Patient Experience with Video Telemedicine Neurology Follow-up Visits at Community Clinics (P1-4.001)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To assess patient satisfaction and perception of physician empathy following implementation of video telemedicine neurology follow-up visits at community clinics <h3>Background:</h3> There is a growing shortage of neurologists in the US who provide care outside of metropolitan areas[1]. Within the region of our academic medical center, neurologists drive approximately 2 hours round-trip each day to provide care at community clinics. Telemedicine minimizes travel time for both patients and physicians while maintaining/improving access. We aimed to develop a telemedicine service and assess patient experience. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We implemented video conferencing with tablet for patient to interact with neurologist and a pan and tilt zoom camera attached to a moveable cart to enable neurologist to perform neurological exam. Telemedicine visits were offered to patients who had previously been seen face-to-face by the neurologist performing follow-up. Implementation was at a clinic 45 miles from tertiary center(site 1) between February 2020–January 2021 and at a clinic 43 miles from tertiary center(site 2) between July 2021–January 2022. After the telemedicine visit, a survey was completed by patient and/or caregiver, which included the consultation and relational empathy(CARE)[1] and telemedicine patient satisfaction measures(TPSM)[2]. <h3>Results:</h3> 31 patients from site 1 and 38 patients from site 2 participated in telemedicine follow-up visit and completed the survey. Mean age was 66 years. Follow-up reasons were Parkinson disease/parkinsonism(36.2%), migraine(20.3%), dementia(17.4%), epilepsy(14.5%), and other(11.6%). CARE measure mean responses indicated patients’ perception of relational empathy was excellent(65%), and very good(25%). TPSM mean responses were strongly agreed(71%) and agreed(28%) with regard to patient satisfaction. The neurologists involved anecdotally reported improved work-life balance. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Patient satisfaction and perceived physician empathy was high for video telemedicine neurology follow-up at our community clinics, supporting expansion of this model. This model also improved work-life balance for the neurologist. Study of care outcomes and use for new patient consultations is needed. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Truitt has stock in NVTA. Dr. Truitt has stock in QTRX. Dr. Truitt has stock in EXAS. Dr. Truitt has stock in ALC. Dr. Truitt has stock in ACAD. Dr. Truitt has stock in ABBV. Dr. Truitt has stock in NVS. Dr. Truitt has stock in VRTX. Dr. Truitt has stock in MRK. Dr. Truitt has stock in ATRI. Dr. Truitt has stock in HZNP. Dr. Truitt has stock in ZM. Dr. Arumaithurai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Young has nothing to disclose.