Provider Perspectives and Clinical Outcomes with Inpatient Telenephrology.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Virtual nephrology care has increased, but outcome data lacks comparison to standard care.
• Objective determination of clinical noninferiority for hybrid (telenephrology + face-to-face) vs. standard (face-to-face) inpatient nephrology care is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare objective clinical outcomes of hybrid inpatient nephrology care with standard care.
• To assess patient safety, effectiveness, and provider satisfaction with telenephrology.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing hybrid and standard care at Mayo Clinic Health System hospitals.
• Regression analysis of 30-day mortality, hospitalization length, readmissions, dialysis prescription, and transfers.
• Surveys assessed provider perspectives on telenephrology.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in key outcomes (e.g., hospital transfers, 30-day readmissions) between hybrid and standard care groups.
• Telenephrologists preferred video consults and reported spending less time than standard care.
• Non-nephrology providers were satisfied with response times and perceived telenephrology as safe and effective.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid inpatient nephrology care demonstrated noninferior clinical outcomes compared to standard care.
• Healthcare providers reported positive experiences and perceptions of safety and effectiveness with telenephrology.