The use of virtual telephone clinic in elective foot and ankle follow up

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual clinics have been shown to be safe and cost-effective in many specialties. Many articles have been found in the literature about its usefulness in fracture occasions, but we have not found many discussing its effectiveness in foot and ankle elective cases follow ups. The aim of this audit is to show its safety, clinical outcomes, and complications. Patients and methods: In Princess Alexandra Hospital, UK, we collected data from COSMICS system which contained patient contact details, PACS and case note management system were used to see previous investigations and dictation letters and to check the outcome of the virtual clinic. Results: 292 patients were included, from them 167 were females (57.8%), while 125 were males (42.8%).148 patients were contacted by mobile phones (50.7%), 41 patients (14%) were contacted by landline, and unfortunately 67 patients (22.9%) have not picked the phone. From the 292 patients, 232 (79.5%) patients were dischargedone patient requested to be seen face to face. 40 patients (14%) were listed for being reviewed and 12 patients were listed for surgery (4.1%). 8 patients were listed for having PRP/local anesthetic/ steroid injection. Conclusion: Virtual telephone clinics for elective foot and ankle cases are very effective way for management of busy clinics with long waiting lists provided that it was run safely. We reported from our study the rules by which we run it and many benefits and drawbacks were also highlighted with our recommendations to maximize the gain from it.