Transient Ischemic Attack Virtual Consultations the Future of Stroke Clinics?

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, face to face clinics were suspended at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. This in turn increased long waiting period for patients. Also, patients were skeptical to attend face to face clinics due to COVID-19 pandemic.So, virtual clinics was initiated. Method(s) Prospective survey of patients who attended stroke/TIA virtual clinics in the span of 3 months. A total of 50 patients (Stroke/TIA) participated in this survey. All the patients were above the age of 18 years, consent was taken from all the patients who participated in the survey. Result(s) Nursing and care-home staff were extremely happy with virtual clinics as nursing team could also be present with the patients for their clinic appointments. Also, there was no need to book transport or arrange escort for the patients.Patients suggested to start video consultation clinics. 2% of the patients who were dissatisfied with the virtual clinics provided the feedback that they rather preferred the conventional face to face clinics over Virtual clinics.After carefully analysing the feedback given in the survey, we are planning to introduce video consultantion clinics for TIA patients. Conclusion(s) Majority of patients who attended Virtual TIA clinics were satisfied with this approach, as virtual clinics were convenient to adhere for the doctor's appointment, avoids travelling to hospital and saves waiting time in the waiting area at the outpatient's department. Based on the feedback provided by the patients in the survey we are introducing Attend Anywhere video consultation in our TIA clinics. (Figure Presented).