Abstract 13006: Telemedicine Disparities in Ambulatory Cardiology Patients in a Large Academic Health System

Abstract

Introduction: Although the COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid expansion of telemedicine, the effect of system-wide digital health strategies on vulnerable populations remains to be understood. Given video visits offer several advantages over audio-only visits, telemedicine encounters are typically preferentially scheduled as video visits; however, access complexities may lead to audio-only encounters and exacerbate the digital divide. Aim: We aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with telemedicine visit modality in the outpatient cardiology population in a large academic health center. Methods: We assessed all outpatient cardiology telemedicine visits from 1/1/2020-12/31/2021 via the Johns Hopkins Telemedicine Equity Dashboard, which sources its data from the electronic medical record. Our primary outcome was visit modality, with an adverse outcome defined as video-to-audio visit conversion. The first telemedicine encounter for each unique patient was included (accounting for 85% of all telemedicine encounters during study period). We assessed predictors of video-to-audio visit conversion using simple and multivariate logistic regression with relevant pre-determined sociodemographic variables (see Figure ). Results: There were 47,961 total telemedicine encounters, spread between 39,381 unique patients. Odds of conversion from video to audio-only visit increased with age, with the highest odds of conversion to audio-only visit in patients age 75+. Non-White race, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay insurance status, and higher social deprivation index (SDI) quintile were also associated with increased odds of audio-only modality. Conclusion: Current telemedicine strategies would benefit from further analysis and targeted intervention to develop a more equitable digital care delivery system, particularly for patients that are older, non-White, do not have private insurance, and live in areas with higher SDI.