Telehealth Utilization in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utilization of telehealth capabilities by pediatric orthopaedic departments across the United States in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred four pediatric orthopaedic departments were investigated regarding each institution's current telehealth utilization as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 104 hospitals contacted across the United States, 100 pediatric orthopaedic departments in 39 states responded for an overall response rate of 96%. Of the 95 institutions offering telehealth services, 83 (87.4%) cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the impetus for the implementation of telehealth services. Of these, 29 institutions (31%) began offering services from March 16 to March 31 and 34 (36%) began offering services from April 1 to April 15. Regional analysis demonstrated an 800% increase in telehealth services in the state of New York, a 600% increase in Florida, a 500% increase in Texas, a 400% increase in Michigan, a 200% increase in Pennsylvania, and a 1,100% increase in California. This study demonstrates the rapid response measures instituted by pediatric orthopaedic institutions to meet the fundamental needs of the pediatric population during this unprecedented pandemic.