Telemedicine: An Effective Tool for Patient-Physician Communication
Authors: Sabetian PW, Ouyang VW, Fox JD, Jimenez AE, Ankem HK, Saks BR, Maldonado DR, Lall AC, Domb BG
Journal: Orthopedics, May 2023
DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20230104-07
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine. This study evaluates the effectiveness of telemedicine for orthopedic hip patient management during the pandemic.
Methods
- 163 patients underwent telemedicine consultations from March to September 2020.
- Patients divided into presurgical and postsurgical groups.
- Effectiveness measured by compliance with follow-up and need for in-person visits.
Key Findings
- Full compliance with scheduled follow-ups post-telemedicine.
- 27% of presurgical patients were identified for surgical intervention via telemedicine.
- 59% of patients used telemedicine primarily for imaging review and follow-up.
Conclusions
Telemedicine is a reliable and effective tool for patient communication and management in orthopedic hip care, reducing the necessity for in-person visits.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Telemedicine can effectively triage patients, determine surgical candidacy, and manage postoperative care remotely.
- Incorporating telemedicine into routine practice may improve patient convenience and clinic efficiency.
- Providers should develop protocols to identify which patients require in-person evaluation versus telemedicine follow-up.
- Telemedicine is especially useful in contexts where in-person visits are limited or challenging, such as during pandemics or for patients with mobility issues.