Feasibility and Acceptability of a Multidisciplinary Academic Telemedicine System for Memory Care in Response to COVID-19

We present data as descriptive statistics and comparisons using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Fisher exact tests. The results of anonymous surveys conducted among the clinic's providers are reported as descriptive findings. Results After the implementation of telemedicine services, the proportion of clinic encounters completed via VTC increased from 1.9% to 86.4%. There was a statistically significant decline in both the percentage of scheduled appointments that were canceled (32.9% vs 27.9%; p < 0.01) and total cancelations per month (mean 240.3 vs 179.4/mo; p < 0.01). There was an increase in the percentage of completed scheduled appointments (60.2% vs 64.8%; p < 0.01) and an increase in the average estimated commuting distance patients would need to drive for follow-up appointments (mean 49.8 vs 54.7 miles; p < 0.01). The transition to telemedicine services did not significantly affect the clinic's patient population as measured by age, gender, estimated income, area deprivation index, or self-reported racial/ethnic identity. The results of the provider survey revealed that physicians reported a more positive experience relative to neuropsychologists. Both types of providers reported telemedicine services as a reasonable equivalent and acceptable alternative to in-person evaluations with notable caveats. Discussion UCSF MAC's comprehensive integration of telemedicine services maintained critical ambulatory care to patients living with dementia during the COVID-...
Source: Neurology Clinical Practice - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research