Virtual Medicine, Virtual Disease, Real Consequences

This chapter investigates the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic was the perfect storm due to the misalignment of competing elements of the US healthcare system, the economic commoditization of disease, the economic commoditization of healthcare delivery, and inadequate data to inform medical decision making on a mass scale. The culmination of a decades-long devolution away from patient care to healthcare or more appropriately sick-care created a system that was unable to quickly find the common ground needed to deal with the pandemic known as COVID-19.

Perception and barriers to virtual medicine in Hispanics and underrepresented populations.

169 Background: Perceptions and barriers to virtual medicine (VM) in Hispanics and underrepresented population (H/UP) are unknown. We investigated these parameters in a multicenter oncology trial in hopes of improving quality of care and minimizing potentially negative healthcare outcomes related to this increasingly popular healthcare delivery (HD) technique. Methods: An IRB-approved, 14-item questionnaire was offered in English and Spanish to all pts. receiving care at participating cancer centers over a 6-month period. Examined variables included demographic information, preferences and perceived barriers regarding VM. Multivariable analysis was performed using Chi Square test to determine association between demographic variables and participants preferences and perceived barriers. Results: A total of 180 pts were enrolled. H/UP rely more on social media to receive health information (32.6% vs 23.9%) as opposed to face-to-face. Fewer H/UP have received oncological care through VM (27.9% vs 32.9%) despite comparable preferences regarding incorporation or exclusive use of VM in HD (23.2 % vs 24.6%). Similar levels of satisfaction with current HD methods were reported (83.7% vs 86%). No significant difference by age, level of education, marital status or Hispanic ethnicity was noted although Spanish as primary language was statistically significant (p = 0.001) in patient satisfaction and preferences regarding use of VM. H/UP involve family members more frequently through VM (48.8% vs 29.1). H/UP have more technical barriers to VM as they were up to 2.6 times more likely to not have a phone/ipad/similar or have access to broadband connectivity (23.3% vs 9%; and 16.3% vs 8.2% respectively). Conclusions: H/UP are equally interested and satisfied in receiving oncological care through VM. Given the shift towards outpatient and home-based care, an aging population, and cultural appropriations, VM excitedly allows re-incorporation of family/caregiver in medical engagement. However, fewer H/UP are currently utilizing VM which could be secondary to H/UP’s specific barriers or healthcare bias. Although behavioral interventions may be explored, H/UP barriers are predominantly technical and targetable with appropriate policies that take into consideration institutional and reimbursement programs.

A New Dimension of Health Care: The Benefits, Limitations and Implications of Virtual Medicine

Background: Virtual medicine has been rapidly evolving over the past several decades. However, obstacles such as data security, inadequate funding and limited technological resources have hindered its seamless incorporation into the health care system. The recent pandemic has induced a widespread adoption of virtual care practices to remove the need for physical meetings between patients and health care practitioners. Purpose: This literature review aims to examine the current state of virtual medicine amid the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the benefits, limitations and implications of continuing technological advancements in the future. Findings: Most of the available literature suggests that the recent adoption of virtual medicine has allowed practitioners to cut down on costs and secondary expenses while maintaining the quality of medical care services. Due to the growing consumer demand, researchers predict that virtual medicine may be a viable modality for patient care post-pandemic. However, concerns surrounding patient security and digital infrastructure threaten the ability of virtual medicine to provide quality and effective health care. Additionally, rural virtual medicine programs face challenges in expanding services due to the scarcity of information and communication technology specialists and inadequate funding. Comprehensive legislation and governance standards must be implemented to ensure proper data security and privacy. Additional funds may also be required to train staff, reform current digital software and improve the quality of service. The proliferation of advanced technologies and improvements in current platforms will enable more providers to render virtual medical care services.

COVID-19 and the rise of virtual medicine in spine surgery: a worldwide study

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic forced many surgeons to adopt “virtual medicine” practices, defined as telehealth services for patient care and online platforms for continuing medical education. The purpose of this study was to assess spine surgeon reliance on virtual medicine during the pandemic and to discuss the future of virtual medicine in spine surgery. Methods A comprehensive survey addressing demographic data and virtual medicine practices was distributed to spine surgeons worldwide between March 27, 2020, and April 4, 2020. Results 902 spine surgeons representing seven global regions responded. 35.6% of surgeons were identified as “high telehealth users,” conducting more than half of clinic visits virtually. Predictors of high telehealth utilization included working in an academic practice (OR = 1.68, p = 0.0015) and practicing in Europe/North America (OR 3.42, p < 0.0001). 80.1% of all surgeons were interested in online education. Dedicating more than 25% of one’s practice to teaching (OR = 1.89, p = 0.037) predicted increased interest in online education. 26.2% of respondents were identified as “virtual medicine surgeons,” defined as surgeons with both high telehealth usage and increased interest in online education. Living in Europe/North America and practicing in an academic practice increased odds of being a virtual medicine surgeon by 2.28 (p = 0.002) and 1.15 (p = 0.0082), respectively. 93.8% of surgeons reported interest in a centralized platform facilitating surgeon-to-surgeon communication. Conclusion COVID-19 has changed spine surgery by triggering rapid adoption of virtual medicine practices. The demonstrated global interest in virtual medicine suggests that it may become part of the “new normal” for surgeons in the post-pandemic era.

A Viral Connection

A heartfelt commentary on the rise of virtual medicine and medical education as told from the perspective of a 3rd year medical student during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Virtual Neurologic Exam: Instructional Videos and Guidance for the COVID-19 Era

ABSTRACTObjective:To outline features of the neurologic examination that can be performed virtually through telemedicine platforms (the virtual neurological examination [VNE]), and provide guidance for rapidly pivoting in-person clinical assessments to virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.Methods:The full neurologic examination is described with attention to components that can be performed virtually.Results:A screening VNE is outlined that can be performed on a wide variety of patients, along with detailed descriptions of virtual examination maneuvers for specific scenarios (cognitive testing, neuromuscular and movement disorder examinations).Conclusions:During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid adoption of virtual medicine will be critical to provide ongoing and timely neurological care. Familiarity and mastery of a VNE will be critical for neurologists, and this article outlines a practical approach to implementation.