Use Of Virtual Visits Research Articles

Examining the Association Between DCT Solutions Use and Participant Diversity in Clinical Trials.

Whereas anecdotal reports suggest that the use of decentralized clinical trial (DCT) solutions can improve participant diversity in clinical trials there is no quantitative evidence to support such reports. Tufts CSDD conducted this initial study based on data collected from prior research and publicly available data drawn from Clinicaltrials.gov to compare and contrast participant diversity in trials which included various DCT solutions - virtual visits or televisits, home visits, devices or wearables, and the use of local labs. The results of this analysis indicate that the use of local labs is associated with a lower percentage of white participants; the use of virtual visits or televisits is associated with a lower percentage of Black participants; and the use of devices or wearables was not associated with any significant change in participant demographics. The use of home visits could not be tested for significant differences.

Predictors of a Preference for Telemedicine Virtual Visits in Patients Undergoing Cancer Rehabilitation.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the use of virtual visits (telemedicine) at our cancer rehabilitation outpatient clinics from March 2020 to August 2021, when virtual visits became more widely available, and to identify any demographic and clinical variables making patients more likely to favor virtual over in-person visits. There were 3971 outpatient encounters (2020 virtual and 1951 in-person visits from a total of 1638 patients) in our cancer rehabilitation outpatient clinics during this time frame. Significant findings in both the univariate and multivariate analyses were race ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively), cancer type ( P < 0.001 for both), and distance to the clinic ( P < 0.001 for both). Our research showed that virtual visits were accepted by patients with cancer, and that younger age (62 compared to 65), non-White race/ethnicity, solid tumor, and shorter distance to the clinic were associated with a preference for virtual over in-person visits.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE USE OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY OREGON ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS

Abstract COVID-19 has affected many aspects of daily life, including transportation. This study aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of transportation services by residents of assisted living communities in Oregon. Primary data about transportation service availability and use were collected from 721 AL communities using mailed questionnaires, before (winter of 2020) and during the pandemic (winter of 2022). To identify the impact of the pandemic on transportation use, we estimated a series of logistic regression models for trip purposes: medical appointments and social activities. Results show that the pandemic profoundly impacted transportation services, especially provided transportation services for access to social activities decreased from 77% to 68%, whereas access to medical appointments had not changed. The use of virtual visits allowed residents to remain connected with their loved ones while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. The findings of this study can help policymakers and transportation providers understand the impact of the pandemic on the mobility of individuals in community-based care settings. The results can also inform the development of strategies to improve transportation services and ensure the mobility of residents after the pandemic. Ultimately, the study can contribute to enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals in community-based care settings in Oregon.

Implementation of Video Blood Pressure Visits in the Veterans Health Administration.

Introduction: Almost half of veterans (44.6%) seen in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient setting are diagnosed with hypertension (HTN). Because of the widespread nature of HTN, use of virtual visits has the potential to improve blood pressure (BP) management. This evaluation assessed the effectiveness of video blood pressure visits (VBPVs) in the management of HTN in veterans enrolled in Veterans Health Administration primary care. Methods: The program was implemented within the existing veteran-centered medical home. VBPVs are scheduled where the nurse observes veterans taking their BP and provides teaching or counseling. A national training curriculum was delivered to local nurse champions through Microsoft Teams. We analyzed improvement in BP over a 2-year period. We also captured actions taken by nurses during the VBPV by searching the electronic notes. Ratings of training and comments were summarized using feedback forms completed after training. Results: In total, 81,476 veterans participated in VBPVs over 2 years. Of those, 44,682 veterans had an existing ICD-10 code related to HTN. Of the 18,078 veterans who had a pre- and post-VBPV BP, the average change to systolic measurement was -10.6 mm Hg (range -82 to 78). Average change to diastolic measurement was -4.61 mm Hg (range -59 to 55). Most interventions addressed medication management (77%). Nurses' evaluations of the program were positive. Conclusions: Video visits provide reliable and convenient veteran-centered care. Such visits enable care when unanticipated interruptions occur such as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In addition to medication management, nurse-led interventions such as counseling on lifestyle changes can be effective in HTN management.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management and Telehealth Care of Spontaneous Abortions [ID: 1378351

