Referral Activity in Three Store-and-Forward Networks during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Global Health
• Telemedicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global healthcare operations.
• Store-and-forward telemedicine networks offer a vital link for healthcare in resource-constrained regions.
• Understanding pandemic-related operational changes in telemedicine is crucial for future resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on store-and-forward telemedicine networks in early 2020.
• To identify factors influencing operational changes in telemedicine during the pandemic.
• To compare performance indicators across different telemedicine network structures.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed three established store-and-forward telemedicine networks using the Collegium Telemedicus system.
• Compared quantitative performance indicators (referrals, case-mix) from the first half of 2020 with previous years.
• Analyzed network reliance on local versus expatriate staff for referrals.

Main Results:

• Network B saw a substantial increase in referrals, while Network A experienced a decline.
• Networks more reliant on local referrers maintained or increased case submission rates.
• The network heavily dependent on international staff faced a significant drop in referrals, likely due to travel restrictions.

Conclusions:

• Empowering local healthcare providers as referrers is essential for building resilient telemedicine services.
• Telemedicine network operational stability during crises is influenced by the geographical base of its referring staff.
• Store-and-forward telemedicine networks demonstrated varied responses to the pandemic, underscoring the need for localized operational strategies.