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Introduction Telehealth visits (TH) have become an important pillar of healthcare delivery during the COVID pandemic. No-shows (NS) may result in delays in clinical care and in lost revenue. Understanding the factors associated with NS may help providers take measures to decrease the frequency and impact of NS in their clinics. We aim to study the demographic and clinical diagnoses associated with NS to ambulatory telehealth neurology visits. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all telehealth video visits (THV) in our healthcare system from 1/1/2021 to 5/1/2021 (cross-sectional study). All patients at or above 18 years of age who either had a completed visit (CV) or had an NS for their neurology ambulatory THV were included. Patients having missing demographic variables and not meeting the ICD-10 primary diagnosis codes were excluded. Demographic factors and ICD-10 primary diagnosis codes were retrieved. NS and CV groups were compared using independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests as appropriate. Multivariate regression, with backward elimination, was conducted to identify pertinent variables. Results Our search resulted in 4,670 unique THV encounters out of which 428 (9.2%) were NS and 4,242 (90.8%) were CV. Multivariate regression with backward elimination showed that the odds of NS were higher with a self-identified non-Caucasian race OR = 1.65 (95%, CI: 1.28-2.14), possessing Medicaid insurance OR = 1.81 (95%, CI: 1.54-2.12) and with primary diagnoses of sleep disorders OR = 10.87 (95%, CI: 5.55-39.84), gait abnormalities (OR = 3.63 (95%, CI: 1.81-7.27), and back/radicular pain OR = 5.62 (95%, CI: 2.84-11.10). Being married was associated with CVs OR = 0.74 (95%, CI: 0.59-0.91) as well as primary diagnoses of multiple sclerosis OR = 0.24 (95%, CI: 0.13-0.44) and movement disorders OR = 0.41 (95%, CI: 0.25-0.68). Conclusion Demographic factors, such as self-identified race, insurance status, and primary neurological diagnosis codes, can be helpful to predict an NS to neurology THs. This data can be used to warn providers regarding the risk of NS.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent acceleration of telemedicine usage allowed many neurologists to trial telemedicine for neurological care. The purpose of this study is to explore neurology providers' experiences with delivering telemedicine care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Semistructured video interviews were conducted with 27 neurology providers who practice at a single, urban academic center. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for content and themes. Results: Five major themes were identified: virtual examination subspecialty differences, tips and tricks for the virtual examination, improved infrastructure needs, future technologies that could support the virtual examination, and preferences for the postpandemic telemedicine protocol. Subspecialists who described their visits as more focused on behavioral examination and obtaining patient history reported fewer limitations with delivering neurological care through telemedicine platforms. Conclusions: The implementation of a telemedicine system should reflect the needs of each neurology subspecialty. Funding is needed to improve logistical infrastructure for health providers' telemedicine visits, such as technical and administrative assistance, as well as creation and testing of technologies to support physical examination in the virtual environment.
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Introduction: The World Health Organization defined electronic health as "the unified usage of information technology and electronic communications in the health sector." In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, outpatient encounters were largely shifted to virtual clinics due to the crisis caused by COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the neurology consultants', specialists', and residents' experience and perception of utilizing virtual services for neurological assessment in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by sending an anonymous online survey to neurologists and neurology residents in Saudi Arabia. The survey was developed by the authors and contained three main sections: demographics, subspecialty and years of experience after residency, and virtual clinics during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Result: A total of 108 neurology-practicing physicians in Saudi Arabia responded to the survey. Overall, 75% experienced virtual clinics, and 61% of them used phones for consultation. In neurology clinical practice, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) regarding the teleconsultations for follow-up patients compared to the newly referred patients, being more suitable for the follow-up cases. Additionally, most neurology practicing physicians showed more confidence in performing history-taking tasks virtually (82.4%) than in physical examination. However, it was found that consultants were significantly (P < 0.03) more confident to virtually perform the cranial nerve, motor, coordination, and extrapyramidal assessments than the neurology residents. Physicians deemed it more suitable to conduct teleconsultations for patients with headaches and epilepsy than for those with neuromuscular and demyelinating diseases/multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, they agreed that patients' experiences (55.6%) and physicians' acceptance (55.6%) were the two main limitations to implementing virtual clinics. Discussion: This study revealed that neurologists were more confident in performing history-taking in virtual clinics than in physical exams. On the contrary, consultants were more confident in handling the physical examination virtually than the neurology residents. Moreover, the most accepted clinics to be handled electronically were the headache and epilepsy clinics in comparison to the other subspecialties, being mainly diagnosed using history. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to observe the level of confidence in performing different duties in neurology virtual clinics.