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of early pregnancy loss. Additionally, we aimed to identify differences in the use of virtual health care for the management of spontaneous abortions (SABs) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients aged 18–40 receiving obstetric care at Cleveland Clinic hospitals between March 2019 and September 2019 (pre-COVID-19), and between March 2020 and September 2020 (post-COVID-19). SABs were defined as spontaneous pregnancy losses occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy, excluding induced abortions and ectopic pregnancies. Baseline demographic information, medical history, type of SAB management, and use of virtual visits were compared between the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups. RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred eleven patients met inclusion criteria, 1,159 with SAB pre-COVID-19 and 1,052 with SAB post-COVID-19. Demographic factors including race (P=.64) and age (P=.46) did not differ between the two groups. Overall management of SAB differed between the two cohorts, with a higher proportion of post-COVID-19 patients opting for expectant management (49.9%) compared to only 38.1% choosing expectant management in the pre-COVID-19 group (P&lt;.001). Virtual visits for consultation and management of SAB were more prevalent in the post-COVID period with 11.1% of patients choosing to utilize telehealth compared to only 0.09% of patients in the pre-COVID-19 cohort (P&lt;.001). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of the delivery of health care, and women's health is no exception. Our study shows that the pandemic changed the way SABs were managed, with a higher proportion of health care providers and patients opting for expectant management as compared to the pre-pandemic time period. We also saw a change in the way health care was delivered with virtual appointments becoming more popular post-COVID-19, emphasizing the growing role of telehealth in women's health care and in the management of SAB.

Usage of Heat and Moisture Exchange Devices, Virtual Visits, Masking, and Vaccinations Among People With a Laryngectomy During COVID-19.

This study described the COVID-19 risk mitigation actions of people with a total laryngectomy (TL) during the pandemic. An online survey was completed by 215 people with a TL who lived in the United States. The survey was open from December 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022. There was a significant increase in frequency of heat and moisture exchange (HME) device use during the pandemic compared with pre-COVID-19. Frequency of HME use was significantly greater for those who were vaccinated and those who had at least one clinical visit with their speech-language pathologist (SLP). The use of virtual visits increased from 9% pre-COVID-19 to 37% during the pandemic. Seventy percent of respondents were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with virtual visits and 51% judged them "as good as in-person." Eighty percent were vaccinated for COVID-19 and 75% received a booster. One third reported that they did not wear mask over the face or over the tracheostoma. Twenty percent had tested positive for COVID-19 with 70% of these people requiring hospitalization. HME use and virtual SLP visits increased during the pandemic and the vaccination rate was high among this group of respondents. Overall, there were still large percentages of people with a TL who were not using an HME, not vaccinated, and did not wear a mask. SLPs should consider reaching out directly to their TL caseload, particularly those not yet seen during the pandemic, to support uptake of COVID-19 mitigation activities specific to people with a TL as the pandemic persists.

Virtual Programming for Physical Activity Interventions: Integration of Behavioral Components.

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic changed many contemporary experiences, including how healthcare and exercise programming are delivered. As a result of the pandemic, there was an increase in virtual services and programming and there continues to be a demand for virtual options. The results from Desir et al support the use of virtual visits to successfully change lifestyle factors, specifically nutrition and physical activity. The use of individualized dietary and exercise goals were important to the success of the intervention, and should not be disregarded. As virtual healthcare and exercise continues to evolve, to maximize behavior change, we should also consider how to include the social and community aspects of exercise. Regardless, it is encouraging to see that significant advances are being made in virtual programming and that the needed engagement can occur in a virtual setting.

