Faculty Collaboration Database

Utilization and Adequacy of Telemedicine for Outpatient Pediatric Surgical Care. J Surg Res 2022 Oct;278:179-189

Date

05/24/2022

Pubmed ID

35605570

Pubmed Central ID

PMC9121887

DOI

10.1016/j.jss.2022.04.060

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85130197904 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   9 Citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine (TM) use accelerated out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the utility of TM within the pediatric surgery population is unclear. This study measured utilization, adequacy, and disparities in uptake of TM in pediatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Scheduled outpatient pediatric surgery clinic encounters at a large academic children's hospital from January 2020 through March 2021 were reviewed. Sub-group analysis examined post-operative (PO) visits after appendectomy and umbilical, epigastric, and inguinal hernia repairs.

RESULTS: Of 9149 scheduled visits, 87.9% were in-person and 12.1% were TM. TM visits were scheduled for PO care (76.9%), new consultations (7.1%), and established patients (16.0%). Although TM visits were more frequently canceled or no shows (P < 0.001), most canceled TM visits were PO visits, of which 41.7% were canceled via electronic communication reporting the absence of any PO concerns. TM visits were adequate for accomplishing visit goals in 98.2%, 95.5%, and 96.2% of PO, new, and established patient visits, respectively. Patients utilizing TM visits were more frequently of white race, privately-insured, from less disadvantaged neighborhoods, and living a greater distance from clinic (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS: TM was adequate for the majority of visits in which it was utilized, including the basic PO visits that occurred via TM. TM was used more by patients with greater travel and less by those of minority race, with public insurance, and from more disadvantaged neighborhoods. Future work is necessary to ensure broad access to this useful tool for all children requiring surgical care.

Author List

Gross K, Georgeades C, Farazi M, Calaway L, Gourlay D, Van Arendonk KJ

Authors

Manzur Rahman Farazi Statistical Research Scientist II in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
David M. Gourlay MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Ambulatory Care
Child
Humans
Outpatients
Pandemics
Telemedicine