| Title | A multidisciplinary telemedicine model for management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in obstetrical patients. |
| Authors | Reforma, LG; Duffy, C; Collier, AY; Wylie, BJ; Shainker, SA; Golen, TH; Herlihy, M; Lydeard, A; Zera, CA |
| Journal | American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM |
| Publication Date | 1 Nov 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 25 Aug 2020 |
| Abstract | The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has increased the demand for inpatient healthcare resources; however, approximately 80% of patients with COVID-19 have a mild clinical presentation and can be managed at home. This study aimed to describe the feasibility and clinical and process outcomes associated with a multidisciplinary telemedicine surveillance model to triage and manage obstetrical patients with known exposures and symptoms of COVID-19. We implemented a multidisciplinary telemedicine surveillance model with obstetrical physicians and nurses to standardize ambulatory care for obstetrical patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 based on the symptoms or exposures at an urban academic tertiary care center with multiple hospital-affiliated and community-based practices. All pregnant or postpartum patients with COVID-19 symptoms, exposures, or hospitalization were eligible for inclusion in the program. Patients were assessed by means of regular nursing phone calls and were managed according to illness severity. Patient characteristics and clinical and process outcomes were abstracted from the electronic medical record. A total of 135 patients were enrolled in the multidisciplinary telemedicine model from March 17 to April 19, 2020, of whom 130 were pregnant and 5 were recently postpartum. In this study, 116 of 135 patients (86%) were managed solely in the outpatient setting and did not require an in-person evaluation; 9 patients were ultimately admitted after ambulatory or urgent evaluations, and 10 patients were observed after hospital discharge. Although only 50% of the patients were tested secondary to limitations in ambulatory testing, 1 in 3 of those patients received positive results for SARS-CoV-2 (N=22, 16% of entire cohort). Patients were enrolled in the telemedicine model for a median of 7 days (interquartile range, 4-8) and averaged 1 phone call daily, resulting in 891 nursing calls and 20 physician calls over 1 month. A multidisciplinary telemedicine surveillance model for outpatient management of obstetrical patients with COVID-19 symptoms and exposures is feasible and resulted in rates of ambulatory management similar to those seen in nonpregnant patients. A centralized model for telemedicine surveillance of obstetrical patients with COVID-19 symptoms may preserve inpatient resources and prevent avoidable staff and patient exposures, particularly in centers with multiple ambulatory practice settings. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100180 |
| Title | Rural use of health service and telemedicine during COVID-19: The role of access and eHealth literacy. |
| Authors | Rush, KL; Seaton, C; Li, E; Oelke, ND; Pesut, B |
| Journal | Health informatics journal |
| Publication Date | 1 Dec |
| Date Added to PubMed | 28 May 2021 |
| Abstract | The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a greater reliance on telemedicine, yet rural access, use, and satisfaction with telemedicine and the role of eHealth literacy are unknown. Using a cross-sectional design, 279 (70.6% female) western rural Canadians completed an online survey. The majority of participants reported access to telemedicine, but nearly 1/5 lacked access to online or virtual mental health services. The majority of participants had used health care services following the declared COVID-19 pandemic in North America, and just under half had used telemedicine. Telemedicine satisfaction scores were higher among participants who had used video (M = 4.18) compared to those who used phone alone (M = 3.79) (p = 0.031). Telemedicine satisfaction and eHealth literacy were correlated (r = 0.26, p = 0.005). Participants did not want telemedicine to replace in-person consultations. Telemedicine practice requires that rural residents have the resources, ability and willingness to engage with remote care. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1177/14604582211020064 |
| Title | Relationship Between Coronavirus-Related eHealth Literacy and COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among US Adults: Web-Based Survey Study. |
| Authors | An, L; Bacon, E; Hawley, S; Yang, P; Russell, D; Huffman, S; Resnicow, K |
| Journal | Journal of medical Internet research |
| Publication Date | 29 Mar 2021 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 25 Feb 2021 |
