance and facilitating the widespread adoption of telemedicine within the population.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Humeral Shaft Fracture Management and Its Outcomes

Background and objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a sudden and drastic shift in patient management throughout the healthcare system, to curb the spread of the disease and deal with resource limitations. Many surgical cases were canceled or delayed with only the most urgent and emergent cases taken up for treatment. It is unknown if and how these alterations affected patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare time to fracture care and outcomes between patients treated for humeral shaft fractures prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and those treated during the pandemic. We hypothesized that the pandemic cohort would have a prolonged time to fracture care and worse outcomes than the pre-pandemic cohort. Materials and methods This was a retrospective cohort study performed within a single healthcare system. All humeral shaft fractures treated from March to June 2019 (pre-pandemic cohort) and March to June 2020 (pandemic cohort) were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes and ICD-10-CM codes as well as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Data on demographics, fracture characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were collected via chart and radiograph review. Outcomes analyzed included time to being made weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT), radiographic union, and final follow-up; range of motion (ROM) at radiographic union and final follow-up; and rate of complications. Results The pre-pandemic cohort (n=19) was significantly younger with a mean age of 29 years than the pandemic cohort (n=17) with a mean age of 49 years (p=0.010). There were no other significant differences in demographics, fracture characteristics, or treatment type between the groups. Time to fracture care was not significantly different in the pre-pandemic cohort (five days) versus the pandemic cohort (four days). Time to being made WBAT, radiographic union, and final follow-up were not significantly different between the pre-pandemic (86, 113, and 98 days) and the pandemic cohorts (77, 106, and 89.5 days). ROM measurements in abduction at radiographic union were significantly different between the cohorts: in the pre-pandemic cohort, 100% of patients reached greater than 160 degrees; in the pandemic cohort, only 16.7% of patients reached greater than 160 degrees (p=0.048). There was a non-significant decrease in the proportion of patients who achieved the maximal category of ROM measurements in forward elevation and extension at radiographic union and abduction, forward elevation, and extension at final follow-up, as well as a non-significant increase in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at final follow-up between cohorts. There were no significant differences in the rate of complications. Conclusions Despite limited resources, reduced operating room availability, and increased utilization of virtual visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with humeral shaft fractures may not have faced delays in fracture care or worse outcomes compared to the pre-pandemic period. The pandemic cohort may have experienced significantly decreased ROM compared to the pre-pandemic cohort, which may reflect the decreased availability of physical therapy services and overall decreased activity levels due to the quarantine orders. However, we could not identify any other significant differences in the type of treatment, pain, complications, or time to union.

Use of a Smartphone-Based Care Platform After Primary Partial and Total Knee Arthroplasty: 1-Year Follow-Up of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The rise in demand of knee arthroplasty has led the industry to develop methods to decrease costs of care, such as novel methods of delivering physiotherapy, including smartphone-based exercise educational platforms. The purpose of this study was to determine the noninferiority of one such system after primary knee arthroplasty as compared to traditional in-person physiotherapy.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted comparing standard of care rehabilitation to a smartphone-based care platform after primary knee arthroplasty from January 2019 to February 2020. One-year patient outcomes, satisfaction scores, and utilizations of health care resources were analyzed. A total of 401 patients was available for analysis-241 in the control and 160 in the treatment group.

RESULTS

There were 194 (94.6%) patients in the control group who required 1 or more physiotherapy visits compared to only 97 (60.6%) patients in the treatment group (P < .001). Emergency department visits within 1 year occurred in 13 (5.4%) patients and 2 (1.3%) patients in the control and treatment groups, respectively (P = .03). The change in mean Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for joint replacement scores at 1 year was similar between both the groups (32.1 ± 1 6.8 versus 30.1 ± 18.1, P = .32).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of this smartphone/smart watch care platform showed similar outcomes to traditional care models at 1 year postoperative. Traditional physiotherapy and emergency department visits occurred at much lower rates in this cohort, which could alleviate the need for health care dollars spent by reducing postoperative costs and enhancing communication across the health care system.