Analysis of the uptake and associated factors for virtual crisis care during the pandemic at a 24-h mental health crisis centre in Manitoba, Canada

BackgroundThe coronavirus pandemic necessitated the rapid transition to virtual care. At a 24-h walk-in mental health Crisis Response Centre (CRC) in Winnipeg, Canada we adapted crisis mental health assessments to be offered virtually while the crisis centre also remained open to in person visits. Little is known about the sustainability of virtual visits in the presence of comparable in person care, and which visits are more likely to be done virtually, particularly in the crisis setting.MethodsAn analysis of visits to the CRC from the first local lockdown on March 19, 2020 through the third local wave with heightened public health restrictions in June 2021. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the proportion of visits occurring virtually (telephone or videoconference) during the first wave of heightened public health restrictions (lockdown 1) and subsequent lockdowns as well as the in-between periods. A binary logistic regression examined visit, sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with receipt of a virtual visit compared to an in person visit over the first year of the pandemic.ResultsOut of 5,357 visits, 993 (18.5%) occurred virtually. There was a significant difference in proportion of virtual visits across the pandemic time periods (F(4, 62) = 8.56, p < .001). The proportion of visits occurring virtually was highest during lockdown 1 (mean 32.6% by week), with no differences between the other time periods. Receipt of a virtual visit was significantly associated with daytime weekday visits, age, non-male gender, living further away from the CRC, no prior year contact with the CRC, and visits that did not feature suicidal behaviour, substance use, psychosis or cognitive impairment.ConclusionsA large proportion of virtual care occurring at the outset of the pandemic reflects public anxiety and care avoidance paired with health system rapid transformation. The use of virtual visits reduced over subsequent pandemic periods but was sustained at a meaningful level. Specific visit, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are more likely to be present in visits occurring virtually compared to those in person. These results can help to inform the future planning and delivery of virtual crisis care.

The Explosive Growth of Telehealth Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

The Explosive Growth of Telehealth Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Examining virtual visit use during a pandemic and perspectives of primary care providers, patients and caregivers: a mixed-methods research protocol

IntroductionCOVID-19 prompted rapid shifts to virtual primary care; however, the secondary implications and ideal applications of this change require further consideration. Patient and public stakeholder input has been bypassed. To...

Why did preterm birth rates fall during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Why did preterm birth rates fall during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Telemedicine evaluation of new head and neck patients at a tertiary academic clinic during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 accelerated the use of virtual visits within health care. We examined the utility of telemedicine for conducting visits in a tertiary head and neck practice. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients presenting via video to a tertiary-level head and neck clinic between January 2020 and December 2020. Patient demographics were collected in addition to visit indication, diagnostic imaging/tests at the time of visit, and post-visit plan. Visits were deemed successful if evaluation by video was sufficient in determining a clinical plan and did not require deferment of recommendations for subsequent in-person consult visits and/or work-up (labs, imaging). Logistic regression was performed to identify variables that served as significant predictors of successful video visits. Results A total of 124 video visits were reviewed. Video visits were successful for the initial evaluation 88.7% of the time (n = 110). Computerized tomographic scans were the most available diagnostic test, available for 54% of patients (n = 67), followed by biopsy report 30.6% (n = 38). Visit indication had a statistically significant effect on whether a treatment plan could be made (p = 0.024). For new patients with parotid masses (n = 42), definitive treatment plans could be made 97.6% of the time (n = 41). Patients presenting with an indication of thyroid mass (odds ratio: 0.19 (confidence interval: 0.00072–0.50), p = 0.018) and other neck mass (odds ratio: 0.035 (confidence interval: 0.0014, 0.90), p = 0.043) were at significantly lesser odds than parotid patients to have a successful video visit. Discussion In this study, virtual visits were successful for a high percentage of head and neck visits, particularly among patients seeking evaluation for parotid-related concerns.

Working Framework for Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care.