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Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the implementation of telemedicine programmes to facilitate healthcare. In November 2020 we initiated an e-consultation programme between primary care and the neurology department, with asynchronous response, through a platform integrated into the corporate computer system of the Andalusian Public Health System. We present the results of the first year of operation. Methods: We present a descriptive study of the e-consultations received in 2021 from a health area of approximately 300,000 inhabitants aged ≥ 14 years. The reasons for consultation were pre-established: "primary headache” (PH), "new-onset cognitive impairment” (CI), "complications of dementia” (DEM), and "epilepsy” (EPI). We defined inclusion criteria and the clinical information/tests that had to be provided. General practitioners could choose between e-consultation or face-to-face referral. Results: A total of 1,806 e-consultations were received (approximately 6/1,000 population/year). By reasons for consultation: CI 34.3%, PH 32%, DEM 14.4%, EPI 11.7%, unspecified 7.6%. Responses were sent after an average of 2.25 days and were classified as: "refer for in-person consultation” (47.12%), "resolved” (39.98%), "criteria not met” (12.57%), or "follow-up by e-consultation” (0.33%). As expected, a high proportion of face-to-face referrals were required for CI (73.46%);the main value of the system for these patients was to prioritise appointments and select the most appropriate form of care. For the rest of the reasons for consultation, the proportion of "resolved” e-consultations reached 52.61%. Conclusions: Asynchronous e-consultation between primary care and the neurology department is a useful tool in the indicated conditions, offering a rapid, "one-stop” response to a significant proportion of clinical or therapeutic uncertainties, as well as optimising face-to-face appointments. © 2023
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BACKGROUND: Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Teleneurology (TN) allows neurology to be applied when the doctor and patient are not present in the same place, and sometimes not at the same time. In February 2021, the Spanish Ministry of Health requested a health technology assessment report on the implementation of TN as a complement to face-to-face neurological care. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to answer the question on the ethical, legal, social, organisational, patient (ELSI) and environmental impact of TN. The assessment of these aspects was carried out by adapting the EUnetHTA Core Model 3.0 framework, the criteria established by the Spanish Network of Health Technology Assessment Agencies and the analysis criteria of the European Validate (VALues In Doing Assessments of healthcare TEchnologies) project. Key stakeholders were invited to discuss their concerns about TN in an online meeting. Subsequently, the following electronic databases were consulted from 2016 to 10 June 2021: MEDLINE and EMBASE. RESULTS: 79 studies met the inclusion criteria. This scoping review includes 37 studies related to acceptability and equity, 15 studies developed during COVID and 1 study on environmental aspects. Overall, the reported results reaffirm the necessary complementarity of TN with the usual face-to-face care. CONCLUSIONS: This need for complementarity relates to factors such as acceptability, feasibility, risk of dehumanisation and aspects related to privacy and the confidentiality of sensitive data.
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COVID-19 , Physicians , Humans , Confidentiality , PrivacyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in the delivery of neurological disease care and in neurology training in academic departments. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate how neurology residents viewed the future of neurology after the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to three main aspects: (i) organization of neurological activity, (ii) patient care, and (iii) funding availability for neurological diseases. METHODS: We surveyed Italian neurology residents in order to investigate how they viewed the future of neurology after the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Responses were collected from 254 residents who reported: a high risk of reduction of hospital neurological beds, of worsening of the quality of neurological patient management, and of lack of funding for neurological care and research. CONCLUSION: The survey results demonstrate the views of future neurologists regarding the direction of neurology after the COVID-19 emergency. It is important to focus on these aspects in order to adapt neurology training to the societal changes introduced by the pandemic, and to safeguard the essential role of neurology in the management and prevention of chronic degenerative illnesses and emergencies.
