Comparing Telemedicine and In-Person Clinical Evaluations for Pediatric Urology Concerns

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Pediatric Urology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Telemedicine offers potential for equitable healthcare access, especially in underserved areas.
• Patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine is generally high.
• The clinical effectiveness of telemedicine compared to in-person visits remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare history-taking, physical examination, and follow-up recommendations for new pediatric urology patients seen via telemedicine versus in-person visits.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed patient charts from a children's hospital.
• Data included demographics, history of present illness, physical examination completeness, and follow-up plans.
• Patients seen via telemedicine were compared to those seen in-person.

Main Results:

• Telemedicine patients had more recorded history components (4 vs 3, P < 0.0001).
• In-person visits had more comprehensive physical examinations (12 vs 2 systems, P < 0.0001).
• Telemedicine visits were less likely to result in discharge (2.7% vs 16.5%) and more likely to require follow-up (39.1% vs 23.2%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric urology telemedicine consultations capture more history but fewer physical exam details.
• Telemedicine visits may necessitate further in-person evaluations.
• Care goals should guide the choice between telemedicine and in-person consultations.