1219 Patient Satisfaction with Virtual Orthopaedic Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited the need to deliver consultation appointments remotely due to social-distancing measures, as well as some individuals having to shield. Virtual clinics are not a familiar setting for orthopaedic surgeons or their patients, but it is a necessity in the current climate and potentially also in the future. Aim This study aims to determine patient satisfaction of virtual orthopaedic consultations, during the COVID-19 pandemic and for the future. Method A 10-question survey assessed the satisfaction level of both new and follow-up patients towards virtual clinics for consultations with orthopaedic surgeons. Results Based on 100 patients who completed the surveys in a 6-month study during the pandemic, it was found that a majority (90%) of patients reported being satisfied (either very satisfied or satisfied) with the telephone clinics and would be content on having virtual clinics in the future. Conclusions Many patients view virtual clinics as an acceptable substitute for face-to-face appointments, specifically during the pandemic. However, it was also reported that a majority of patients would still prefer a physical examination as well. If virtual consultations are to persist beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, further exploration would need to be carried out to determine the efficacy.