scholarly journals 1544 The Doctor Will Call You Now – Patients’ Perspective of The Implementation of Telephone Clinics in the COVID-19 Era

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Chawla ◽  
H Byrne ◽  
M Rao
Keyword(s):  
Specific Situation ◽  
Telephone Conversation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Initial Appointment ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Patients Perspective ◽  
Remote Consultations

Abstract Aim During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical guidelines advised the implementation of remote consultations with the aim of preventing viral transmission. Guidance included the introduction of telephone clinics and in March 2020, these were initiated for General Surgery at our rural DGH. The aim of this study was to review patients’ perspectives of these remote consultations. Method Using telephone clinic schedules, the first 100 patients of the telephone clinics were retrospectively identified. A survey was created using Google forms and questions covered patient demographics, as well as patients’ opinions on the organisation and efficacy of the clinic. The survey was completed via a telephone conversation with each patient between June to August 2020. Results 72 patients consented to participate (age range: 24-80 years; 65% female). 44% of consultations were follow up, with 23% of patients having their initial appointment remotely. Although 82% of patients were able to discuss all concerns, nearly half of patients (43%) felt not having a face-to-face appointment affected their consultation. 78% of patients preferred remote consultations during the pandemic, but beyond this specific situation, 53% felt that in the future they would still prefer a face-to-face consultation. 57.6% of patients rated the newly implemented telephone consultations as 10/10. Conclusions The majority of patient feedback was positive. However, outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, our patients would prefer the traditional face-to-face consultation format. This outcome has been demonstrated in other similar studies worldwide, as it enables patients to be examined by and meet their surgeon prior to potential surgery.

scholarly journals Experiences of remote consulting for patients and neurologists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e000173
Author(s):  
Maria Stavrou ◽  
Eva Lioutas ◽  
Joanna Lioutas ◽  
Richard J Davenport
Keyword(s):  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Remote Consultation ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Consultation Skills ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Remote Consultations

BackgroundRemote consulting is an emerging model in managing chronic neurological conditions and has been widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this national survey was to investigate the initial experiences of remote consulting for neurologists and patients with established neurological conditions under follow-up during the first COVID-19 phase.MethodsIn collaboration with the Scottish Association of Neurological Sciences and the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, we conducted a web-based survey of neurologists and patients between October and November 2020.FindingsData was available for 62 neurologists and 201 patients. The consensus among neurologists was that remote consulting is a satisfactory way of delivering healthcare in selected groups of patients. For practical and technical reasons, there was preference for phone over video consultations (phone 63% vs video 33%, p=0.003). The prevailing opinion among clinicians was that considerable training interventions for remote consultation skills are required (‘yes’ 63% vs ‘no’ 37%, p=0.009) to improve clinician consultation skills and successfully embed this new model of care.Most patients perceived remote consultations as safe, effective and convenient, with 89% of patients being satisfied with their remote consultation experience. Although traditional face-to-face consultations were the favoured way of interaction for 62% of patients, a significant proportion preferred that some of their future consultations be remote.InterpretationAlthough not a replacement for face-to-face consultations, this survey illustrates that remote consulting can be an acceptable adjunct to traditional face-to-face consultations for doctors and patients. More research is required to identify overall safety and applicability.

scholarly journals Remote Consultations Versus Standard Face-to-Face Appointments for Liver Transplant Patients in Routine Hospital Care: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of myVideoClinic

10.2196/19232 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. e19232
Author(s):  
Sarah Damery ◽  
Janet Jones ◽  
Elaine O'Connell Francischetto ◽  
Kate Jolly ◽  
Richard Lilford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Liver Transplant ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Qualitative Process Evaluation ◽  
Remote Consultations

