Telemedicine in Oculoplastic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Center Experience.
Telemed J E Health
; 30(6): e1736-e1741, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38350121
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
To investigate patterns in oculoplastic surgery telemedicine visits at our institution during the pandemic period.Methods:
Retrospective chart review of all patients who had a virtual consultation with the oculoplastic surgery service at Mayo Clinic Rochester between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021.Results:
There were a total of 148 patients. Mean age was 65 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 62-68). The mean driving distance to the medical center was 468 kilometers (95% CI 352-586) and 15 (10%) patients came from states with no practicing American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) members. Out of the 205 virtual visits, 35 (17%) were new, 45 (22%) were return, and 125 (61%) were postoperative. Conversion rate to surgery was 60%. A comparison between type of virtual visits (new vs. return vs. postoperative) revealed that a diagnosis of eyelid malposition was most frequent in postoperative visits (p = < 0.001), skin malignancy was most frequent in new visits (p = 0.009), and orbital tumors (p = 0.018) and thyroid eye disease (p = < 0.001) were most frequent in return visits. Most virtual encounters had supportive media attached including external photographs in 127 (62%) visits and other imaging or testing in 18 (9%) visits. The average virtual visit lasted 18 min (95% CI 14-22) with technical difficulties noted in 9 (4%) visits. Unanticipated conversion to in-person visits was noted in three (1%) cases.Conclusions:
A wide range of oculoplastic surgery conditions was managed virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilization of initial virtual visit versus follow-up care varied by diagnosis. Virtual visits may improve access to oculoplastic subspecialty care for patients from underserved areas.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Telemedicina
/
COVID-19
Limite:
Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Telemed J E Health
Assunto da revista:
INFORMATICA MEDICA
/
SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos