Virtual clinics in foot and ankle surgery: patient and clinician perceptions.
Ann R Coll Surg Engl
; 103(9): 666-672, 2021 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34432532
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has led to the popularisation of 'virtual' clinics. In orthopaedics, little is known about the use of virtual clinics within foot and ankle surgery, specifically.METHODS:
A cross-sectional observation study of patients and clinicians in response to virtual clinics in foot and ankle surgery. Patients seen in a virtual clinic were contacted by telephone from two weeks after their consultation and asked to complete a 12-point questionnaire. Demographic information was also collected. Clinicians in foot and ankle completed a 10-point questionnaire.RESULTS:
One hundred patient responses were collected. Patient satisfaction with virtual clinics was positive, with 65% of respondents reporting they were very happy (Likert scale rating 5). More than 90% of patients felt they received enough information, felt involved, felt the virtual clinic was helpful and knew who to contact if there was a problem. However, 79% would still prefer a face-to-face consultation, and 22% would have preferred a video consultation. Clinician responses were more cautious, with 60% stating they were neither happy nor unhappy (Likert scale rating 3). Virtual clinics may be faster for the clinician.CONCLUSIONS:
Virtual clinics may be more convenient for patients, with high satisfaction levels reported, but represent significant clinical challenges for foot and ankle surgeons. Elements of virtual clinics may persist post pandemic, particularly in routine follow-up. Virtual clinics are not appropriate for new patient referrals.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ortopedia
/
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde
/
Atitude Frente a Saúde
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Satisfação do Paciente
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Telemedicina
/
Pé
/
COVID-19
/
Tornozelo
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
/
Female
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Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ann R Coll Surg Engl
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido