Assessing disparities in engagement in a post-discharge virtual visit follow-up program.
100 Background: Transitions of care are a frequent focus of quality improvement initiatives. In attempt to improve upon the transitions of care for oncology patients, our institution implemented a post discharge virtual visit follow-up program. Previous studies have suggested that socioeconomic status impacts engagement in technology based interventions. Herein, we report the impact of socio-economic status based on area deprivation index (ADI) on engagement with the program. Methods: All patients admitted to the elective chemotherapy service were included. Retrospective analysis of characteristics of each participant was conducted. Data included eligibility (access to the internet, appropriate device, English language proficiency, ability to set up video visit and a patient portal account) for video visit, interest in participating, completion of the visit and any interventions performed during the visit. In addition, ADI was calculated for each individual. Patients were classified into quartiles based on ADI (quartiles increased with ADI). Chi squared testing was performed to assess whether socioeconomic status affected enrollment in video visits. Simple descriptive analysis was also performed. Results: One hundred seven unique patients were included for review. Of these, 33 (31%), 39 (36%), 16 (15%) and 19 (18%) were in quartile(Q) 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Eligibility per quartile was 29 (88%), 34(87%), 13(81%), and 15(83%). ADI quartile did not significantly affect virtual visit eligibility (p = .50). A total of 91 patients (85%) were eligible for video visits; of these, 46 patients declined. Of the 46 patients that declined 9 (19%), 20 (43%), 8 (17%), and 9 (19%) were in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 respectively. Fifteen patients cited technology issues as reasons for declining telehealth visits - 10 (67%) from Q1 and Q2 and 5 (33%) from Q3 and Q4. The vast majority cited lack of interest as reason for declining. Conclusions: ADI as a measure of socioeconomic status did not significantly affect eligibility for or enrollment in video visits. This may be explained by more ubiquitous access to internet services in a large urban setting. Current research is currently being conducted to understand patient barriers to engagement in virtual visits.