scholarly journals Editorial Comment: Efficiency and satisfaction with telephone consultation of follow-up patients in neuro-urology: Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-181
Author(s):  
Marcio Augusto Averbeck
Keyword(s):  
Editorial Comment ◽  
Telephone Consultation

scholarly journals 829 Is There an Ongoing Role For 'Telephone Triage Clinics' Post COVID-19?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Holmes ◽  
U Mirza ◽  
C Manning ◽  
R Cooke ◽  
R Jugdey
Keyword(s):  
Common Theme ◽  
Telephone Triage ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Clinician Satisfaction ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Local Protocol ◽  
Telephone Questionnaire

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 has placed unprecedented demand on services at ELHT and it has become necessary to have telephone clinics to reduce the number of face-to-face clinics. A ‘telephone triage clinic’ was set up for referrals from A&E. Our project evaluated patient and clinician satisfaction on this. Method We carried out a retrospective telephone questionnaire with patients over a one-week period during the pandemic. We focussed on overall satisfaction of the consultation and quality of communication. Consultants were also surveyed for their opinion on the clinics. Results From 30 patients, 77% said they were ‘very satisfied’ with the overall experience. 80% of patients were ‘very satisfied’ with the overall length of the telephone consultation. 50% of patients felt the clinician was only ‘adequately’ able to assess them over the telephone. The consultants were less satisfied with the overall experience of telephone consultation. A common theme was that they felt ED documentation could be improved to help inform ongoing management. Conclusions Overall, patients were satisfied with the consultations. It has been successful in minimising face to face consultations however some presentations necessitate further evaluation. We need to identify those injuries appropriate for virtual follow up and design a local protocol for these.

scholarly journals Implementation of podiatry telephone appointments for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Palmer ◽  
H. J. Siddle ◽  
A. C. Redmond ◽  
B. Alcacer-Pitarch
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Foot Health ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Initial Intervention

Abstract Background Foot health problems are common in the general population, and particularly so in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMD). Several clinical guidelines state that people with RMDs should have access to foot health services, although service capacity is often limited. The current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for alternative ways to provide patient care. The aim of this clinical audit was to review a newly implemented telephone follow-up appointment service conducted within the Rheumatology Podiatry Department in Leeds, UK. Methods Fifty-eight patients attending the Rheumatology Podiatry Department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust were contacted by telephone approximately 6–8 weeks following initial intervention. During the telephone consultation, all patients were asked pre-defined questions relating to their symptoms, intervention efficacy, the need for further appointments and their preference for the type of consultation. To assess the cost of the telephone consultation the number of attempts needed in order to make successful contact, the duration of the call and the number of telephone follow-up appointments completed in a working day were also recorded. Results Twenty-five patients (43%) were successfully contacted within the 6–8 weeks stipulated time frame and were included in the analysis. Of the 25 contacted, twelve (48%) patients were successfully contacted on the first attempt. Ten (40%) were successfully contacted on the second attempt. The remaining three patients (12%) required 3 or more attempts to make successful contact. Telephone consultations were estimated not to last longer than 10 min, including notes screening and documentation. Eleven patients (44%) reported an improvement in their symptoms, thirteen (52%) reported no change and one patient (4%) reported their symptoms to be worse. Conclusion Telephone follow-up consultations may be a potentially cost-effective alternative to face-to-face appointments when implemented in a Rheumatology Podiatry Department, and provide an alternative way of providing care, especially when capacity for face-to-face contact is limited. The potential cost saving and efficiency benefits of this service are likely to be enhanced when telephone consultations are pre-arranged with patients.

