Consultation Requests and Satisfaction with a Telehealth Network for Epilepsy: Longitudinal Analysis of the Epilepsy Network Hessen Evaluation.

ABSTRACT

Background: Telemedicine improves access to specialized medical expertise, as required for paroxysmal disorders. The Epilepsy Network Hessen Evaluation (ENHE) is a pilot cross-sectoral teleconsultation network connecting primary neurologists and pediatricians with epilepsy centers in Hessen, a federal German state. Methods: We prospectively and longitudinally evaluated telehealthcare in the ENHE. Participating physicians rated each consultation for satisfaction and impact on further management. The survey was administered at each consultation and 3 months later. Results: We analyzed 129 consultations involving 114 adult and pediatric patients. Their mean age was 34 years (standard deviation 26, range 0.1-91 years), 48% were female, and 34% were children and adolescents. The most common consultation requests were co-evaluation of an electroencephalogram (electroencephalogram [EEG]; 76%) and therapeutic (33%) and differential diagnosis (24%) concerns. Physicians transmitted one paraclinical examination on average (range 1-4), predominantly EEG (85%), followed by magnetic resonance imaging (17%) and written records (9%). Response rates were 72% for the initial and 67% for the follow-up survey. Across respondents, 99% (n = 92) were satisfied with the ENHE. Overall, 80% of the consultations contributed to the diagnosis, and 90% were considered helpful for treatment, influencing it in 71% of cases. Seizure frequency had decreased more often (96%) than increased (4%) at 3 months. The initial diagnosis was confirmed in 78% of patients. Discussion: In this pilot teleconsultation network for paroxysmal disorders, diagnostic and therapeutic advice was perceived as helpful. Clinical outcomes were largely positive, suggesting tele-epileptology is viable for paroxysmal (seizure) disorders.