The use of online video consultations in the aftercare of orthopedic patients: a prospective case-control study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

S Tsitsilonis¹  F Fellmer²  C Willy²  K Estel²  G Weber²  DA Back³  L Richter⁴ 

[1] Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany;Department for Traumatology and Orthopedics, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Scharnhorststrasse 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany;Department for Traumatology and Orthopedics, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Scharnhorststrasse 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany;Dieter Scheffner Center for Medical Education and Educational Research, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany;Department for Traumatology and Orthopedics, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Scharnhorststrasse 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany;Medical Faculty, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany;

关键词: Video consultation;    Orthopedics;    Evaluation;    Aftercare;    Examination;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12891-021-04653-3

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundVideo consultations have proven to be an efficient source of support for patient-doctor interactions and have become increasingly used in orthopedics, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed both patients’ and doctors’ acceptance of an orthopedic telemedical consultation (OTC) and compared the results of OTC examinations to the results of live consultation (LC) to identify discrepancies.MethodsThe study was carried out in an orthopedic department of a German hospital between 2019 and 2020. After written informed consent was obtained, patients voluntarily presented for follow-up by OTC and LC. The experience with and attitudes toward OTC among both patients and doctors was evaluated (using Likert scale-scored and open questions, 26 to 28 items). The results of the OTC and LC examinations were compared using a 12-item checklist. The data were analyzed by quantitative and qualitative statistics.ResultsA total of 53 patients were included, each of whom completed an OTC and an LC. The OTC was rated as pleasant, and the experience was rated as very satisfying (average rating on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating strong agreement: doctors: 1.2; patients: 1.3). Various technical and organizational challenges were identified. Compared to LC, OTC showed no significant differences in patient history or in inspection, palpation, or active range of motion results. Only for the functional or passive joint assessment did LC show significantly higher suitability (p < 0.05) than OTC. Recommendations for further procedures did not differ significantly between OTC and LC.ConclusionsBecause of the high acceptance and the objective benefits of OTC and the similarity of clinical results with LC, OTC is recommendable for orthopedic follow-up examinations. To better assess joint functionality, meaningful digital alternatives for established examination methods should be further investigated.

【 授权许可】

CC BY