Outcomes of a Hybrid Ophthalmology Telemedicine Model for Outpatient Eye Care During COVID-19

• DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.26292
• Publication Date: 2022-08-25T15:01:20Z
• Authors: Nedda Sanayei; Melanie M. Albrecht; Diana C. Martin; Nicolas Marin; Shaunt Fereshetian; Steven Baker; Manju L. Subramanian; Steven Ness; Nicole H. Siegel; Xuejing Chen
• Keywords: Subspecialty; Technician; Pandemic; Eye care; Specialty

Importance The hybrid ophthalmology telemedicine model asynchronously pairs an imaging appointment by a technician with subsequent virtual clinician. Although it has been mentioned in several studies as alternative to standard in-person care during the COVID-19 pandemic, outcomes of this clinical remain be evaluated. Objective To investigate associated pandemic for nonurgent and nonprocedural ophthalmological care. Design, Setting, Participants Retrospective, cross-sectional study all visits scheduled year 2020 single academic, hospital-based eye clinic Boston, Massachusetts. All completed opthalmologists optometrists were included. Data analyzed from January December 2020. Exposures Hybrid encounters. Main Outcomes Measures Four outcome metrics calculated: (1) need procedure visit, (2) medication change, (3) nonurgent, (4) urgent consultation another Adverse defined irreversible vision loss additional evaluation reach management decision. Results From April 9 30, 2020, 889 patients (506 female [56.9%]; mean [SD] age, 62.1 [14.5] years; age range, 13-98 years) 940 visits. most common visit indications glaucoma (424 [45.1%]) retinal diseases (499 [53.1%]). A total 25 (2.7%) led procedure, 22 (2.3%) change medication, 44 (4.7%) referred subspecialty no instances referrals. Sixteen (1.7%) on-call clinician same-day emergency or recommended There cases following visit. Conclusions Relevance These findings suggest that appropriate patient selection setting, may good visits, particularly diseases.