scholarly journals AB0707 RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENT CARE IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: TELEMEDICINE, DELEGATION, PATIENT SATISFACTION AND VACCINATION BEHAVIOUR

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1385.2-1385
Author(s):  
T. Thiele ◽  
S. Beider ◽  
H. Kühl ◽  
G. Miehlke ◽  
A. Cossmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Pneumococcal Vaccination ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Viral Spread

Background:Use of telemedicine in Germany has increased due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Between March and May 2020, government restrictions led to cancellation of routine outpatient appointments to limit viral spread and optimize resources.Objectives:This study assesses patient satisfaction of follow-up telemedicine appointments among patients known to be in disease remission, attending either secondary or tertiary care Rheumatology clinics. Appointments were conducted either by a rheumatologist or a qualified medical assistant for rheumatology (RFA). Additional data regarding perceived concerns arising from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as attitudes to vaccination were collected.Methods:Methods: Patients not requiring adjustment of their DMARDs at the two previous attendances were considered stable. At cancellation of the planned attendance, patients were offered participation in the study and provided verbal informed consent. Participants were randomized to a telemedicine appointment by either a physician or RFA. Telemedicine appointments consisted of a standardized patient interview, including assessment of disease activity (modified CDAI score), attitudes to vaccination as well as current vaccine status and concerns about COVID-19. Following participation, all patients received a pseudonymized postal questionnaire to evaluate appointment satisfaction (FAPI-Score).Results:In total 112/116 (96%) patients that were offered appointments, participated in the study (RA 50%, axSpA 30%, PsA 20%). Of these 88/112 (79%) returned their postal questionnaires. Overall patient satisfaction was excellent (mean 4.3/5 modified FAPI score) and did not differ between care setting or clinical status of the interviewer. RFAs conducted 19/112 (17%) of appointments, 6 (32%) of which required additional physician intervention. Change of DMARDs occurred in 19/112 (17%) appointments. Patients reporting a pain score ≥7 (VAS 1-10) were most dissatisfied with the telemedicine appointment (p=0.036). Concerns about COVID-19 correlated with disease activity: high disease activity (p = 0.031), presence of tender joints (p=0.001), high pain levels (p=0.009) correlated with concern of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing severe disease course. Only 38% of the patients had been vaccinated against pneumococci in the past 5 years and 54% had been vaccinated against influenza in 2019/2020.Conclusion:Telemedicine can contribute to patient care in stable patients. RFAs can also contribute to patient care especially for follow-up appointment when patients are in remission. Vaccination rates and motivation needs to be improved as influenza and pneumococcal vaccination is recommended to all patients with rheumatic diseases without contraindications.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Serum Levels of IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α and Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (04) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Beyazal ◽  
G. Devrimsel ◽  
M. Cüre ◽  
A. Türkyılmaz ◽  
E. Çapkın ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Factor Alpha ◽  
High Level ◽  
Necrosis Factor

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in RA patients and to assess the correlation of these cytokines with clinical and laboratory parameters. Materials and Methods: 48 patients with RA and 35 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was determined by disease activity score (DAS28) in patients with RA. Patients with RA were categorized as mild (DAS28≤3.2), moderate (3.2<DAS28≤5.1), and severe (5.1<DAS28) according to DAS28. The serum levels of IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay. Results: The mean serum IL-17 and TNF-α levels did not differ between RA patients and controls (P>0.05). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in RA patients compared with controls (P<0.001). The increasing trend in mean serum IL-6 levels across group with mild, moderate, and severe disease activity was significant (P<0.001, respectively). In RA patients, serum IL-6 concentrations were significantly correlated with ESR, CRP, DAS28, and VAS (r=0.371, P=0.009; r=0.519, P<0.001; r=0.536, P<0.001; r=0.539, P<0.001, respectively). Also, Serum IL-17 concentrations demonstrated significant correlations with ESR, CRP, but not DAS28 (r=0.349, P=0.015; r=0.299, P=0.039; r=0.274, P=0.060, respectively). Serum TNF-α showed no significant correlation with disease activity indices. Conclusions: This study showed that patients with RA had significantly increased cytokine level for IL-6, but not IL-17 and TNF-α and high level of serum IL-6 cytokine was associated with disease activity. However, further follow-up studies involving large samples are required to clarify precise role of these cytokines in disease development and progress.

