ABSTRACT
Objective: To enhance patient and staff safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, we implemented video based telemedicine for all new patient visits and follow up consults at our academic medical center. This review is to determine the effects of telemedicine on patient volumes, patient satisfaction, and IVF outcomes. Material(s) and Method(s): This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who received care at an academic infertility center during 2019 and 2021, the year before and after the implementation of telemedicine. The number of IVF cycles initiated, vaginal oocyte retrievals and embryo transfers performed, as well as the number of patient visits during the two years was compared. Patient satisfaction, as measured by Press Ganey scores was examined, with 500 patients surveyed each year. Result(s): [Formula presented] Conclusion(s): Patient visits and procedures of all types increased in 2021 compared to 2019. Telemedicine has provided a helpful, efficient way to provide patient care. IVF outcomes at an academic institution were found to be similar before and after the implementation of telemedicine. Patients also continued to have high satisfaction rates with their care during the implementation of telemedicine. Impact Statement: Virtual visits are a sustainable method of providing patient care as evidenced by continued excellent Press Ganey scores and IVF outcomes. Patient visits increased after telemedicine, perhaps reflecting increased convenience and the perception of safety during a pandemic. Copyright © 2022
ABSTRACT
Alternative economic indicators are becoming policy in Vanuatu, particularly focusing on what national policy calls traditional economy. Although this acknowledges livelihoods and customary land in rural areas, urban places receive less attention. This article advances an argument that cities are also home to traditional economies. We draw on concepts of diverse economies and translocality to examine how economic practices typically associated with community activities on customary land are also found in cities where households lack direct access to customary resources. Empirical data come from the authors' fieldwork and participation in community-based organisations in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from 2017 to 2020. The case study presents surveys of agrobiodiversity in 27 urban backyards and livelihood practices of 24 households;and accounts of co-authors' participation in community-based disaster to distribute disaster relief supplies from urban to rural, create urban markets for rural crops and build urban resilience following Ambae Island's Manaro volcano eruptions and COVID-19-related unemployment. This study demonstrates how traditional economies are part of everyday urban life.
ABSTRACT
Alternative economic indicators are becoming policy in Vanuatu, particularly focusing on what national policy calls traditional economy. Although this acknowledges livelihoods and customary land in rural areas, urban places receive less attention. This article advances an argument that cities are also home to traditional economies. We draw on concepts of diverse economies and translocality to examine how economic practices typically associated with community activities on customary land are also found in cities where households lack direct access to customary resources. Empirical data come from the authors' fieldwork and participation in community-based organisations in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from 2017 to 2020. The case study presents surveys of agrobiodiversity in 27 urban backyards and livelihood practices of 24 households;and accounts of co-authors' participation in community-based disaster to distribute disaster relief supplies from urban to rural, create urban markets for rural crops and build urban resilience following Ambae Island's Manaro volcano eruptions and COVID-19-related unemployment. This study demonstrates how traditional economies are part of everyday urban life.