Role of telemedicine in kidney transplant recipient in COVID 19 era
Indian Journal of Transplantation
; 16(1):107-112, 2022.
Article
in English
| EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1798825
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Telemedicine represents an innovative but untested approach to maintain patient care and reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure to patients, health-care workers, and the public. In this study, we evaluated the applicability and efficacy of telemedicine in a kidney transplant recipient (KTR) cohort in COVID 19 era. Materials andMethods:
An observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary-care public-sector kidney disease institute in western India between March and September 2020. We evaluated the reasons, modes, and outcomes of patient contacts by telemedicine in the KTR cohort. We also evaluated the utility of telemedicine across three age groups.Results:
Of 840 participants, whose mean age was 38.78 ± 12.39 years, male to female ratio was 41. The most common mode of communication was WhatsApp (653, 77.7%) followed by in-person surrogates (126, 15%). Acceptability of telemedicine was significantly better in younger and middle-age groups (P < 0.00001) compared to the elderly. Request for drug delivery (n = 756) was the most common reason for contact overall and managed through postal parcels. KTRs (n = 200) and donors (n = 75) were evaluated for medical illnesses. The most common medical reasons for contact were for febrile illness (n = 120) and graft dysfunction (n = 60). COVID-19-related disease was diagnosed and managed in 80 KTRs and 2 donors. COVID-19 updates were given to all contacts.Conclusion:
Telemedicine is underutilized in the care of the KTR cohort. Telemedicine can be used across all ages although it's best suited for young and middle age groups. The impact of telemedicine on short- and long-term patient outcomes is unclear and warrants further study.
adult; aged; article; chronic patient; cohort analysis; controlled study; coronavirus disease 2019; drug delivery system; female; graft dysfunction; groups by age; human; India; kidney disease; kidney graft; major clinical study; male; middle aged; outcome assessment; public sector; social media; surgery; telehealth; telemedicine; tertiary health care
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
EMBASE
Language:
English
Journal:
Indian Journal of Transplantation
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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