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BACKGROUND: The use of telemedicine has quickly increased during of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that unmet needs and barriers to multiple sclerosis (MS) care have been reported, telemedicine has become an interesting option to the care of these patients. The objective of these consensus recommendations was to elaborate a guideline for the management of people with MS using telemedicine in order to contribute to an effective and high-quality healthcare. METHODS: A panel of Argentinean neurologist's experts in neuroimmunological diseases and dedicated to the diagnosis, management,and care of MS patients gathered virtually during 2021 and 2022 to conduct a consensus recommendation on the use of telemedicine in clinical practice in adult people with MS. To reach consensus, the methodology of "formal consensus RAND/UCLA Appropriateness method" was used. RESULTS: Recommendations were established based on relevant published evidence and expert opinion focusing on definitions, general characteristics and ethical standards, diagnosis of MS, follow-up (evaluation of disability and relapses of MS), identification and treatment of relapses, and finally disease-modifying treatments using telemedicine. CONCLUSION: The recommendations of this consensus would provide a useful guide for the proper use of telemedicine for the assessment, follow-up, management, and treatment of people with MS. We suggest the use of these guidelines to all the Argentine neurologists committed to the care of people with MS.
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Introduction. Telemedicine strategies have been broadly introducing in health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including in care of neurological diseases. Methods. A rapid realist review was conducted using EUnetHTAs Core Model 3.0 and GRADE evidence to decision frameworks were used as frameworks to describe the ethical, legal, organizational, social and patient aspects (ELSI+) related to the use of teleneurology (TN) A scoping multistakeholder meeting helped defined the scope and research questions of the assessment. Patient representatives, clinicians, scientific society representatives with relevant experience in TN were invited and participated. Industry representatives were also present. Systematic searches for ethical, legal, organizational, social and patients related aspects were conducted. Additional manual searches contributed to contextualize these dimensions in the Spanish context. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results. Main results of the assessment of the ELSI+ aspects of TN were described. TN applications are diverse depending on the condition, objective of care and technology used. The implementation of TN lacks specific legal frameworks which implies legal uncertainty. TN may increase geographical accessibility to neurological care in remote areas and by reducing difficult commuting to specialized care centers. Nevertheless, accessibility is challenged by reduced access to technology, the digital divide, lack of health literacy or technologies not adapted to functional diversity. Therefore, equity is not guaranteed if it is offered as a non-voluntary basis or with no support. TN tends to be accepted by patients and carers if it has enough quality, saves travelling time and costs and does not dehumanize care as it is perceived as more flexible and convenient. Quality of TN needs an interdisciplinary team with skills to coordinate organizational aspects of the implementation which include among others, the planification of the support to patients and carers before, during and after the consultation. Health professionals may also need to learn adapted communicational and technological skills. Conclusions. The implementation of TN poses many ethical, legal, organizational, social or patient-centered challenges.
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Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the implementation of telemedicine programmes to facilitate healthcare. In November 2020 we initiated an e-consultation programme between primary care and the neurology department, with asynchronous response, through a platform integrated into the corporate computer system of the Andalusian Public Health System. We present the results of the first year of operation. Methods We present a descriptive study of the e-consultations received in 2021 from a health area of approximately 300,000 inhabitants aged ≥14 years. The reasons for consultation were pre-established: "primary headache” (PH), "new-onset cognitive impairment” (CI), "complications of dementia” (DEM), and "epilepsy” (EPI). We defined inclusion criteria and the clinical information/tests that had to be provided. General practitioners could choose between e-consultation or face-to-face referral. Results A total of 1806 e-consultations were received (approximately 6/1000 population/year). By reasons for consultation: CI 34.3%, PH 32%, DEM 14.4%, EPI 11.7%, unspecified 7.6%. Responses were sent after an average of 2.25 days and were classified as: "refer for in-person consultation” (47.12%), "resolved” (39.98%), "criteria not met” (12.57%), or "follow-up by e-consultation” (0.33%). As expected, a high proportion of face-to-face referrals were required for CI (73.46%);the main value of the system for these patients was to prioritise appointments and select the most appropriate form of care. For the rest of the reasons for consultation, the proportion of "resolved” e-consultations reached 52.61%. Conclusions Asynchronous e-consultation between primary care and the neurology department is a useful tool in the indicated conditions, offering a rapid, "one-stop” response to a significant proportion of clinical or therapeutic uncertainties, as well as optimising face-to-face appointments. Resumen Introducción La pandemia por Covid-19 ha impulsado la implantación de programas de telemedicina para facilitar la asistencia sanitaria. En noviembre de 2020 iniciamos un programa de e-interconsulta entre Atención Primaria (AP)-Neurología, de respuesta asíncrona, a través de una plataforma integrada en la estación clínica