Electronic Consults for Infectious Diseases in a United States Multisite Academic Health System. (20th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, Brian R; Bender, Jessica A; Jackson, Sara; Rosengaus, Leah; Pottinger, Paul S; Gottlieb, Geoffrey S; Dhanireddy, Shireesha; Harrington, Robert D; Pruzhanskaya, Yuliya; Chew, Lisa D; Scott, John D
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 7:Number 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03-20
• Subjects: communicable diseases -- referrals and consultations -- telemedicine; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: We launched Infectious Disease electronic consultations (eConsults) in 2018. During the first 15.5 months, primary care practitioners submitted 328 eConsults; the most frequent reasons were a positive culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result, syphilis, and latent tuberculosis. Practitioners commonly requested advice on antimicrobial choice, clinical evaluation, and indications for treatment. Internal phone consultations decreased after eConsult implementation. Abstract : Electronic consultations (eConsults) provide PCPs with rapid access to specialist advice. Few evaluations of optimal usage for Infectious Diseases exist. This study reviews ID eConsult implementation at an academic institution, plus consult topics, response time, and changes to in-person referrals.