| Abstract | During a global pandemic, it is critical that the public is able to rapidly acquire new and accurate health information. The internet is a major source of health information. eHealth literacy is the ability of individuals to find, assess, and use health information available on the internet. The goals of this study were to assess coronavirus-related eHealth literacy and examine the relationship between eHealth literacy and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs). We conducted a web-based survey of a representative sample of 1074 US adults. We adapted the 8-item eHealth Literacy Scale to develop the Coronavirus-Related eHealth Literacy Scale (CoV-eHEALS) to measure COVID-19-related knowledge, conspiracy beliefs, and adherence to protective behaviors (eg, wearing facial masks and social distancing). Our analyses identified sociodemographic associations with the participants' CoV-eHEALS scores and an association between the CoV-eHEALS measure and COVID-19 KAPs. The internal consistency of the adapted CoV-eHEALS measure was high (Cronbach α=.92). The mean score for the CoV-eHEALS was 29.0 (SD 6.1). A total of 29% (306/1074) of the survey participants were classified as having low coronavirus-related eHealth literacy (CoV-eHEALS score <26). Independent associations were found between CoV-eHEALS scores and ethnicity (standardized β=-.083, P=.016 for Black participants) and education level (standardized β=-.151, P=.001 for participants with high-school education or lower). Controlling for demographic characteristics, CoV-eHEALS scores demonstrated positive independent associations with knowledge (standardized β=.168, P<.001) and adherence to protective behaviors (standardized β=.241, P<.001) and a negative association with conspiracy beliefs (standardized β=-.082, P=.009). This study provides an estimate of coronavirus-related eHealth literacy among US adults. Our findings suggest that a substantial proportion of US adults have low coronavirus-related eHealth literacy and are thus at a greater risk of lower and less-protective COVID-19 KAPs. These findings highlight the need to assess and address eHealth literacy as part of COVID-19 control efforts. Potential strategies include improving the quality of health information about COVID-19 available on the internet, assisting or simplifying web-based search for information about COVID-19, and training to improve general or coronavirus-specific search skills. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/25042 |
| Title | Applications of telemedicine in the supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa. |
| Authors | Okereke, M; Babatunde, AO; Samuel, ST; Ogunkola, IO; Mogessie, YG; Lucero-Prisno, DE |
| Journal | Journal of global health |
| Publication Date | 1 Mar 2021 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 9 Apr 2021 |
| Abstract | |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.11.03039 |
| Title | SARS-CoV-2-related rapid reorganization of an epilepsy outpatient clinic from personal appointments to telemedicine services: A German single-center experience. |
| Authors | Willems, LM; Balcik, Y; Noda, AH; Siebenbrodt, K; Leimeister, S; McCoy, J; Kienitz, R; Kiyose, M; Reinecke, R; Schäfer, JH; Zöllner, JP; Bauer, S; Rosenow, F; Strzelczyk, A |
| Journal | Epilepsy & behavior : E&B |
| Publication Date | 1 Nov 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 14 Nov 2020 |
| Abstract | When the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic reached Europe in 2020, a German governmental order forced clinics to immediately suspend elective care, causing a problem for patients with chronic illnesses such as epilepsy. Here, we report the experience of one clinic that converted its outpatient care from personal appointments to telemedicine services. Documentations of telephone contacts and telemedicine consultations at the Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main were recorded in detail between March and May 2020 and analyzed for acceptance, feasibility, and satisfaction of the conversion from personal to telemedicine appointments from both patients' and medical professionals' perspectives. Telephone contacts for 272 patients (mean age: 38.7 years, range: 17-79 years, 55.5% female) were analyzed. Patient-rated medical needs were either very urgent (6.6%, n = 18), urgent (23.5%, n = 64), less urgent (29.8%, n = 81), or nonurgent (39.3%, n = 107). Outpatient service cancelations resulted in a lack of understanding (9.6%, n = 26) or anger and aggression (2.9%, n = 8) in a minority of patients, while 88.6% (n = 241) reacted with understanding, or relief (3.3%, n = 9). Telemedicine consultations rather than a postponed