scholarly journals Oncologic Therapy Support Via Means of a Dedicated Mobile App (OPTIMISE-1): Protocol for a Prospective Pilot Trial (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami A El Shafie ◽  
Nina Bougatf ◽  
Tanja Sprave ◽  
Dorothea Weber ◽  
Dieter Oetzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Curative Radiotherapy ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Oncologic Therapy

BACKGROUND The increasing role of consumer electronics and Web-enabled mobile devices in the medical sector opens up promising possibilities for integrating novel technical solutions into therapy and patient support for oncologic illnesses. A recent survey carried out at Heidelberg University Hospital suggested a high acceptance among patients for an additional approach to patient care during radiotherapy based on patient-reported outcomes by a dedicated mobile app. OBJECTIVE The aim of this trial (OPTIMISE-1: Oncologic Therapy Support Via Means of a Dedicated Mobile App – A Prospective Feasibility Evaluation) is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of employing a mobile app for the systematic support of radiooncological patients throughout the course of their radiotherapy by monitoring symptoms and patient performance, and facilitating the background-exchange of relevant information between patient and physician. METHODS The present single-center, prospective, exploratory trial, conducted at Heidelberg University Hospital, assesses the feasibility of integrating an app-based approach into patient-care during radiotherapy. Patients undergoing curative radiotherapy for thoracic or pelvic tumors will be surveyed regarding general performance, treatment-related quality of life (QoL) and symptoms, and their need to personally consult a physician by means of a mobile app during treatment. The primary endpoint of feasibility will be reached when 80% of the patients have successfully answered 80% of their respective questions scheduled for each treatment day. Furthermore, treatment-related patient satisfaction and health-related QoL is assessed by the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires at the beginning (baseline) and end of radiotherapy, and at the first follow-up. RESULTS This trial will recruit 50 patients over a period of 12 months. Follow-up will be completed after 18 months, and publication of results is planned at 24 months after trial initiation. CONCLUSIONS This study will serve as a basis for future studies aiming to exploit the constant innovation in mobile medical appliances and integrate novel patient-centered concepts into patient care in the context of radiotherapy. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03168048; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03168048 (Archived at WebCite http://www.webcitation.org/6wtWGgi0X)

scholarly journals The Cost of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management Matches with Clinical Course: A Single Outpatient Centre Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4549
Author(s):  
Mariabeatrice Principi ◽  
Nunzia Labarile ◽  
Francesco Paolo Bianchi ◽  
Antonella Contaldo ◽  
Silvio Tafuri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Conventional Therapy ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have a large economic burden on health systems. Our single-centre observational retrospective study aimed to assess an economic evaluation in two IBD outpatient cohorts (biological and conventional therapy) in relation to disease activity within a three-year follow-up. Four hundred and seventeen consecutive IBD patients referred to our tertiary gastroenterology unit (Bari-Puglia-Southern Italy) on January 2014–December 2016 were included. For each group (conventional/biological), we assessed direct/indirect costs and clinical/endoscopic activity within the first year and along the three-year follow-up. Statistical analyses: Wilcoxon signed-rank test (continuous variables), chi-square and Fisher’s test (categorical variables), Spearman ranks (single outcome) and ANOVA (detection time, clinical/endoscopic scores) were used. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and range and/or median, interquartile range and range; categorical variables were expressed as proportions with 95% confidence interval. Direct and indirect cost items of 2014 and 2014–2016 were higher in patients treated with biological than conventional therapy. Subjects on biological therapy were younger and showed clinical and endoscopic moderate-to-severe disease activity. After three years, they reached a significant improvement from baseline. Conversely, disease activity was mild when conventional treatment had a beneficial effect. In conclusion, overall IBD management cost matches with clinical course and needs long-term evaluation in critical patients.

