Telemedicine for pediatric surgical outpatient follow-up: A prospective, randomized single-center trial
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Topic overview
Abstract
Background and purpose
Telemedicine is gaining popularity for a variety of indications. We performed a randomized controlled trial comparing telemedical versus conventional clinic follow-up in terms of feasibility and quality.
Methods
Patients discharged from pediatric surgery were randomized to telemedical or onsite follow-up. In the telemedical group, video telephony was used to obtain interim history and physical findings. Onsite patients were personally seen in the outpatient clinic. Caregivers completed a postvisit survey on satisfaction and efficiency. Providers scored data transmission quality and clinical interpretability.
Results
From March 2015 until January 2017, 224 patients were randomized equally to the study groups. Telemedicine was highly accepted by caregivers, and data transmission quality was sufficient for comprehensive follow-up. No important clinical findings were missed. Quality of interaction scored higher in the telemedical versus the onsite group (77.8% vs. 48%, p
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