face-to-face visit were requested by 109 patients (40.1%), and these requests were significantly associated with subjective threat by SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.004), urgent or very urgent medical needs (p = 0.004), and female gender (p = 0.024). Telemedicine satisfaction by patients and physicians was high. Overall, 9.2% (n = 10) of patients reported general supply problems due to SARS-CoV-2, and 28.4% (n = 31) reported epilepsy-specific problems, most frequently related to prescriptions, or supply problems for antiseizure drugs (ASDs; 22.9%, n = 25). Understanding and acceptance of elective ambulatory visit cancelations and the conversion to telemedicine consultations was high during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Patients who engaged in telemedicine consultations were highly satisfied, supporting the feasibility and potential of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107483 |
| Title | Emerging Telemedicine Tools for Remote COVID-19 Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Management. |
| Authors | Lukas, H; Xu, C; Yu, Y; Gao, W |
| Journal | ACS nano |
| Publication Date | 22 Dec 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 15 Dec 2020 |
| Abstract | The management of the COVID-19 pandemic has relied on cautious contact tracing, quarantine, and sterilization protocols while we await a vaccine to be made widely available. Telemedicine or mobile health (mHealth) is well-positioned during this time to reduce potential disease spread and prevent overloading of the healthcare system through at-home COVID-19 screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. With the rise of mass-fabricated electronics for wearable and portable sensors, emerging telemedicine tools have been developed to address shortcomings in COVID-19 diagnostics, monitoring, and management. In this Perspective, we summarize current implementations of mHealth sensors for COVID-19, highlight recent technological advances, and provide an overview on how these tools may be utilized to better control the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.0c08494 |
| Title | Continuing care for patients affected by urologic chronic pelvic pain in the era of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. |
| Authors | Giannantoni, A; Rubilotta, E; Balzarro, M; Gubbiotti, M |
| Journal | Neurourology and urodynamics |
| Publication Date | 1 Jan 2021 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 17 Nov 2020 |
| Abstract | Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic poses a challenge to treatment of patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain (UCPP), who are at risk to be postponed in the priority of care. We investigated pain, catastrophizing, and psychological status in UCPP patients during SARS-CoV-2 by means of Skype telephone calls. A total of 28 UCPP patients underwent Skype video consultations. Pain intensity was assessed with Pain Numerical Rating Scale (PNRS). Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) were used to assess catastrophizing and psychological status. During SARS-CoV-2, UCPP patients showed higher intensity of pain than before (mean ± SD PNRS score: 7.25 ± 0.9 vs. 5.4 ± 0.7; p < .0001), with pain exacerbation in 75%; they showed higher PCS and DASS-21 scores as compared to before the pandemic (mean ± SD PCS total score: 32.4 ± 1.2 vs. 23.7 ± 3.5; mean ± SD DASS-21 total score: 42.03 ± 4.5 vs. 34.4 ± 2.2; p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic UCPP patients presented with high intensity of pain, marked catastrophizing thoughts and severe alteration of the psychological status. These observations impose the need not to postpone assessment and treatment of these patients during the pandemic. Remote visits with video telephone calls are a simple way of continuing care in UCPP patients. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1002/nau.24574 |
| Title | Global Telemedicine Implementation and Integration Within Health Systems to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action. |
| Authors | Ohannessian, R; Duong, TA; Odone, A |
| Journal | JMIR public health and surveillance |
| Publication Date | 2 Apr 2020 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 3 Apr 2020 |
