eConsult in infectious diseases: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Health Informatics
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Asynchronous electronic consultation (eConsult) is vital for infectious diseases (ID) management.
• eConsults enhance access to specialty care and minimize unnecessary referrals.
• This study provides a comparative perspective on ID eConsult programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize published studies on ID eConsult.
• To offer a comprehensive overview of ID eConsult programs.
• To propose future research directions for ID eConsult.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of the MEDLINE database was conducted.
• Eleven studies published between 2017 and 2025 focusing on ID eConsult were identified.
• Data extraction included study characteristics, consultation methods, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Outpatient ID eConsults showed faster turnaround times, reduced in-person referrals (24-87%), optimized antimicrobial use, and high provider satisfaction.
• Inpatient ID eConsults were linked to decreased mortality and readmission rates.
• Inpatient ID eConsults also reduced broad-spectrum antibiotic usage.

Conclusions:

• The ID eConsult model is cost-effective and scalable, benefiting resource-limited settings.
• ID eConsults can effectively substitute traditional consultations.
• This approach reduces reliance on informal consultations.