Intramural Health Care Through Video Consultations and the Need for Referrals and Hospital Admissions: Retrospective Quantitative Subanalysis of an Evaluation Study

• DOI: 10.2196/44906
• Publication Date: 2024-06-28T17:22:36Z
• Authors: Katharina Schmals...; Miriam Giovanna C...; Roland Koch; Joachim Szecsenyi; Friedrich Völker; Eva Elisabeth Blozik; Martin Scherer
• Keywords: Original Paper; Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics; R858-859.7; Medical technology; 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology; R855-855.5

Background In comparison to the general population, prison inmates are at a higher risk for drug abuse and psychiatric, as well infectious, diseases. Although intramural health care has be equivalent extramural services, have less access primary secondary care. Furthermore, not every is constantly staffed with physician. Since transportation nearest medical facility often resource-intensive, video consultations may offer cost-effective inmates. Objective This study aims quantify need referrals services hospital admissions when family physicians psychiatrists offered in prison. Methods 5 German prisons, mixed methods evaluation was conducted assess feasibility, acceptance, reasons conducting psychiatrists. analysis uses quantitative data from these (June 2018 February 2019) addition sixth added January 2019 focusing on referral admission rates, encounters. Results At initiation of project, 2499 prisoners were detained 6 prisons. A total 435 by 12 (3 female 7 male physicians, 2 during period). The majority scheduled (341/435, 78%). 68% (n=294) all encounters, patient asked consult physician again if symptoms persisted or got worse. 26% (n=115), follow-up appointment either consultant scheduled. other specialties, most psychiatry, necessary 4% (n=17) cases. Only 2% (n=8) consultations, needed. Usually, result unscheduled videoconferencing system method communication 88% (n=7) cases, while 12% (n=1) carried out over phone. Reasons severe abdominal pain, hypotension, unstable angina suspected myocardial infarction, schizophrenic episode. Conclusions Most did require subsequent transport external providers. Using telemedicine allowed prompt patient-physician encounter possibility refer patients specialties admit them necessary.