Organización de la e-consulta en cardiología. Resultados de la encuesta e-SAC en Andalucía

Abstract

Introduction and objectivesThere are health areas that have evaluated the efficacy and usefulness of electronic consultation in Cardiology. The objective of the study is to evaluate the global situation of e-consultation in Cardiology services throughout Andalusia in 2021. MethodsThe Sociedad Andaluza de Cardiología (SAC) sent a digital survey with 30 questions related to the resources provided to the e-consultation, organization of care, established clinical flows, delay times, and activity quantification. ResultsA total of 20 centers (from 8 provinces) were included, with the majority being tertiary care hospitals. The notified resources showed great intercenter variability, but 85% of the centers had protocolized the minimum clinical information necessary to carry out the e-consultation and 100% had the electrocardiogram available virtually. 60% of the centers required prior request for N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide by primary care for the evaluation of suspected heart failure. More than 261,000 face-to-face consultations were reported, compared to only 13,500 e-consultations, which accounted for less than 15% of the total in most centers. However, among virtual consultations, at least 30% were resolved directly, and 80% were attended in less than 4 days compared to 1-3 months for face-to-face consultations in 60% of the centers. ConclusionsWith large differences by centers, and a low introduction compared to face-to-face consultation, the e-consultation throughout Andalusia shows a high degree of virtual resolution and a significant reduction in care delay.