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Telemedicine in Neurosurgery: Standardizing the Spinal Physical Examination Using A Modified Delphi Method
Alexander F Haddad1, John F Burke1, Praveen V Mummaneni1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Neurospine
|July 5, 2021
Summary
This study standardized the telemedicine motor neurologic examination for neurosurgery using a Delphi method. The resulting protocol aids clinics in integrating telehealth for patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Telemedicine
- Neurologic Examination
Background:
- Telemedicine use surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Neurosurgery practices increasingly utilize telemedicine for evaluations and visits.
- Standardization of telehealth examinations is crucial for consistent patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize the telemedicine motor neurologic examination for neurosurgery.
- To summarize evidence on clinical telehealth use.
- To discuss financial and legal aspects of neurosurgical telemedicine.
Main Methods:
- A 12-member neurosurgery panel used a blinded Delphi method.
- Developed and refined strength examination protocol statements through iterative consensus.
- Achieved consensus (>80% agreement) on examination protocol statements.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached on a standardized telehealth strength examination protocol.
- Initial disagreements on strength grading were resolved through protocol amendments.
- The finalized protocol facilitates consistent telehealth motor examinations.
Conclusions:
- A standardized telehealth strength examination protocol was successfully developed.
- This protocol aids neurosurgical clinics in adopting telemedicine modalities.
- The findings support the integration of telehealth into routine neurosurgical practice.