Background Using technology to reduce the pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales is a key government target, and the NHS Long-Term Plan outlines a strategy for digitally enabled outpatient care to become mainstream by 2024. In 2020, the COVID-19 response saw the widespread introduction of remote consultations for patient follow-up, regardless of individual preferences. Despite this rapid change, there may be enduring barriers to the effective implementation of remote appointments into routine practice once the unique drivers for change during the COVID-19 pandemic no longer apply, to which pre-COVID implementation studies can offer important insights. Objective This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using real-time remote consultations between patients and secondary care physicians for routine patient follow-up at a large hospital in the United Kingdom and to assess whether patient satisfaction differs between intervention and usual care patients. Methods Clinically stable liver transplant patients were randomized to real-time remote consultations in which their hospital physician used secure videoconferencing software (intervention) or standard face-to-face appointments (usual care). Participants were asked to complete postappointment questionnaires over 12 months. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary outcome was the difference in scores between baseline and study end by patient group for the three domains of patient satisfaction (assessed using the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument). An embedded qualitative process evaluation used interviews to assess patient and staff experiences. Results Of the 54 patients who were randomized, 29 (54%) received remote consultations, and 25 (46%) received usual care (recruitment rate: 54/203, 26.6%). The crossover between study arms was high (13/29, 45%). A total of 129 appointments were completed, with 63.6% (82/129) of the questionnaires being returned. Patient satisfaction at 12 months increased in both the intervention (25 points) and usual care (14 points) groups. The within-group analysis showed that the increases were significant for both intervention (P<.001) and usual care (P=.02) patients; however, the between-group difference was not significant after controlling for baseline scores (P=.10). The qualitative process evaluation showed that—according to patients—remote consultations saved time and money, were less burdensome, and caused fewer negative impacts on health. Technical problems with the software were common, and only 17% (5/29) of patients received all appointments over video. Both consultants and patients saw remote consultations as positive and beneficial. Conclusions Using technology to conduct routine follow-up appointments remotely may ease some of the resource and infrastructure challenges faced by the UK NHS and free up clinic space for patients who must be seen face-to-face. Our findings regarding the advantages and challenges of using remote consultations for routine follow-ups of liver transplant patients have important implications for service organization and delivery in the postpandemic NHS. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry 14093266; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14093266 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-2953-4

scholarly journals COVID-19 Care Clinic in a Medical Center: Lessons Learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110567
Author(s):  
Sidna M. Tulledge-Scheitel ◽  
Thomas A. Billings ◽  
Karen M. Fischer ◽  
Jason H. Homme ◽  
Jennifer M. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Age Range

Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe the elements of a Covid-19 Care Clinic (CCC), patient demographics, and outcomes. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. This report is based on 4934 unique patients seen in the CCC who provided research authorization within a 10-month period of time (April 1, 2020-January 31, 2021). The CCC infection control processes consisted of a rooming process that mitigated SARS-COV-2 transmission, preparing examination rooms, using PPE by staff, in room lab drawing, and escorting services to minimize the time in clinic. Results: Of the 4934 unique patients seen (age range newborn-102 years), 76.8% were tested for COVID-19. Of those tested, 11.8% were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Ninety-two percent of the patients with the reason for the visit documented had COVID-19 type symptoms. Cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain were the most common presenting symptom in those with COVID-19. At the time of the visit in the CCC, 5.8% of the patients were actively contagious. Thirty days after being seen in the CCC, 9.1% of the patients were seen in the emergency department (ED) and 0.2% died. During the 10-month period there were no known occupationally related COVID-19 infections. Conclusion: The COVID-19 Care Clinic provided face-to-face access for all ages with COVID-19 type symptoms. A minority of patients had COVID-19 who were seen in the clinic. The clinic provided an additional venue of care outside of the ED. The infectious control measures employed were highly effective in protecting the staff. Lessons learned allow for decentralization of COVID-19 symptom care to the primary care practices employing the infection control measures.

scholarly journals Single-centre telephone survey on patients’ perspectives regarding remote paediatric outpatient consultations in a district general hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000885
Author(s):  
Nilima Singh ◽  
Manas Datta
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Paediatric Outpatient ◽  
Patients Perspective ◽  
Remote Consultations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote consultations became a new norm for paediatric outpatient clinics. The objective of this survey was to find patients’ perspective on telephone consultations. 200 patients, who had remote consultations since April 2020, were surveyed and their responses were analysed. Almost half (98/200) of the patients or their parents preferred remote consultations mixed with face-to-face consultations; only a fifth (40/200) preferred exclusively face-to-face consultations; and approximately a third (62/200) preferred exclusively remote consultations. In conclusion, remote consultations are becoming a popular choice for patients, although there are limitations, especially in the context of safeguarding.