Saturday multidisciplinary hemodialysis access clinics to enhance patient care

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 456-459
Author(s):  
Lorraine T Levitsky ◽  
Jack Ruske ◽  
Dirk M Hentschel ◽  
Louis L Nguyen ◽  
C Keith Ozaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Hemodialysis Access ◽  
Practice Assistant ◽  
Enhance Patient Care

Fragmentation of outpatient care is a substantial barrier to creation and maintenance of hemodialysis access. To improve patient accessibility, satisfaction, and multidisciplinary provider communication, we created a monthly Saturday multidisciplinary vascular surgery and interventional nephrology access clinic at a tertiary care hospital in a major urban area for the complicated hemodialysis patient population. The study included patients presenting for new access creation as well as those who had previously undergone access surgery. Staffing included two to three interventional nephrologists, two to three vascular surgeons, one medical assistant, one research assistant, and one practice assistant. Patient satisfaction and perception of the clinic was measured using surveys during six of the monthly Saturday hemodialysis clinics. A total of 675 patient encounters were completed (18.2 average/clinic ±6.3 standard deviation) from August 2016 to August 2019. All patients were seen by both disciplines. The average no-show rate was 19.9% throughout the study period. Patient satisfaction in all measures was consistently high with the Saturday clinic. Providers were also assayed, and they generally valued the real-time, multidisciplinary care plan generation, and its subsequent efficient execution. Saturday multidisciplinary hemodialysis access clinics offer high provider and patient satisfaction and streamlined patient care. However, no-show rates remain relatively high for this challenging patient population.

scholarly journals P220 Patient-entered symptoms scores collected using a new IBD patient portal correlate closely with clinical assessment and can optimise delivery of IBD care

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S274-S275
Author(s):  
S Carlson ◽  
P Harrow ◽  
S McCartney
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Clinical Impression ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Symptom Scores

Abstract Background Patient healthcare portals can empower IBD patients by allowing access to their electronic health record and provide opportunities for active participation in their care. We built 3 patient-entered symptom questionnaires in EPIC MyChart using existing validated IBD symptom scores (HBI, SCCAI, IBD Control). Patients were invited to complete these prior to clinic using the MyChart patient portal. In this study we examine the feasibility and accuracy of patient entered scores compared to the physician’s impression of disease activity and the potential impact on healthcare delivery. Methods Between September 2020 and January 2021 consecutive patients were invited to complete 2 questionnaires reporting disease activity on the EPIC MyChart portal using the IBD Control (Bodger et al. 2014) and either HBI or SCCAI (for Crohn’s disease and UC respectively). Only patients who completed these scores were included in this study. A retrospective review of the notes was completed to determine the physician’s impression of disease activity and actions taken by the physician in the outpatient clinic. Results 107 patients with Crohn’s and 80 with UC were included in the study. 60% of CD and 56% of UC patients were in remission by HBI (&lt;5) or SCCAI (&lt;3). Patient reported disease activity correlated well with clinical impression of disease activity. 88% of CD patients and 98% of UC patients in HBI or SCCAI remission were also deemed to be in remission on physician’s clinical impression (r= 0.54, p &lt;0.001 and r= 0.74, p &lt;0.001). Both CD and UC had lower rates of remission by IBD Control (49% and 53%). This score also captures fatigue and mood. Furthermore, the IBD Control identified a specific question to be addressed at the upcoming clinic visit for 76% of patients with CD and 64% with UC. Importantly, 24% of all UC patients (n=19) in remission by SCCAI and IBD Control, had no questions they wanted addressed, and all of these patients had no further actions triggered by clinic attendance. Conversely in the 18% patients with moderate to severe disease by HBI or SCCAI, 50% required a blood test or calprotectin prior to further clinical decisions. Conclusion Patient-entered symptom scores correlate closely with physician’s impression of disease activity and patients are able to accurately record these using the EPIC MyChart portal. Importantly, it is possible to identify a cohort of patients who are well, where there are opportunities to optimise follow-up, and conversely a group of patients with active disease where key investigations can be arranged prior to clinical review to prevent delays in treatment. These patients can also be prioritised for face-to-face clinics, at a time when reducing social contacts is imperative.

scholarly journals Circulating anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in Greek patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy – a retrospective cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-150
Author(s):  
Simella Provatopoulou ◽  
Dimitra Kalavrizioti ◽  
Maria Stangou ◽  
Maria-Nikoleta Kouri ◽  
Pantellitsa Kalliakmani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Complete Remission ◽  
Phospholipase A2 ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Membranous Nephropathy ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy ◽  
Phospholipase A2 Receptor