corporativa del Sistema Sanitario Público de Andalucía. Presentamos los resultados de su primer año de funcionamiento. Métodos Estudio descriptivo de las e-interconsultas recibidas durante 2021 desde un área sanitaria de aproximadamente 300.000 habitantes ≥14 años. Se establecieron como motivos de consulta: "Cefalea primaria” (CEF), "Deterioro cognitivo de novo” (DC), "Complicaciones de la demencia” (DEM) y "Epilepsia” (EPI), definiéndose unos criterios preestablecidos y la información clínica/pruebas que se debían aportar. Los médicos/as de familia podían elegir entre e-interconsultar o derivar directamente para cita presencial. Resultados Se recibieron 1.806 e-interconsultas (≈6/1.000 hab./año). Por motivos de consulta: DC 34′3%, CEF 32%, DEM 14′4%, EPI 11′7%, no especificado 7′6%. Las respuestas se demoraron una media de 2′25 días y se clasificaron en: "precisa cita presencial” (47′12%), "alta” (39´98%), "no cumple criterios” (12′57%) o "seguimiento por e-interconsulta” (0′33%). Como era previsible, para el DC una alta proporción precisó cita presencial (73′46%);su mayor utilidad fue priorizar las citas y modalidad de asistencia. Para el resto de motivos, la proporción de "alta” alcanzó el 52′61%. Conclusiones La e-interconsulta asíncrona entre AP-Neurología es una herramienta útil en las condiciones indicadas, permitiendo resolver en un "acto único” y con escasa demora una significativa proporción de dudas clínicas o terapéuticas, así como optimizar las citas presenciales.
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BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reorganization or reduction of neurorehabilitation services for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this study was to explore the changes in the organizational framework and technology usage in physiotherapy services for PwMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This international cross-sectional survey study was designed, developed, and disseminated by RIMS European Network for Best Practice and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation. Physiotherapists from nine countries (Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Spain, Turkey) who provided physiotherapy services to PwMS, were invited to complete an online survey to compare physiotherapy delivery to PwMS prior to and during the pandemic period. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 215 physiotherapists. Accessibility, the average number, length and perceived effectiveness of physiotherapy sessions provided to PwMS were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.001). Physiotherapists increased the advice of mobile apps, recorded videos for rehabilitation and exercise websites during the pandemic (p<0.001) while the use of telerehabilitation and virtual reality technology did not change. CONCLUSION: There was of a reduction in the number, duration and perceived effectiveness of rehabilitation sessions for people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic while use of remote technologies for physiotherapy did not change. To ensure the continuity of physiotherapy for PwMS with complex healthcare needs also during pandemics, the provision of guidelines and training in telehealth technologies in professional education becomes crucial.
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COVID-19 , Multiple Sclerosis , Humans , Multiple Sclerosis/therapy , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Physical Therapy ModalitiesABSTRACT
Medical education faces a difficult challenge today; an exponential increase in knowledge and the rise and rise of disruptive technologies are making traditional education obsolete. As the world nears the era of Industry and Healthcare 4.0, the medical community needs to keep up and prepare physicians for a hyper-connected digital world. Virtual neurological care is poised to be at the forefront of care delivery claims, yet the virtual communication of neurological knowledge is still in its infancy. This increasing digitalization of care and education is both an opportunity and a challenge. With this paper, the authors aim to bridge the gap between technology and neurological education. After a thorough review of recent literature and assessing current trends, the authors propose that contemporary medical education must adhere to the following tenets: Hybrid, Mobile, Mixed-reality, Open Access, Collaborative, Peer-reviewed, Intelligent, Game-based, and Global. We identify and align education objectives with the needs of future digital neurologists. The authors also discuss real-world advances that are aligned to serve the next generation of patients and providers.
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BACKGROUND: As the global population grows, there is an increasing demand for neurologic consultation that prompts new ways to reach more patients. Telemedicine can provide an accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality healthcare services. OBJECTIVES: In this article, we highlight recent developments, achievements, and challenges regarding outcomes, clinical care, tele-education, teletreatment, teleresearch, and cybersecurity for telemedicine applied to Parkinson´s disease (PD) and other neurological conditions. RESULTS: A growing body of evidence supports the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine tools for PD and other movement disorders. Outcome variables regarding satisfaction and efficacy in clinical care and specific issues about education, research, and treatment are reviewed. Additionally, a specific legal framework for teleconsultation has been developed in some centers worldwide. Yet, the implementation of telemedicine is conditioned by the limitations inherent to remote neurological examination, the variable computer usage literacy among patients, and the availability of a reliable internet connection. At present, telemedicine can be considered an additional tool in the clinical management of PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing use of remote clinical practice regarding the management of PD and other neurological conditions. Telemedicine is a new and promising tool aimed at special settings and subpopulations.