| Abstract | On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic, with over 720,000 cases reported in more than 203 countries as of 31 March. The response strategy included early diagnosis, patient isolation, symptomatic monitoring of contacts as well as suspected and confirmed cases, and public health quarantine. In this context, telemedicine, particularly video consultations, has been promoted and scaled up to reduce the risk of transmission, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Based on a literature review, the first conceptual framework for telemedicine implementation during outbreaks was published in 2015. An updated framework for telemedicine in the COVID-19 pandemic has been defined. This framework could be applied at a large scale to improve the national public health response. Most countries, however, lack a regulatory framework to authorize, integrate, and reimburse telemedicine services, including in emergency and outbreak situations. In this context, Italy does not include telemedicine in the essential levels of care granted to all citizens within the National Health Service, while France authorized, reimbursed, and actively promoted the use of telemedicine. Several challenges remain for the global use and integration of telemedicine into the public health response to COVID-19 and future outbreaks. All stakeholders are encouraged to address the challenges and collaborate to promote the safe and evidence-based use of telemedicine during the current pandemic and future outbreaks. For countries without integrated telemedicine in their national health care system, the COVID-19 pandemic is a call to adopt the necessary regulatory frameworks for supporting wide adoption of telemedicine. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.2196/18810 |
| Title | COVID-19 and diabetes; Possible role of polymorphism and rise of telemedicine. |
| Authors | Sayed, S |
| Journal | Primary care diabetes |
| Publication Date | 1 Feb 2021 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 12 Sep 2020 |
| Abstract | Diabetes has been found to be one of the leading comorbidities associated with fatality in COVID-19 patients. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry is facilitated by interaction with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) and possible polymorphisms in ACE2 can be a determining factor in host-viral protein interaction. A significant shift of healthcare towards 'Telemedicine' is also on the rise. In this review, the possible effects of ACE2 polymorphisms on SARS-CoV-2 entry along with the escalation of 'telemedicine' is discussed. An expansive literature search using keywords: "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "diabetes", "type 2 diabetes'', "type 1 diabetes", "ACE2", "polymorphism", "DPP4" and "telemedicine" was conducted on Pubmed and EMBASE till 7th August 2020. Possible polymorphisms in ACE2 gene can play a role in influencing the virus entry in host body. Telemedicine can bring a new revolution for medical sector. COVID-19 severity is more heinous among diabetic population. So far, the in-silico studies involving human ACE2-viral Spike (S) interaction showed inconsistent predictions regarding some SNPs. But without actual in-vivo studies, a holistic understanding can't be established. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2020.08.018 |
| Title | Management of Parkinson's disease patients after DBS by remote programming: preliminary application of single center during quarantine of 2019-nCoV. |
| Authors | Xu, J; Wang, J; Keith, S; Zhang, M; Yang, C; Yuan, Q; Qiu, Y; Hu, X; Wu, X |
| Journal | Journal of neurology |
| Publication Date | 1 Apr 2021 |
| Date Added to PubMed | 27 Oct 2020 |
| Abstract | Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). On time follow-up and timely programing of symptoms are important measures to maintain the effectiveness of DBS. Due to the highly contagious nature of 2019-nCoV, patients were quarantined. With the help of Internet technologies, we continued to provide motor and non-motor symptom assessment and remote programming services for postsurgical PD-DBS patients during this extraordinary period. A retrospective analysis was performed on postsurgical PD-DBS patients who could not come to our hospital for programming due to the impact of the 2019-nCoV. The differences between the pre- and post-programming groups were analyzed. We designed a 5-level Likert rating scale to evaluate the effects and convenience of the remote programming and Internet self-evaluation procedures. Of the 36 patients engaged in the remote programming, 32 patients met the inclusion criteria. Four of the 32 patients set initiated stimulation parameters, and the other 28 patients had significant improvement in UPDRS-III. Nearly all the 28 patients were satisfied with the effect of the remote programming. Most of the patients were willing to use remote programming again. Remote programming based on the online evaluation of patient's symptoms can help improve motor symptoms of postsurgical DBS patients with PD during the quarantine period caused by 2019-nCoV. |
| Link | http://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10273-z |