A perspective on the scope of videoconferencing-based telemedicine in respiratory diseases outpatient clinic

• DOI: 10.5578/tt.20239602
• Publication Date: 2023-12-28T11:25:12Z
• Authors: Nazlı ÇETİN; Pınar BOSTAN; Göksel ALTINIŞIK
• Keywords: Telehealth; Attendance; Videoconferencing

A perspective on the scope of videoconferencing-based telemedicine in respiratory diseases outpatient clinicIntroduction: Telemedicine is rapidly expanding across various fields worldwide.While it finds application due to imperative need for protection against risk transmission and close monitoring patients with chronic diseases, there a scarcity publications detailing experiences diseases.This study aims retrospectively evaluate prospective management through videoconference-based telemedicine, intending establish foundation its judicious pulmonology cases. Materials Methods:In this descriptive study, anonymized medical records all 478 assessed via over an eight-month period from June 2020 February 2021 were reviewed.The analysis included demographic characteristics, disease history, attendance methods, necessity in-person physical examination after initial videoconference (VC) session, inclusion investigations, pre-diagnosis, diagnosis processes, follow-up period, outcomes.Follow-up data reviewed at end 2021.Results: Median age was 55 (44-67), male predominance 55%.Approximately 30% resided city other than one which physician offering situated.Seventy-nine (16.7%) individuals received VC sessions without requirement any examinations.The most prevalent among those who applied asthma.Median duration session 13 (8-18) minutes.At least half seeking disorders, such as asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, had previously been followed by either provider or another same hospital.However, vast majority applications categories COVID, post-COVID, pulmonary nodules, cancer submitted first-time applicants.