Videoconferencing for the pre-operative interaction between patient and surgeon. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Del Signore, Anthony G; Dang, Rajan; Yerasi, Arjun; Iloreta, Alfred M; Malkin, Benjamin D
• Is Part Of: Journal of telemedicine and telecare. Volume 20:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 267
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1177/1357633X14537759
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-633X

Abstract

We studied the use of videoconferencing for the pre-operative patient-surgeon interaction. Subjects were recruited from otolaryngology patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary hospital. They were randomised to a conventional face-to-face interaction with their surgeon or a videoconference call via tablet computer. Afterwards, subjects and surgeons completed questionnaires about the experience. Various time points in patient flow were also recorded. Thirty-one patients were enrolled and 25 completed the study; five surgeons participated. The mean overall patient satisfaction scores were similar in the face-to-face and videoconferencing groups (9.88 and 9.89, respectively), as were mean interaction times (119 and 82 s, respectively); neither difference was significant. The mean waiting times in the pre-operative holding area were not significantly different between the groups. Surgeons were satisfied with the videoconferencing and 60% indicated they were somewhat likely to incorporate the technology into their daily practice. Overall patient satisfaction with a pre-operative patient-surgeon interaction via videoconferencing did not differ significantly from that for a conventional face-to-face discussion. It is feasible to incorporate videoconferencing into a busy surgical practice and there is the potential for improved efficiency.