scholarly journals Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina R Raizada ◽  
Natasha Cleaton ◽  
James Bateman ◽  
Diarmuid M Mulherin ◽  
Nick Barkham
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face rheumatology follow-up appointments were mostly replaced with telephone or virtual consultations in order to protect vulnerable patients. We aimed to investigate the perspectives of rheumatology patients on the use of telephone consultations compared with the traditional face-to-face consultation. Methods We carried out a retrospective survey of all rheumatology follow-up patients at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust who had received a telephone consultation from a rheumatology consultant during a 4-week period via an online survey tool. Results Surveys were distributed to 1213 patients, of whom 336 (27.7%) responded, and 306 (91.1%) patients completed all components of the survey. Overall, an equal number of patients would prefer telephone clinics or face-to-face consultations for their next routine appointment. When divided by age group, the majority who preferred the telephone clinics were <50 years old [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 10.075, P = 0.018]. Prevalence of a smartphone was higher among younger patients (<50 years old: 46 of 47, 97.9%) than among older patients (≥50 years old: 209 of 259, 80.7%) [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 20.919, P < 0.001]. More patients reported that they would prefer a telephone call for urgent advice (168, 54.9%). Conclusion Most patients interviewed were happy with their routine face-to-face appointment being switched to a telephone consultation. Of those interviewed, patients >50 years old were less likely than their younger counterparts to want telephone consultations in place of face-to-face appointments. Most patients in our study would prefer a telephone consultation for urgent advice. We must ensure that older patients and those in vulnerable groups who value in-person contact are not excluded. Telephone clinics in some form are here to stay in rheumatology for the foreseeable future.

scholarly journals P071 Survey of rheumatology patient satisfaction with telephone consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Rodziewicz ◽  
Terence O'Neill ◽  
Audrey Low
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background/Aims  Rheumatology departments were required to switch rapidly from face-to-face (F2F) to remote consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. We conducted a patient satisfaction survey on the switch to inform future service development. Methods  All patients [new (NP), follow-up (FU)] were identified between 1st to 5th June 2020. Patients who attended or did not attend (DNA) a pre-booked F2F consultation or cancelled were excluded. Of the remainder, half the patients was surveyed by phone using a standardised questionnaire and the other half was posted the same questionnaire. Both groups were offered the opportunity to complete the survey online. Patients were surveyed on the organisation and content of the consultation, whether they were offered a subsequent F2F appointment and future consultation preference. Results  233 consultations were scheduled during the study period. After 53 exclusions (34 pre-booked F2F, 16 DNA, 3 cancellations), 180 eligible consultations were surveyed (85 via mailshot, 95 by telephone). 75/180 patients (42%) responded within 1 month of the telephone consultation (20 NP, 47 FU, 8 missing). The organisation of the switch was positively perceived (Table). Patients were highly satisfied with 4 of the 5 consultation domains but were undecided whether a physical assessment would have changed the outcome of the consultation (Table). After the initial phone consultation, 7 of 20 NP and 19 of 47 FU were not offered subsequent F2F appointments at the clinicians’ discretion. Of those not offered subsequent F2F appointments, proportionally more NP (3/7, 43%) would have liked one, compared to FU (5/19, 26%). Reasons included communication difficulties and a desire for a definitive diagnosis. 48/75 (64%) would be happy for future routine FU to be conducted by phone “most of the time" or "always”; citing patient convenience and disease stability. Caveats were if physical examination was required or if more serious issues (as perceived by the patient) needed F2F discussion. Conclusion  Patients were generally satisfied with telephone consultations and most were happy to be reviewed again this way. NPs should be offered F2F appointments for first visits to maximise patient satisfaction and time efficiency. P071 Table 1:Median age, yearsFemale; n (%)Follow-up; n (%)All eligible for survey; n = 18056122 (68)133 (74)Sent mailshot; n = 855459 (69)65 (76)Surveyed by phone; n = 955663 (66)68 (72)Responder by mail; n = 166911 (69)13 (82)Responder by phone; n = 525437 (71)34 (65)Responder by e-survey; n = 7495 (71)UnknownOrganisation of the telephone consultation, N = 75Yes, n (%)No, n (%)Missing, n (%)Were you informed beforehand about the phone consultation?63 (84)11 (15)1 (1)Were you called within 1-2 hours of the appointed date and time?66 (88)6 (8)3 (4)Domains of the consultation, N = 75Strongly disagree, n (%)Disagree, n (%)Neutral, n (%)Agree, n (%)Strongly agree, n (%)Missing, n (%)During the call, I felt the clinician understood my problem3 (4)1 (1)1 (1)20 (27)49 (65)1 (1)During the call, I had the opportunity to ask questions regarding my clinical care1 (1)02 (3)16 (21)55 (73)1 (1)A physical examination would have changed the outcome of the consultation16 (21)18 (24)20 (27)11 (15)10 (13)0The clinician answered my questions to my satisfaction2 (3)06 (8)18 (24)49 (65)0At the end of the consultation, the clinician agreed a management plan with me3 (4)2 (3)6 (8)24 (32)39 (52)1 (1)Future consultations, N = 75Never, n (%)Sometimes, n (%)Most of the time, n (%)Always, n (%)Missing, n, (%)In the future, would you be happy for routine FU to be conducted by phone?5 (7)20 (27)16 (21)32 (43)2 (3) Disclosure  M. Rodziewicz: None. T. O'Neill: None. A. Low: None.

