Telemedicine Expansion in Pediatric Gastroenterology in Response to COVID-19: Early Results of an International Physician Survey. Issue 1 (23rd February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Steven D.; Lee, Jennifer A.; Murphy, Zachary; Screws, Jeremy; Berg, Elizabeth A.; Picoraro, Joseph A.; Gurses, Ayse P.; Huang, Jeannie S.
• Is Part Of: JPGN reports. Volume 2:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: e030
• Publication Date: 2021-02-23
• Subjects: telemedicine -- coronavirus -- pandemics -- surveys and questionnaires; Pediatric gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Children -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Children -- Nutrition; Pediatric gastroenterology; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Infant; Child; Periodicals; Periodical; Case Reports; 618.9233
• DOI: 10.1097/PG9.0000000000000030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2691-171X

Abstract

Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Abstract : The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented expansion of telemedicine, leading to development of new workflows. We conducted a survey of telemedicine practice among pediatric gastroenterology practitioners on March 26, 2020. Responses were coded and analyzed. The survey garnered 33 responses. Most centers were 3 weeks into the implementation. The most commonly used telemedicine software was Zoom followed by FaceTime, telephone, and Epic software. Provider education was through online meetings, webinars, and tip sheets. Patient education was by nonclinical staff at the time of visit scheduling or tip sheets. A major barrier was the need for patients to enroll in an electronic portal. Two thirds of practices offered telemedicine to both new and return patients. Most sites billed based on time. This represents a record of the very early response of the pediatric gastroenterology community to the COVID-19 telemedicine expansion and can inform follow-up studies.