scholarly journals EP.WE.17Surgical Telemedicine Clinics during the Covid-19 Pandemic – Patient-Reported Outcomes Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Onyekachi Ekowo ◽  
Ahmed Elgabry ◽  
nuno Gouveia ◽  
Shwetal Dighe ◽  
Aftab Khan
Keyword(s):  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
The Face ◽  
Patient Responses ◽  
Online Feedback

Abstract Aims The primary aim was to obtain patient feedback about surgical telemedicine clinics. The secondary endpoint was to investigate any factors influencing the patient’s feedback. Methods A retrospective qualitative study was undertaken, during the period between June – September 2020, at Darent Valley Hospital in West Kent. Telephone and online feedback were obtained using a 5 point questionnaire designed to assess their experience and preference for future consultations. Variables such as ‘demographics’, ‘first or follow-up clinic appointment’ and ‘physician-grade’, were analysed for any influence on patients feedback. Results A total of 200 patients responded to the questionnaire (telephone = 133, online = 77). The median age was 67 years (IQR 44 – 79) and male: female ratio 1. About 35.9% were a new referral and 42.7% has had some face-to-face appointment in the hospital before the pandemic. During the period of the study, about 42.7% had more than one telemedicine appointments. About 83.2% were consulted by surgical registrars. A rating from good to excellent for ‘overall experience’, ‘opportunity to express own concern’ and ‘how well the doctor addressed their concerns’ was given at 90%, 93.1% and 89.4%, respectively. About 80.2% felt reassured and 21.7% would prefer telemedicine for future consultations. There was no association between the variables studied and patient responses. Conclusions A high percentage of patients reported satisfactory service provision via telemedicine clinics. A majority of patients felt reassured. However, given the option, the face-to-face clinic would be the prefered option for the majority.

scholarly journals Telephone versus face-to-face neuro-oncology consultations: comparing patient satisfaction, convenience, family support and clinician attitude during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv14-iv14
Author(s):  
Emma Toman ◽  
Claire Goddard ◽  
William Garratt ◽  
Frederick Berki ◽  
Zenab Sher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oncology Service ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Remote Consultations

Abstract Aims During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, to limit the number of patients attending hospital, the neuro-oncology department selected a large number of appointments to be conducted via the telephone. This project aimed to determine how patients and clinicians perceived telephone consultations in the neuro-oncology service compared to traditional face to face appointments. Method A 20-question patient satisfaction survey combined quantitative and qualitative questions and was distributed between June and August 2020. These were distributed by email to 88 patients who attended neuro-oncology clinic in person ("face-to-face"), or by telephone. Concurrently, a 15-question survey was distributed to all clinicians conducting telephone and face-to-face consultations for the neuro-oncology service. Questions included in the clinician survey were designed to mirror the patient satisfaction questionnaire where possible. Fisher's exact test was used to determine significance, which was set at p&lt; 0.05. Results 51.1% (n=45) of patients returned the questionnaire. Of those who received telephone appointments, 89.5% (n=17) felt the consultation was convenient, 94.7% (n=18) were satisfied and 80.0% (n=16) were able to have a family member/friend present. Of those who attended face-to-face appointments, 96.0% (n=24) felt their consultation was convenient, 100% (n=25) were satisfied and 87.5% (n=21) were able to have a family member/friend present. There was no significant difference in patient convenience, satisfaction or family/friend presence (p=0.395, p=0.432 and p=0.498 respectively) between face-to-face and telephone clinics. Overall, the clinicians reported undertaking a mean of 9.5 telephone consultations per week. Only 42.8% (n=3) use telephone appointments for first-time neuro-oncology consultations, whereas 100.0% (n=7) use them for results and follow-up appointments. Only 51.7% (n=4) felt that undertaking telephone consultations is convenient and 42.8% (n=3) have experienced difficult situations with patients during telephone consultation. Conclusion This project suggests that neuro-oncology telephone consultations provide patients with the same level of satisfaction and convenience as face-to-face appointments. We have also demonstrated that using the telephone does not provide a significant barrier to having family or friends present to support the patient. We have shown that clinicians are universally utilising neuro-oncology telephone appointments for follow-up and results whereas much fewer use the telephone for performing initial consultations. Given the high-level of satisfaction demonstrated in the patient questionnaires this reflects effective patient-selection for remote consultations. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced oncology services to evolve and results of this project suggest that telephone neuro-oncology consultations are widely accepted by patients and clinicians. We therefore propose that remote consultations should continue beyond the pandemic in select cases.

