Converting a Geriatrics Clinic to Virtual Visits during COVID-19: A Case Study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Telehealth
• Public Health

Background:

• Characterizing the shift of a geriatrics clinic to telehealth during the early pandemic.
• Addressing the need for safe care delivery amidst community spread of COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and patient/provider experience of converting in-person geriatrics appointments to virtual visits.
• To assess satisfaction, access, and time savings associated with telehealth in an older veteran population.

Main Methods:

• Organizational case study utilizing mixed methods evaluation over 8 weeks.
• Data collected from 32 patient and 80 clinician feedback evaluations.
• Analysis of virtual visit outcomes, including satisfaction, access, and qualitative themes.

Main Results:

• 69.4% of scheduled appointments were converted to virtual visits (video or telephone).
• Virtual visits saved patients an average of 118.6 minutes per appointment.
• High patient and provider satisfaction reported, with increased comfort using telehealth in the future.

Conclusions:

• Telehealth offers a feasible and acceptable alternative for clinically complex older patients during pandemics.
• Despite potential barriers, patients showed willingness to use telehealth, reporting high satisfaction and safety.
• Investment in telehealth ensures continued access to care for vulnerable older populations while maintaining social distancing.