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Background: Utilization of teleneurology for MS care rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain healthcare access. Disparities in telehealth use have been described in other health conditions, but not in a MS population. Objectives/Aims: To evaluate longitudinal utilization of teleneurology across age, race, geographic factors, and insurance categories to identify potential disparities in utilization at a single academic MS center (Cleveland Clinic). Method(s): MS patients attending a specialty clinic in Cleveland, a medium-sized city, who completed >=2 visits at least 24 months apart from 1/2019 to 6/2021 were studied. Patients with fully inperson care were compared to patients with <50% or >50% teleneurology care. Categories of age, race, geographic factors, and insurance were compared using Kruskal-Wallis tests and pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Result(s): 892 patients met the inclusion criteria and completed 3710 visits during the study timeframe: mean age 49.1+/-11.7 years, 73.7% female, 85.6% white, median disease duration 11.2 years [0.15;60.3], and relapsing-remitting 62.3%. 37% patients were fully in-person, 37.2% patients had <50% teleneurology care, and 25.8% patients had >50% teleneurology care. There were no significant differences for race (white, black, other), insurance type (Medicare, Medicaid, private, non/other), area deprivation index (ADI), and residence location (rural vs metropolitan) in the use of teleneurology. Use of teleneurology care varied based by age, with older patients utilizing more in-person care. In person care was 23.4% for ages 18-39, 38.5% for ages 40-60, and 47.8% for those greater than 60 (p<0.001). Patients residing in greater Cleveland had significantly more in-person care (55.3%) compared to residents residing in Ohio outside of the greater Cleveland area (34.7%) and outside of Ohio (10.1%) (p=0.031). Conclusion(s): There were no significant differences in teleneurology utilization across race, insurance, ADI or rural vs metropolitan residence, suggesting it is a broadly accessible tool to overcome disparities in access to MS care. Utilization of teleneurology care for older and local patients was lower, which may be due to decrease demand in these groups. Future studies should assess the optimal integration of teleneurology and in-person visits in MS management.
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According to Telemedicine Guidelines 2020 – Govt of India, ‘it is doctor’s responsibilities to ensuring data privacy, ethics, and maintaining records of all the patients whose records are being collected during medical examination’. (3.7.1.2) The Registered Medical Practitioner would be required to fully abide by Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and with the relevant provisions of the IT Act, Data protection and privacy laws or any applicable rules notified from time to time for protecting patient privacy and confidentiality and regarding the handling and transfer of such patient’s personal information. [...]it is essential that doctors and medical staff must be aware of simple security steps that can not only prevent a data breach but also prove ‘due diligence’ in case of such breaches. Following recommendations were given: (1) mandatory refresher course for all RMPs/nursing/record staff on an annual basis, (2) 10-min quiz and certification (may help in due-diligence claim too), (3) information security policy and audit of compliance for all clinical establishments, and (4) monthly awareness note on breach incidents of medical sector. 02.2 Telemedicine and its role in leveraging health care economy Moderator: Vimal Wakhlu -Past President, TSI Anoop Wadhawan Department of Commerce, Government of India Telemedicine has played a significant role in the Healthcare domain in 2020, when the world was battling the COVID-19 challenge.
