Telemedicine utilisation in a paediatric sports medicine practice: decreased cost and wait times with increased satisfaction. Issue 2 (1st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Atanda, Alfred; Pelton, Miguel; Fabricant, Peter D; Tucker, Ashley; Shah, Suken A; Slamon, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: Journal of ISAKOS. Volume 3:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2018-02-01
• Subjects: economic analysis; Joints -- Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; Osteoarthritis -- Periodicals; Joints -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Total knee replacement -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.472059705
• DOI: 10.1136/jisakos-2017-000176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-7754

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication to provide healthcare remotely. We sought to quantify time/cost savings and satisfaction between a cohort of telemedicine and inperson visits in a tertiary paediatric orthopaedic clinic. Methods: Time for clinical visits and wait times were compared between telemedicine and inperson visits. Costs to patients and department were also calculated for both visit types. Parents completed a five-item satisfaction survey regarding their telemedicine experience. Results: Visit times (15 vs 68 min, P<0.001) and wait times (2 vs 33 min, P<0.001) were shorter for telemedicine visits. Families saved 85 miles of driving and $50 in costs per telemedicine visit. Labour cost saved for a telemedicine visit was $24/patient. More than 90% of patients were satisfied with the telemedicine service. Conclusion: Telemedicine can be used in a sports medicine setting to provide care that reduces costs while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. Level of evidence: Level III.