ABSTRACT
Background: Patient education programs are an integral component of care, which helps promote patient engagement and improved clinical outcomes. The role and durability of virtual learning programs for patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (AF) requires further study. Objective(s): To assess the utilization, acceptance, durability, and benefits of virtual learning for pts with atrial fibrillation as well as the impact on virtual care models. Method(s): A comprehensive 3-hour virtual symposium on AF via an online video platform was offered to pts and family in 2021 and 2022. The program was sponsored by an academic teaching hospital free to pts and promoted through social media. Participants could watch live and the recorded presentation was also made available for future viewing. A follow up survey was sent to attendees that included questions on demographic information and opinions regarding virtual education and care. Comparisons were made between the 2022 and 2021 programs. Result(s): A total of 465 participants registered for the 2022 program (48% increase from 2021) and 146 participants logged on (31% of registrants - down from 34% in 2021). A follow-up survey was sent to all registrants with 55 respondents, (89% watched the program live). Most respondents were >65 years old (58%);female (76%), Caucasian (89%), completed graduate school (40%) and lived 50+ miles away (36%). Four patients were from outside the US. Minority populations were under-represented relative to the local population demographics (black 0%, Hispanic 1.8%). The total cost of the program was $20/pt. The majority of respondents (58% - an increase of 22% from 2021) indicated they preferred a virtual program and if they had a choice, 61% preferred virtual (11% increase);and 53% indicated that program participation increased the likelihood of them performing a remote/virtual clinic visit with their provider. COVID was no longer an influence for most (57.4%). Presentations were made publicly available after the October 2022 program and have been viewed 247 times. Conclusion(s): Virtual education for pts with AF can be successfully offered, with a high enrollment rate at a fraction of the cost of an in-person program. Attendees generally prefer virtual over in person and can increase participation worldwide. This program influences future acceptance of virtual care as well as potential models of virtual care delivery. Greater efforts need to be made, however, to include under-represented populations. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
Background: Social distancing restrictions resulted in increased utilization of virtual visits (VVs) for arrhythmia care in 2020. Over time, there has been a return to in-person visits (IPVs);however, utilization of VVs may continue to offer advantages for patients. Objective: To assess characteristics of patients durably adopting virtual care. Methods: All appointments in our arrhythmia clinics from March 2020 through November 2021 were analyzed. Completed appointments by EP providers were categorized as VV or IPV. The VV rate was calculated as number of VVs divided by total Visits (IPVs and VVs). Pt characteristics collected included self-identified race and ethnicity as well as age, gender, and insurance status. We compared VV rates amongst patients of different ethnicity, race, and insurance status. We also assessed enrollment in an internet-based patient portal that interfaces with the electronic medical record (EMR) and allows for communication with providers. Results: A total of 6,084 VVs and 10,942 IPVs were included in the analysis. In 2020, 3,550 VVs comprised the majority (52.8% of 6,723) of all outpatient visits, whereas in 2021, this proportion dropped to 24.6% (2,534/10,303) as IPVs became more common. The largest reduction in VV utilization was amongst Black patients (65.2% reduction to a 19% VV rate) followed by Hispanics (62.3% reduction to a 15.8% VV rate). Both groups had a significantly reduced VV utilization rate compared to others in 2021 (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in VV rates for underinsured patients in 2020 or 2021, indicating social but not economic influence on telehealth adoption. Enrollment in the EMR patient portal during the study period was significantly reduced for Black and Hispanic patients (67.4% and 63.1% vs 80.6%;P<0.01) but did not significantly change over time. Conclusion: There was a large reduction in the overall use of VVs for arrhythmia care from 2020 to 2021. The largest reductions in VV utilization were observed in the Black and Hispanic communities, where digital health resources appeared to be underutilized. [Formula presented]