scholarly journals Remote Consultations Versus Standard Face-to-Face Appointments for Liver Transplant Patients in Routine Hospital Care: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of myVideoClinic (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Damery ◽  
Janet Jones ◽  
Elaine O'Connell Francischetto ◽  
Kate Jolly ◽  
Richard Lilford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Liver Transplant ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Qualitative Process Evaluation ◽  
Remote Consultations

BACKGROUND Using technology to reduce the pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales is a key government target, and the NHS Long-Term Plan outlines a strategy for digitally enabled outpatient care to become mainstream by 2024. In 2020, the COVID-19 response saw the widespread introduction of remote consultations for patient follow-up, regardless of individual preferences. Despite this rapid change, there may be enduring barriers to the effective implementation of remote appointments into routine practice once the unique drivers for change during the COVID-19 pandemic no longer apply, to which pre-COVID implementation studies can offer important insights. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using real-time remote consultations between patients and secondary care physicians for routine patient follow-up at a large hospital in the United Kingdom and to assess whether patient satisfaction differs between intervention and usual care patients. METHODS Clinically stable liver transplant patients were randomized to real-time remote consultations in which their hospital physician used secure videoconferencing software (intervention) or standard face-to-face appointments (usual care). Participants were asked to complete postappointment questionnaires over 12 months. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. The primary outcome was the difference in scores between baseline and study end by patient group for the three domains of patient satisfaction (assessed using the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument). An embedded qualitative process evaluation used interviews to assess patient and staff experiences. RESULTS Of the 54 patients who were randomized, 29 (54%) received remote consultations, and 25 (46%) received usual care (recruitment rate: 54/203, 26.6%). The crossover between study arms was high (13/29, 45%). A total of 129 appointments were completed, with 63.6% (82/129) of the questionnaires being returned. Patient satisfaction at 12 months increased in both the intervention (25 points) and usual care (14 points) groups. The within-group analysis showed that the increases were significant for both intervention (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) and usual care (<i>P</i>=.02) patients; however, the between-group difference was not significant after controlling for baseline scores (<i>P</i>=.10). The qualitative process evaluation showed that—according to patients—remote consultations saved time and money, were less burdensome, and caused fewer negative impacts on health. Technical problems with the software were common, and only 17% (5/29) of patients received all appointments over video. Both consultants and patients saw remote consultations as positive and beneficial. CONCLUSIONS Using technology to conduct routine follow-up appointments remotely may ease some of the resource and infrastructure challenges faced by the UK NHS and free up clinic space for patients who must be seen face-to-face. Our findings regarding the advantages and challenges of using remote consultations for routine follow-ups of liver transplant patients have important implications for service organization and delivery in the postpandemic NHS. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry 14093266; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14093266 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-2953-4

scholarly journals AB0909-HPR COVID 19 CRISIS: RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF REMOTE RHEUMATOLOGY MEDICATION CLINICS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1476.2-1477
Author(s):  
R. Penford ◽  
E. Wren ◽  
K. Mackay
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Specialist Nurse ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Shared Medical Appointments ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Clinic Appointment ◽  
Telephone Helpline ◽  
First Time