DOES THE APPLICATION OF CONVERSION FRACTURE-TREATMENT METHOD AND THE TECHNOLOGY OF TELEMEDICAL MOVEMENT MONITORING AFFECT THE LONG-TERM RESULTS OF THE TREATMENT OF VICTIMS WITH MULTIPLE GUNSHOT LONG BONES FRACTURES?

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To improve the results of treatment of patients with multiple gunshot fractures of long bones by developing the technology of fixation method conversion with combined autoplasty and postoperative telemedical control (loading +ROM (range of motion).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: Two comparison groups were formed: the main (84 patients) and the control (62 patients). For the patients of this group all elements of the restorative treatment system were used (DCO, extrafocal osteosynthesis (including hinged), ultrasonic cavitation, NPWT, biochemical indicators of blood, conversion technology with usage of regenerative technologies, rehabilitation program) and telemedical control with applications (ROM+weight bearing). The control group (62 patients) - patients who received almost the same treatment, but only autoplasty with cancellous bone was included for bone plastics an telemedical counseling were not used.

RESULTS

Results: 1 year after the final method of fixation, it was established that the relative indicators were also lower in the patients of the main group, and a statistically significant difference was found in the indicator of the frequency of contracture formation, which may indicate the timely establishment of low dynamics in increasing the amplitude of movements and appropriate response (redress, arthrolysis, tenolysis).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Implementation of telemedicine and combined plastic surgery of bone defects in the restorative treatment system reduce the frequency of major complications that affect the objective result, affect better physical and mental health indicators during the observation period of 12 months.

Telemedicine Orthopedic Consultations Duration and Timing in Outpatient Clinical Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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.

Leveraging Telehealth: Utilizing Digital Health Technology to Improve Patient Care in Orthopaedics

The past decade has seen a shift in health care delivery models to be more value-based: patient-centered, accessible, and cost-effective. One of the primary modes of addressing these needs has been through the implementation of telemedicine-digital health care technology that streamlines and enhances traditional health care delivery. In the orthopaedic setting, there are various methods of telemedicine utilization, each uniquely optimized for different clinical scenarios. There are certain financial and technological limitations when utilizing telemedicine for orthopaedic care that pose notable barriers to uniform utilization across the specialty. Nonetheless, these challenges are currently being tested as orthopaedic surgeons continuously become more innovative and creative as to how they deliver care. As we enter our "new normal" in the post-COVID-19 era, the availability and use of telemedicine will equip orthopaedic surgeons to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible care in an ever-changing health care landscape.

Telehealth for consultation and shoulder rehabilitation: a preliminary study on the perspectives of 30 patients during the COVID-19 lockdown

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine: the perspectives of the patient cohort that underwent telehealth consultation and shoulder rehabilitation during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the differences in the patients' perspectives with the two different telehealth video applications (apps) used in the study.

METHODS

This is a prospective study carried out during the COVID lockdown period of April to July 2020. Thirty consecutive patients from the orthopedics department of a tertiary institute in India underwent their first-ever session of a video app-based (Zoom or WhatsApp) telehealth consultation with shoulder rehabilitation exercises on a handheld mobile, tablet, or laptop device. After the virtual consultation, the patients were sent a validated telehealth usability questionnaire (TUQ) to evaluate their perspectives. Scores obtained from the TUQ were the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

The study was completed by 30 patients (16 men and 14 women) with an average age of 56 years (range, 20-77 years). The patients who contacted us during the lockdown period with either a stiff shoulder or a conservatively treated shoulder fracture were included in the study. The average TUQ score was 13.6 (median, 14.5; range, 6-21) out of a maximum of 21 points. Eighty percent of the patients were satisfied and found the telehealth service useful. Use of the Zoom app scored significantly higher (median, 17; average, 15.6) than the WhatsApp app (median, 8.5; average, 9.6) (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received telehealth consultation and shoulder rehabilitation were overall satisfied. Telehealth apps with advanced video calling features such as Zoom should be preferred for higher patient satisfaction.