Transition to telemedicine and its impact on missed appointments in community-based clinics

• DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.2019826
• Publication Date: 2021-12-31T09:40:53Z
• Authors: Omolola E. Adepoju; Minji Chae; Winston Liaw; Tracy Angelocci; Paul Millard; Omar Matuk-Villazon
• Keywords: Pandemic

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act led to the rapid implementation of telemedicine across health care office settings. Whether this transition has any impact on missed appointments is yet be determined. This study examined relationship between usage during COVID-19 pandemic.This retrospective used appointment-level data from 55 Federally Qualified Health Centre clinics in Texas March November 2020. To account for nested structure repeated within each patient, a mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression model was examine associations use appointments, adjusting patient sociodemographic characteristics, geographic classification, past medical history, clinic characteristics. independent variable having appointment, defined as an audiovisual consultation started finalized via platform. outcome interest appointment (yes/no) after scheduled confirmed appointment. Results initial were stratified by type (in-person vs. telemedicine).The analytic sample included 278,171 85,413 unique patients. overall rate 18%, 25% all appointments. Compared in-person visits, visits less likely result (OR = 0.87, p < .001). Whites, Asians have 0.82, .001) while African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians significantly more 1.61, .001; OR 1.19, .01; 1.22, .01, respectively). Those accessing mental services 1.57 0.78 telemedicine) living metropolitan areas 1.15 0.82 miss but Patients with frequent or those chronic diseases appointments.Telemedicine strongly associated fewer Although our findings suggest residual lag minority populations, specific including prior conditions, seeking services, than visits. These highlight how can enable effective accessible reducing healthcare appointments.KEY MESSAGESTelemedicine 13% lower odds appointments.Patients appointments.Similarly,