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Objective: During the coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) times, we have all learned to appreciate the advantages of communicating with each other on the digital or virtual format. This included both social, commercial and professional settings. This was necessitated through the restrictions on direct physical contact mandated by the pandemic. Through innovations and adaptations, the practice of medicine has also changed with telemedicine, triggered by ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ concept being embraced by both patients and physicians. Neurology, traditionally seen as a complex speciality and the preserve of a couple of thousand practising neurologists in the country, has opened itself up to the telemedicine or tele-neurology format very easily in the anecdotal and a few pilot studies conducted globally and in India. Design: Despite the initial misgivings and anticipation of patient reluctance to adopt this technology, the real-world experience has been, to the contrary, where both young and old patients have readily embraced the new medium and cooperated with the neurologists to improve their care, which would otherwise have been severely restricted in the COVID-19 times. The neurologists have also adapted to the new way of working to deliver optimum diagnosis and care plans. Outcome measures: There have been technical glitches (in form of internet connectivity, smartphone hardware and software problems and lighting and camera angle and image stabilization issues to name a few), which have been reduced with practice and innovation. Feedback from neurologists, patients, and their carers via regular audits and questionnaires are being circulated, and practice parameters are being improved (IFNR survey- Ref 5). The contribution of national regulatory agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and stakeholders, such as the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), has been phenomenal to facilitate the tele-neurology practice and make it safe for all stakeholders. Results: In a country of 1.37 billion population and only 2,500 accredited neurologists, there is a need for tele-neurology to be able to serve patients living in remote areas in mountains and coastal areas, and also in poorly connected areas on the plains. This becomes paramount for patients requiring specialised acute neurological care and to improve access, which now becomes a practical feasibility on the digital format to bring neurology to the doorsteps of the people. Follow-up care of patients, epidemiological studies of various neurological chronic illnesses and their audit will become realities cutting down on costs and time to access quality neurological care using the digital format for 21st-century India. Conclusions: Tele-neurology is no longer a vision, but a reality precipitated by the pandemic, the needs and aspirations of the Indian population, and the technological infrastructure India has achieved in the last 20 years.
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Background and aims: Epilepsy burden in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. People with epilepsy (PWE) are estimated to be over 20 millions, with about 1 neurologist every 3-5 millions inhabitants, meaning more than 90% of epileptic patients are managed by health workers (HW) with insufficient education in Epilepsy, and 75% of them have no access to treatments. Moreover COVID-19 pandemic is affecting epilepsy management in SSA through care disruption. Teleneurology has the potential to improve this situation, although poor education of HW is associated with its underutilization. We measured the changes of teleneurology requests from primary cares in SSA after an education program on epilepsy. Methods: Global Health Telemedicine (GHT) offers remote advices and education to HW of the Disease Relief through Excellent and Advanced Means (DREAM) program active in 10 SSA countries. GHT-DREAM recently started an epilepsy program in Malawi and Central African Republic (CAR) with education and training courses delivered both locally and remotely. Results: In Malawi and CAR DREAM follows 18,770 patients, 569 (3,0%) suffering from epilepsy. The total number of teleneurology requests increased from 91 in 2019 to 141 in 2020 to 802 in 2021;>90% were for PWE. Conclusion: Education and training in epilepsy increased the number of tele-requests by improving knowledge and communication between SSA HW and European neurologists. Partnerships can bring neurologists where there are none, contributing to limit COVID-19 care disruption thus reducing the treatment gap in SSA. Our results move towards the Intersectoral Global Action Plan 2022-2031 in SSA. (Figure Presented).
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Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of using Telehealth technologies to offer medical care to patients. Teleneurology can provide access to specialists with quality and safety, in addition to presenting great potential in reducing care gaps, especially in the Brazilian public system. Objective: Demonstrate the profile and impact of the population assisted by Teleneurology during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, in addition to the outcomes at the end of this strategy in a city located in the northeast Brazil's territory. Methodology: Retrospective and cross-sectional analysis of medical records of patients treated by the team of neurologists at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, through the Regula Mais Brasil Collaborative project in 2020 and 2021, using telehealth strategies. Results: 657 teleconsultations (video or phone) were carried out, all from users of the public health system, and referred for neurological assessment from primary care. The median age was 45,03 ± 15,9 years and 79,3% were women. According to the international code of diseases (ICD-10), the main diagnoses referred to were Headache (51.6%), followed by Epilepsy (16.6%) and Stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) at 2.8%. After the first teleconsultation, 56.2% were followed by teleconsultation and 27.4% returned to primary care. Conclusion: Using teleneurology as strategy helped to reduce the gaps in healthcare due to the closing of Primary Care Centers during the coronavirus pandemic, avoided unnecessary displacements, especially of patients with several comorbidities, in addition to ensuring the safety of users, since they were cared for in their respective homes.