Given the absence of guidelines for use of virtual visits for primary care delivery, a framework is needed to inform the most appropriate use of virtual visits. We conducted in-depth, structured interviews of 18 patients, primary care clinicians, and other select informants. They were asked to discuss optimal, acceptable, and suboptimal uses of telemedicine for delivering care relative to in-person care delivery. The concepts expressed informed our development of a framework about appropriate use of virtual visits. The 103 concepts supported 5 main themes that emerged as a framework: clinical situations which are optimal for in-person care; situations optimal for virtual visits; situations that might be exchangeable between sites; contextual factors favoring in-person care; and contextual factors favoring virtual visits. After further validation, we expect that this framework may guide future research and practice: it may be valuable for clinical practice redesign, for designing evaluations of the outcomes of virtual visits, for outcomes research, for patient education, for triage, and possibly for reimbursement considerations.

Socioeconomic Disparities in the Demand for and Use of Virtual Visits Among Senior Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has limited the provision of in-person care and accelerated the need for virtual care. Older adults (65+ years) were 1 of the highest user groups of in-person health care services prior to the pandemic. Social distancing guidelines and high rates of mortality from coronavirus infections among older adults made receiving in-person health care services challenging for older adults. The provision of virtual care technologies can help to ensure continuity of care and provide essential health care services during the pandemic to those at high risk of contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus, including older adults. It is also essential to understand and address potential socioeconomic, demographic, and health disparities in the demand for and use of virtual care technologies among older adults.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate socioeconomic disparities in the demand for and use of virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults in Canada.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey was conducted with 12,052 Canadians over the age of 16 years, selected from Leger’s Léger Opinion panel from July 14 to August 6, 2021. Associations between socioeconomic factors and the demand for and use of virtual visits were tested using χ2 tests and logistic regression models for telephone visits, video visits, and secure messaging. Weighting was applied using the 2016 census reference variables to render a representative sample of the Canadian population.ResultsA total of 2303 older adults were surveyed. Older adults expressed the highest demand for and use of telephone visits, following by video visits and secure messaging. eHealth literacy was positively associated with the use of all 3 virtual care modalities. Higher income was negatively associated with the use of video visits (odds ratio [OR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.428-0.974, P=.03). Having no private insurance coverage was negatively associated with use of secure messaging (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.539-0.983, P=.04), but living in a rural community (OR 0.172, 95% CI 1.12-2.645, P=.01) and being born outside of Canada (OR 0.150, 95% CI 1.041-2.173, P=.03) were positively associated with the use of secure messaging. Higher education (OR 0.078, 95% CI 0.633-0.97, P=.02) and being non-White (OR=0.054, 95% CI 0.312-0.92, P=.02) were negatively associated with the use of the telephone.ConclusionsThis study found that compared to video visits and secure messaging, the demand for and use of telephone visits were more prevalent among older adults during the pandemic. The gaps between the demand for and use of video and secure messaging services remain substantial. Our results highlight socioeconomic disparities among older adults that could potentially explain this trend. Lower income and a lower education level may act as barriers for older adults in acquiring the skills and technologies necessary to use more complex solutions, such as video and secure messaging. In addition, higher eHealth literacy was found to be critical for older adults to successfully navigate all types of virtual visit technologies.

Characterization of ophthalmology virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ObjectivesTo characterize the use of virtual visits, as well as compare the characteristics to in-person visits during the pandemic period.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients who had virtual and in-person ophthalmology visits from March 19, 2020, to July 31, 2020, in a large multispecialty ophthalmic center. Exclusion criteria included patients aged less than 18 years old; canceled, incomplete, mislabelled, and duplicated visits. 2943 virtual and 56,174 in-person visits were identified. A random sample of 3000 in-person visits was created. Each visit was analyzed as an individual data point.Results2,266 virtual visits (2,049 patients, 64.3% female, mean [SD] age 64.3 [16.6] years old) and 2590 in-person visits (2509 patients, 59.5% female, 65.9 [15.8] years old) were included. Most virtual visits were classified as comprehensive ophthalmology (34.6%), optometry-related (19.5%), and oculoplastics (13.0%). For in-person visits, the most common specialties were optometry (29.8%), comprehensive ophthalmology (23.9%), and retina and uveitis (17.3%). The most common diagnoses in the virtual group were from the eyelids, lacrimal system, and orbits group (26.9%), while in the in-person groups were choroid and retina conditions (19.3%).ConclusionsNumerous ocular conditions were evaluated and managed through virtual visits, and external complaints and oculoplastic consults appear to be well-suited to the virtual format. Further studies focusing on visual outcomes and patient experience will be beneficial.

