Utilization of a handheld telemedicine device in postoperative pediatric surgical care
Jonathan H DeAntonio1, Hae Sung Kang1, Hannah C Cockrell1
1Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
Insights
Handheld telemedicine (TM) offers a safe and effective way to manage pediatric surgical patients post-operation. This technology demonstrates high satisfaction among caregivers and physicians, reducing travel and ensuring quality care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Telemedicine
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Postoperative care for pediatric surgical patients traditionally involves in-person clinic visits.
- These visits can be burdensome for families, involving travel and time off work/school.
- Advancements in telemedicine offer potential solutions for improving access and convenience in postoperative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the use of a handheld telemedicine device for postoperative care in pediatric surgical patients.
- To assess the safety, effectiveness, and satisfaction associated with telemedicine-based postoperative evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Postoperative telemedicine evaluations were conducted using a medical tablet at home and prior to clinic visits.
- Caregivers and physicians completed surveys to gauge satisfaction with the telemedicine approach.
- Patient outcomes, including complications, missed diagnoses, and emergency visits, were monitored.
Main Results:
- No adverse events, missed diagnoses, or additional visits occurred in patients managed solely via telemedicine.
- Caregiver satisfaction was high (3.92/4), with 92% willing to use telemedicine-only postoperative evaluations.
- Physicians could accurately assess and plan care using the telemedicine device, saving an average of 44.7 miles in travel distance per patient.
Conclusions:
- Handheld telemedicine is a safe and effective tool for the postoperative care of pediatric surgical patients.
- The technology demonstrates high levels of satisfaction among both caregivers and physicians.
- Telemedicine can improve efficiency and reduce healthcare access barriers in pediatric surgical follow-up.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the utilization of a handheld telemedicine (TM) device in the postoperative care of pediatric surgical patients.
Methods:
We performed postoperative TM evaluations using an advanced medical tablet immediately prior to seeing the patients in clinic as well as at two different time points from their home. The caregivers and physicians were surveyed about their overall satisfaction.
Results:
Twenty-four postoperative patients who underwent a variety of general surgical operations were included. There were no changes to the TM plan of care following "in person" evaluations (n = 12) and no complications, missed diagnoses, emergency department visits, or additional clinic visits in those who only had TM postoperative evaluations (n = 12). Caregiver satisfaction ratings were 3.92 ± 0.28 out of 4 (4 = very satisfied). Ninety-two percent of caregivers responded that they would be comfortable with a TM-only postoperative evaluation in the future. The physician was able to formulate an accurate assessment and plan using the device. The average travel distance saved was 44.7 ± 45.5 miles (range = 10-150 miles).
Conclusions:
These preliminary data suggest safe and effective care with high caregiver and physician satisfaction can be provided by utilizing TM in the postoperative care of pediatric surgical patients.
Level Of Evidence:
IV.
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