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Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness and usability of a novel tele-neurology service in Nairobi. Background: There is severe shortage of neurology healthcare workers in low-/lower-middle income countries (LLMICs), especially in Africa. Tele-neurology consultations (TNC), necessitated widely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been demonstrated to be effective in bridging neurology service gaps, but there is little evidence of TNC effectiveness in LLMICs. Design/Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study, enrolling neurology patients referred to our tertiary referral neurology outpatients center over 12 months from October 2020. We measured satisfaction and acceptability using Likert scales, and compared TNC to face-to-face (F2F) consultations. TNC were delivered as per 2020 British and American guidelines. Descriptive data are presented as median (inter-quartile range) and statistical comparisons made using paired student t-test. Results: From 219 enrolled patients, 66.7% (146/219) responded [74% (108/146) had both F2F and TNC]: age 40.9 (30.6-55.2) years;63.0% (92/146) female;2.7% (4/146) from neighboring countries;follow-up period with neurologist (DSS) 6.8 (1.5-29.8) months;and most common presentations were headache [30.8% (45/146)], seizure [26.0% (38/146)] and neurodegenerative [15.1% (22/146)] disorders. For TNC, >90%: (i) found it just as comfortable as F2F (p=0.35) and not in violation of their privacy;(ii) saved time [3.0 (2.0-4.0) hours], travel [11.0 (7.2-21.1) km] and cost [$10 (5-20)];(iii) felt satisfied with the care and that their neurological concerns were adequately addressed;and (iv) would use TNC again. Conversely, 15.1% (22/146) did not agree with TNC being as effective as F2F, including the neurologist identifying all their health problems satisfactorily (p=0.03). In total, our TNC service saved our patients $6,125, 1,143 hours, and 25,506km of travel, equating to 3.5 tons (21 trees) of carbon dioxide emissions. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that our regionally unique TNC service is an acceptable, efficient, effective, and environmentally-friendly care delivery model in our resource-poor setting.
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Objective: Assess patient satisfaction of telemedicine implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic Background: We aimed to learn neurology clinic patient opinions of a new telemedicine clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban academic center. Design/Methods: We conducted surveys on neurology clinic patients or caregivers with consent who had ≥ 1 telemedicine visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient survey was adapted, with permission, on the Massachusetts General Hospital TeleHealth Virtual Visit Patient survey and responses were managed using REDCap database. Results: Forty-one patient surveys were completed, of which 52.6% of responders were Black, and 65.8% were women. Over 55% of patients were 18-45 years old. Fifty-eight percent of patients had education beyond a high-school diploma. Sixty-five percent of patients had their first telemedicine visit during the pandemic and most of them were at home (97%). Fifty-nine percent used smart phones, 25.6% had a cell phone without video capacity, and 92.1% used their own device. Wi-Fi was used by 67.6% and 27% used cellular network data. Twenty-five percent of patients experienced some technical issues and over 50% was specifically with joining a video visit. Despite the technical issues, more than 75% of patients reported that they still received the care they needed. Overall positive rating was 67.5%. Four patients strongly disliked telemedicine. Eighty-seven percent reported their virtual visit is as effective as a traditional office visit in communicating their needs. Compared to virtual visit, 49% of patients felt more confident that an office visit would address their health concern better. Fifty percent of patients reported that an office visit had better overall quality. Eighty-three percent would recommend a virtual visit to their family and friends. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated telemedicine has received high overall patient satisfaction in an urban-based neurology clinic. More surveys need to be completed to determine clinical significance.
ABSTRACT
Objective: We aimed to describe the practice of teleneurology among Filipino neurologists and to determine the factors affecting its adoption using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model and its constructs, namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Background: Teleneurology is the use of information and communications technology for neurologic health care delivery, research, and education by a healthcare professional. Its practice has provided an accessible and safe method of neurologic consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted online last October 2020 involving adult and pediatric neurologists in the Philippines. The internal consistency of the questionnaire adapted from UTAUT model was determined using Cronbach's alpha. We performed logistic regression analysis to determine which UTAUT model constructs were significant factors on the intent to practice teleneurology. Results: The study yielded a 28.8% response rate. Among the respondents (n =147), 95.2% (n = 140) practiced teleneurology during the pandemic, and 77.6% (n =147) planned to continue it after the pandemic. Teleneurology was mostly done on an outpatient basis using a laptop on social media platforms via videoconferencing due to easier access for both end-users. The identified benefits of teleneurology are a wider area of practice, an avenue for education, and high patient satisfaction. The common barriers identified were difficulties in neurologic examination and lack of facilities. The UTAUT model explained 80.9% (95% CI 0.76, 0.86a) of the total variation. Performance expectancy and facilitating conditions affect the intent to use teleneurology. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid shift to teleneurology in the Philippines to provide safe and effective neurologic healthcare delivery. Despite its barriers, majority of the respondents plan to continue teleneurology. To increase its adoption, the establishment of benefit awareness campaigns, organizational and infrastructural support would be beneficial.