Abstract Introduction. Circulating autoantibodies against phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) are recognized as key elements in the pathogenesis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy. In current clinical practice, they are increasingly gaining attention as novel tools for diagnosis and disease monitoring. We investigated the diagnostic and prognostic utility of anti-PLA2R antibody measurements in Greek patients with biopsy-proven membranous nephropathy. Methods. Anti-PLA2R levels were measured in serum samples from 33 patients at diagnosis using ELISA and were associated with treatment outcome. Moreover, serial anti-PLA2R measurements were performed in 15 patients under different clinical conditions and level alterations were correlated with disease activity. Results. Positive anti-PLA2R antibodies at diagnosis were found in 16 of 33 patients (48.5%). Anti-PLA2R levels were independently associated with the achievement of complete remission of nephrotic syndrome after immunosuppressive treatment compared to partial remission (p = 0.02, R2 = 0.265, 95%CI -0.019 to -0.0003). Higher detectable antibody levels at diagnosis were correlated with higher proteinuria levels (r = 0.813, p = 0.0001, 95%CI 0.532 to 0.933) and lower eGFR at the end of follow-up (r = -0.634, p = 0.0083, 95%CI -0.86 to -0.202). Serial antibody measurements during follow-up showed that anti-PLA2R titers were significantly reduced at the end of treatment after complete remission was achieved, remained low under sustained clinical remission, and increased during relapse. Conclusions. Our findings confirm the usefulness of anti-PLA2R measurements in the diagnosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Low levels of anti-PLA2R antibodies at diagnosis are predictive of complete remission of nephrotic syndrome following immunosuppressive treatment. Serial anti-PLA2R measurements correlate well with clinical status throughout the follow-up period and could be used routinely for monitoring of disease activity and treatment planning.

scholarly journals Covid 19, the Kerala experience: an observational, single centre retrospective study of outcome in covid positive pregnancies

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 3112
Author(s):  
Sabnam S. Nambiar ◽  
Ajith S. ◽  
Reshmi V. P.
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Medical College ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Rate Of Recovery ◽  
Study Hospital

Background: Covid 19 has spread across the world at an alarming rate. Approximately 4.05 million people have got infected worldwide resulting in around 279,000 deaths. Over 1 million people have recovered worldwide. Aim of this study was to determine whether course and severity of covid 19 is altered in pregnant women and whether covid 19 seemed to worsen the prognosis in pregnant women.Methods: Around 50 covid positive patients were admitted to this study hospital, a tertiary care referral hospital and medical college, between march and May 2020, 11 were pregnant. Authors collected their data retrospectively to understand the course of their disease till the period of recovery.Results: There were 6 patients above 31 weeks of whom one had elective repeat caesarean section, one had full term vaginal delivery, one is under follow up. Three patients had foetal distress necessitating emergency caesarean section. Of the remaining 5 patients with periods of gestation between 9-13 weeks, 1 of 24 weeks, 6 patients above 31 weeks, one had a miscarriage. Rest pregnancies are continuing and under follow up. 6 women had been symptomatic at admission, with mild symptoms of low-grade fever, sore throat and rhinitis. All were treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQs). Those with respiratory symptoms like cough were also treated with oseltamivir. In view of high prevalence of H1N1 in the region. None of the women developed severe disease. The disease did not appear to worsen prognosis in pregnant women. The rate of recovery in pregnant women was similar to that seen in non-pregnant women and also men under the age of 40 years admitted in this study hospital.Conclusions: Covid 19 did not seem to worsen the prognosis in pregnant individuals when compared to rest of the population. The foetal outcomes also seemed favorable. However larger studies are required before concrete guidelines could be formulated for management of the disease in pregnancy.

Ten-year follow-up of the ‘minimal MRI lesion’ subgroup from the original CHAMPS Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
JH Simon ◽  
RP Kinkel ◽  
C Kollman ◽  
P O’Connor ◽  
E Fisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
Brain Volume Loss ◽  
Open Label Extension ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background: Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions are at high risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, patients with a minimal MRI lesion burden (a low T2-hyperintense [low T2] lesion count) may have borderline formal diagnostic criteria, presenting a clinical management challenge. Objective: Compare the 10-year disease progression of patients with low and higher T2 lesion counts treated over most intervals. Methods: CIS patients from the original CHAMPS MS trial were retrospectively assigned to low-T2 (first quartile; 2–8 lesions) or higher-T2 (second through fourth quartiles; ≥ 9 lesions) groups using baseline T2 lesion counts. The 5- and 10-year open-label extension of CHAMPS (CHAMPIONS) evaluated conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS), MRI activity, relapses, and disability. Results: The vast majority of patients showed new disease activity by MRI and/or clinical criteria at 10 years (low-T2 86%; higher-T2 98%). Fewer low-T2 than higher-T2 patients developed CDMS (40% vs. 63%; p = 0.013); low-T2 patients also had fewer new brain lesions, less brain volume loss, and less disability progression. Conclusion: CIS patients with low T2 lesion counts show continued disease activity. However, all assessments of disease progression over 10 years indicated a significantly less severe disease course for low-T2 patients.