Background:We used to initiate DMARD(s) and Biologic therapies via nurse-led shared medical appointments (Group clinics) and could see up to 30 patients per week, with a maximum of 6 patients per group. We did this to start patients on their medications efficiently and safely and to manage the increase in workload.However, with the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, we had to stop these clinics immediately, but, we did not have capacity to start everyone on their medications in a timely manner by telephone. Telephoning each individual took > 9 hours per week, whereas previously it took 3-4 haours.Objectives:We wanted to start patients on their all rheumatology medications safely and efficiently (within 10 days).Methods:By April 2202, we had organised the filming of 10 short healthcare videos to give patients all the information they required to start a range of DMARDs and biologics.We developed a new protocol (fig 1); patients are asked to view the relevant video, contact our department to confirm they understand the safety monitoring, risks, potential side effects, dose increases etc. As soon as they confirm by email they are happy to start treatment, a prescription is generated and emailed to the hospital outpatient pharmacy, where it is dispensed and delivered to the patient’s home. We send a follow up reminder letter about blood test monitoring etc (copy to GP) and a ‘shared care agreement’ to GP. They are given the option to have a telephone clinic appointment with a specialist nurse if required.Figure 1.Results:Of those requiring DMARDs, 62% reviewed the video, completed the checklist and confirmed by email they were happy to start treatment, within 24-hours. 88% had completed within 7 days.Over half the patients (56%) were starting DMARDs for the first time, of those 8% requested a telephone consultation to discuss treatment further with the Rheumatology nurses. Of the 44% of patients already taking a DMARD and due to start a second medication 24% required a telephone clinic appointment.As this is a new service, we asked for feedback, receiving replies from 34%, all scoring between 9/10 and 10/10.We have released > 7 hours of specialist nurse time for telephone/helpline clinics.Conclusion:The development of digital / remote medication clinics has been a success and we will continue with this approach. We have limited face-to-face appointments, started patients on rheumatology medications more quickly and efficiently than previously (but maintained safety), allowed the nursing staff time to spend more time working in our telephone clinics and have had excellent patient feedback. Although, we are aware, this is at a cost of no peer-to-peer interaction, which has been of value in the past.Disclosure of Interests:Rian Penford: None declared, Elaine Wren: None declared, Kirsten Mackay Speakers bureau: I have been paid as a speaker for Roche within the last 12 months, Consultant of: I have worked as a paid consultant for Novartis, Janssen and Lilly within the last 12 moths, Grant/research support from: Novartis have assisted in the development of our Rheumatology App - Connect Plus - developed for rheumatology patients attending our department.

Psychopathology 8½ Years Post Parasuicide

Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Curran ◽  
Michael Fitzgerald ◽  
Vincent T Greene
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Parental Bonding ◽  
Social Maladjustment ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

There are few long-term follow-up studies of parasuicides incorporating face-to-face interviews. To date no study has evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity at long-term follow-up of parasuicides using diagnostic rating scales, nor has any study examined parental bonding issues in this population. We attempted a prospective follow-up of 85 parasuicide cases an average of 8½ years later. Psychiatric morbidity, social functioning, and recollections of the parenting style of their parents were assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule, the Social Maladjustment Scale, and the Parental Bonding Instrument, respectively. Thirty-nine persons in total were interviewed, 19 of whom were well and 20 of whom had psychiatric morbidity. Five had died during the follow-up period, 3 by suicide. Migration, refusals, and untraceability were common. Parasuicide was associated with parental overprotection during childhood. Long-term outcome is poor, especially among those who engaged in repeated parasuicides.

Patient feedback on a new method of consulting with the GP; an analysis of responses by users of online triage software

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X696773
Author(s):  
Abi Eccles ◽  
Mike Hopper ◽  
Helen Atherton
Keyword(s):  
Free Text ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Online Consultation ◽  
Patient Feedback ◽  
Levels Of Use ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Context Dependent ◽  
Feedback Data

BackgroundOnline triage software is a new way to triage patients online that allows patients to describe their problem via an online form. A GP then contacts the patient to arrange either a face-to-face or telephone consultation.AimThis study aimed to explore use of online consultation software and gain insight into patients’ experiences of using online consultations, identifying potential barriers and facilitators to use.MethodThis is a mixed methods retrospective study analysing data about patient users and their associated feedback. Data from a sample of 5591 patients were quantitatively analysed to describe characteristics of users. 576 out of the 5591 users left free-text feedback comments on their experience of use. These were thematically analysed.ResultsThe highest levels of use were observed in 25–35-year olds and lowest from those aged >65. Key themes identified included convenience, consultation quality, appropriateness, resource-use and functionality. Within each, a range of subthemes were present representing both positive and negative perceptions, suggesting that experiences of using online triage varied and were often context-dependentConclusionThere are various advantages to online triage software, but these are context-dependent. Therefore, such applications should be offered as an additional way to contact the GP surgery, rather than a replacement for more established methods, to ensure appropriate and equal access for patients.

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