In:
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2023-02-09), p. 21-28
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has driven a significant increase in the use of telehealth (TH) but little is published about changes in TH usage by pediatric infectious disease (PID) providers. We assessed their pre- and intra-pandemic TH usage and experience. Methods The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Telehealth Work Group surveyed PID specialists in the United States and Canada from 6 December 2020 until 26 February 2021. Data collected included TH modalities, barriers, and satisfaction. Results The survey response rate was 11.3% (288 of 2,550 PID clinicians) with 243 (96% of 253 analysis-eligible responses) managing children only. Women accounted for 62.1% (n = 157), 51.4% (130) of respondents devoted 50–99% of their time to direct patient care, and 93.3% (236) were located in the United States. The greatest increase in TH usage during the pandemic was in synchronous provider–patient communications (3.9-fold increase). During the pandemic, provider–provider TH increased by less than 10%, comfort with TH usage doubled from 42% to 91%, and satisfaction grew from 74% to 93.3% with different aspects of TH. The top challenge was incomplete or no physical examination (182, 71.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that pre-pandemic TH usage and lack of barriers, but not reimbursement, were significantly associated with higher intra-pandemic usage. EMR-integrated TH was associated with significantly higher usage and satisfaction. Over 70% of respondents anticipate continuing TH usage after the pandemic. Conclusions There was high intra-pandemic usage of, and increased comfort and satisfaction with telehealth by PID specialists. Our data help inform post-pandemic TH expectations and strategies.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2048-7207
DOI:
10.1093/jpids/piac111
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2668791-4
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