Factors Affecting Adherence to Follow-up Appointments after total knee arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-262
Author(s):  
Varah Yuenyongviwat ◽  
Sahatsa Chunakiat ◽  
Peeranut Purngpiputtrakul ◽  
Pawin Wanasitchaiwat ◽  
Khanin Iamthanaporn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Care Protocol ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Total Knee

Background. Regular attendance of follow-up visits after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an important aspect of post-TKA patient care. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate patient adherence to follow-up visits after TKA and analyze the factors that are associated with adherence to follow-up visits following TKA. Material and methods. This study was a retrospective study. The data of 411 knee osteoarthritis patients who had primary TKA were extracted from a single tertiary care hospital’s electronic database. All of the pa­tients underwent the same patient care protocol. The log-rank test was used for detecting differences in follow-up survival and influencing factors. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. Results. The percentage of patients attending postoperative follow-up was 99.3 percent at 6 weeks, 61.1 percent after 1 year, 38.4 percent at 2 years, 32.1 percent after 3 years, and 24.6 percent at 4 years. Hazard ratios for loss to follow-up in patients younger than 65 years of age and those 65-75 years old, compared with those over 75 years old were 2.09 and 1.49, respectively (P<0.05). Patients classified as ASA II better adhered to follow-up visits than ASA III patients. (HR 0.71, P = 0.04). Lastly, HR in patients who lived at least 100 km away from the hospital compared with those who lived less than 100 km away was 0.78 (P = 0.033). Conclusions. 1. Adherence to follow-up visits after TKA was lower than we had expected. 2. The importance of follow-up visits should be emphasized to all patients, and especially in those who require special attention, such as patients who are at high risk of post-operative complications.

scholarly journals Telemedicine in Otolaryngology During COVID-19: Patient and Physician Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110419
Author(s):  
Janet S. Choi ◽  
James H. Kim ◽  
Soyun Park ◽  
Matthew Lin ◽  
Faiz Abdur-Rahman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Physician Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Score ◽  
Provider Satisfaction ◽  
Satisfaction Questionnaire ◽  
Feasible Alternative ◽  
The Mean

Objective To examine patient and physician satisfaction with telemedicine in otolaryngology during COVID-19 and identify associated factors. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary care center. Methods Patient satisfaction was rated by patients (age ≥18 years) who had encounters from May to July 2020 (n = 407). Physician satisfaction was rated by 15 otolaryngologists for specific encounters delivered from May to June 2020 (n = 1011). Patient satisfaction was measured with a Press Ganey questionnaire and a Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire. Mean Press Ganey satisfaction scores of telemedicine encounters during COVID-19 were compared with the pre−COVID-19 Press Ganey scores from in-person encounters (n = 3059) to test a noninferiority hypothesis. Physician satisfaction was measured with a Provider Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results The mean Press Ganey patient satisfaction score for telemedicine encounters was 94.5 (SD, 8.8), no worse than that for in-person encounters prior to COVID-19 at 93.7 (SD, 15.5; Δ = 0.8 [95% CI, −0.5 to 2.1, excluding the noninferiority margin of −1]). Encounters with videoconference (vs telephone) and patients reporting higher income were associated with higher Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire scores. Physician satisfaction scores during COVID-19 with telemedicine encounters were overall high at 83.3 (95% CI, 77.5-89.1), slightly lower when compared with the scores with in-person encounters at 88.4 (95% CI, 82.5-94.3; Δ = −5.2 [95% CI, −6.6 to −3.8]). Encounters with videoconference (vs telephone) and patients with English as a preferred language and follow-up visits were associated with higher Provider Satisfaction Questionnaire scores. Conclusions Telemedicine is a feasible alternative format in otolaryngology during COVID-19 with overall high patient and physician satisfaction. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine encounters during COVID-19 was no worse than in-person encounters prior to the pandemic. Physician satisfaction with telemedicine was relatively lower in comparison with in-person encounters.

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