scholarly journals Efficiency and satisfaction with telephone consultation of follow‐up patients in neuro‐urology: Experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Chesnel ◽  
Claire Hentzen ◽  
Frédérique Le Breton ◽  
Nicolas Turmel ◽  
Eliane Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Telephone Consultation

scholarly journals TP10.2.9The effect of COVID-19 on Breast clinic follow ups – a change in future practice?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Norman ◽  
Lilia Ragad ◽  
Anupama Nagarajakumar ◽  
Maryam Alam Khan ◽  
Michal Uhercik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Hospital ◽  
Electronic Patient Records ◽  
Breast Clinic ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Video Telephone ◽  
Malignant Breast ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Future Practice

Abstract Aims Prior to March 2020, at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Kings College NHS Foundation Trust, almost daily face to face benign/malignant breast clinic follow ups occurred. On March 23rd 2020 the UK went into official COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The effect on elective follow up practice was swift with cancellation, triaging and replacement of face-to-face by telephonic/virtual consultations. We compared the change of follow up pattern, pre and post COVID-19. Could this effect the future of consultations at PRUH? Methods A comparison of all patients attending PRUH breast unit outpatients in January 2020 (preCOVID-19) for follow up, with those attending in April 2020 (postCOVID-19). Data collection from clinic lists and electronic patient records, with Excel version 16 analysis. Results 343 patient follow up consultations 01/2020. 53 patient follow up consultations 04/2020. Malignant cases: January 65%, April 60% Benign/B3 cases: January 35%, April 20% Summary follow up types. Conclusions Impact of COVID has been widespread in our practice. Our results show a significant reduction in face-to-face appointments, to allow social distancing. Further evaluation of this model will show its sustainability. Patient satisfaction will have to be assessed, with a view to a full move to video/telephone consultation where indicated.

The Effect of Telemedicine on Patients’ Compliance in Family Medicine Follow-ups in Qatar

Avicenna ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2022 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaman M. AlAhmad ◽  
Duaa Mahmoud Haggeer ◽  
Abrar Yaser Alsayed ◽  
Mahmoud Y. Haik ◽  
Leen Maen AbuAfifeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Primary Health Care Centers

Introduction: Telemedicine is the delivery of health care services to patients distantly. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telemedicine has become an essential implement in delivering healthcare services worldwide. Accordingly, in March 2020, the Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Qatar has started telephone consultation follow-up appointments in Family Medicine (FM) clinics instead of conventional consultation. Given the limited data about telephone consultations in Qatar, our aim of this study is to investigate the possible impact of telemedicine on chronic disease patients’ follow-up compliance. Methods: This study compares the compliance of adult patients with chronic diseases following-up within FM clinics in Qatar's PHCC through telephone consultations with a minimum of three telephone consultations ordered between April to November 2020, in comparison to the compliance of the same group of patients to their prior face-to-face follow-up consultations in FM clinics with a minimum of three face-to-face ordered follow up appointments between April to November 2019. A cross-sectional study will be carried out to investigate the effect of telephone consultation in PHCC on patients’ compliance with reference to conventional face-to-face consultation. Patients’ data will be received from Health Information Management in twenty-seven PHCCs in Qatar. Conclusion: Due to the limited studies on the effectiveness of telemedicine on patient compliance in FM follow-ups within Qatar's PHCC, comparing patients’ follow-up compliance with telephone consultations to their prior face-to-face consultations would be helpful in assessing patients’ quality of care delivering within FM clinics. With telecommunication being easily accessible and time-efficient, it is believed, when used correctly, it might improve compliance and adherence to the management prescribed by the physician and follow-up appointments in Qatar's PHCC. In addition, this study will help in providing recommendations that could guide the organization on forming policies to be applied in PHCCs after the resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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