Adaptations to Opioid Use Disorder Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Prescribers.

ObjectivesAmong opioid use disorder (OUD)-treating providers, to characterize adaptations used to provide medications for OUD (MOUD) and factors associated with desire to continue virtual visits post-COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn a national electronic survey of OUD-treating prescribers (July-August 2020), analyses restricted to X-waivered buprenorphine prescribers providing outpatient, longitudinal care for adults with OUD, quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey items and free text responses were conducted.ResultsAmong 797 respondents, 49% were men, 57% ≥50 years, 76% White, 68% physicians. Respondents widely used virtual visits to continue prescribing existing MOUD regimens (79%), provide behavioral healthcare (71%), and initiate new MOUD prescriptions (49%). Most prescribers preferred to continue/expand use of virtual visits after COVID-19. In multivariable models, factors associated with preference to continue/expand virtual visits to initiate MOUD postpandemic were treating a moderate number of patients prepandemic (aOR = 1.67; 95%[CI] = 1.06,2.62) and practicing in an urban setting (aOR = 2.17; 95%[CI] = 1.48,3.18). Prescribing buprenorphine prepandemic (aOR = 2.06; 95%[CI] = 1.11,3.82) and working in an academic medical center (aOR = 2.47; 95%[CI] = 1.30,4.68) were associated with preference to continue/expand use of virtual visits to continue MOUD postpandemic. Prescribing naltrexone extended-release injection prepandemic was associated with preference to continue/expand virtual visits to initiate and continue MOUD (aOR = 1.51; 95%[CI] = 1.10,2.07; aOR = 1.74; 95%[CI] = 1.19,2.54). Qualitative findings suggest that providers appreciated virtual visits due to convenience and patient accessibility, but were concerned about liability and technological barriers.ConclusionsSurveyed prescribers widely used virtual visits to provide MOUD with overall positive experiences. Future studies should evaluate the impact of virtual visits on MOUD access and retention and clinical outcomes.

Establishing a Patient-Centered Virtual Care Model Across the Continuum of Care

Introduction:The once-in-a-generation COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the pace at which virtual care (VC) was advanced to triage, evaluate, and care for patients. An early adopter of VC delivery, Mayo Clinic had provided video visits and other remote care options for more than 5 years, yet the need for VC during the pandemic surpassed our available capacity for telehealth care.Methods:To continue providing high-quality care while preventing exposure of patients and staff to high-risk environments, staff from Primary Care and Express Care (minor acute services) collaborated to expand the outpatient VC service to triage patients with acute or chronic symptoms and to address concerns that could be managed remotely. We aimed to maximize the treatment options available outside of high-cost settings and also aimed to accelerate development of longer-term solutions for improving care coordination and continuous population management.Results:Patient use of virtual visits showed an unprecedented increase after changes were implemented that expanded the existing virtual visit menu, facilitated patient self-triage and direct scheduling, streamlined physical connections for virtual appointments, and incorporated additional language (medical interpreter) support. The combination of patient convenience, ease of scheduling, and added safety for providers and patients, in conjunction with other telehealth options, resulted in a better overall patient experience.Conclusion:Any organization that is considering deploying a sustainable program of VC must put patient needs and safety at the center. Organizations should seize opportunities to agilely adjust and advance any emergency-response solutions to serve a longer-term purpose.

Experiences of Rural and Urban Assisted Living Communities in Oregon During COVID-19 Pandemic

This study presents findings on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as reported by a representative sample of Oregon assisted living communities (AL) between December 2020 and March 2021. Of the 559 AL eligible to participate, 346 completed eleven questions related to their experiences since March 2020. These questions covered topics such as access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and accurate information, communication with and support from government agencies, ability to find staff and new residents, ability to address pandemic-related concerns of residents’ families and staff, use of virtual visits and telehealth for residents, and visitor restrictions. Response categories ranged from 0 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree) and we coded “agree” and “strongly agree” responses as having experienced that issue. Among responding AL, 42% were located in rural or frontier areas. We present three findings. First, most AL experienced adverse impact due to COVID-19, especially regarding issues likely to be outside of their control compared to those within their control. Second, while almost all urban-based AL reported that their residents used virtual communication technologies and tools for telemedicine/telehealth (96%) or virtual social visits (96%), rural AL were less likely to report so (90% and 92%, respectively). Finally, rural AL experienced significantly greater staffing difficulties (75%) compared to their urban counterparts (82%). In sum, while all AL would benefit from better regulatory guidance on policies and access to PPE, rural AL might especially benefit from additional, context-specific resources.

427 The role of virtual visits in cardiology: from the pandemic era to future perspectives

AimsDuring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in-person visits were reduced to prevent potential risk of exposure. Virtual visits (VVs) represent an innovative model to take care of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of VV in the management of CIED patients.Methods and resultsWe performed a prospective study including all CIED patients who received a VV from July 2020 to July 2021. Blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body weight were registered by the patient. Moreover, we sent to the patient a questionnaire to evaluate the patients’ satisfaction about VV. We enrolled 182 patients in the study period. The mean age of patients was 70.2 ± 13.5 years-old and the majority (61.1%) was male. In two cases, VVs were not performed due to technical issues. Overall, 70.9% of patients utilized a smartphone, while 20.1% and 9% used, respectively, a tablet or a personal computer. The mean duration of VV was 27.8 ± 7.8 min. Patients helped by a caregiver were 64 (35.2%). One urgent/emergent in‐person visit was performed in a patient with acute heart failure. Overall, VV was preferred to in-person evaluation.ConclusionVV is a safe and feasible approach to follow-up CIED patients. A high degree of patient satisfaction was reached after VV. The use of VV has promising potential and should be implemented beyond COVID-19 period and integrated in the healthcare system as a new model of care.

Virtual visits to optimize research trial offerings to heart failure patients

BackgroundClinical trials are crucial for development of new treatments that impact outcomes. Assessments used in heart failure trials include the 6-minute hallway walk test (6MWT) and timed up and go test (TUG).ObjectivesWe hypothesized that 6MWT and TUG performed virtually would be feasible and comparable to in-person functionality testing for heart failure patients.MethodsThis pilot study explored the use of virtual visits to collect functional information on patients living with heart failure. Patients were enrolled in an outpatient setting. Informed consent was obtained. Baseline testing consisted of patient-reported New York Hospital Association class, quality-of-life surveys (EQ-5D-5L, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ], Frailty Index for Elders), and cognitive assessments (Mini-Cog). Patients also completed an in-person TUG and 6MWT at baseline. Patients were issued supplies to set up TUG/6MWT courses at home. Follow-up video visits occurred 7 days and 14 days (± 3 days) postbaseline. Surveys (EQ-5D-5L, KCCQ, Frailty Index), TUG, and 6MWT were completed. Study staff reviewed 6MWT/TUG course set-up for accuracy and supervised patients during testing.ResultsOf the 94 patients enrolled, 74 patients completed all 6MWT assessments. One-way repeated measures ANOVA found no statistical difference between mean in-person and virtual 6MWT (P = .45). One-way repeated measures ANOVA found a statistical difference between mean TUG scores (P = .03). Patients were comfortable with the use of virtual visits (56%), would participate in research studies through telemedicine (98.7%), and found completing a virtual research visit to be not difficult (77.3%).ConclusionVirtual administration of the 6MWT was shown to be feasible and acceptable to heart failure patients as compared to in-person functionality testing. This approach could be implemented into clinical care pathways for evaluation of heart failure patients, as well as adopted by industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated research studies in heart failure cohorts for data collection.