Abstract Details

Title Patient Response to Telephonic follow up In Neurology: A Hospital Based Study

Topic Practice, Policy, and Ethics

Presentation(s) P15 - Poster Session 15 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 1-004

Background Telemedicine is a mean of health care delivery by the utilisation of telecommunication technologies. During present COVID-19 pandemic, the Teleconsultation, an underutilized method of health care delivery, proved indispensable and patients understood its invaluable role in patient-doctor interaction. Telemedicine during this pandemic acts as a lifeline for lots of non-covid patients especially chronic neurological diseases.

Objective

The aim of present study was to evaluate cost effectiveness and level of satisfaction amongst patients from Teleneurology Out Patient Department (OPD).

Design/Methods An online cross-sectional survey, having questions both in Hindi and English was conducted via telemedicine facility at Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Demographic variables, illness details, travel distance and time taken, travel expenditure, level of satisfaction and preferred choice among tele OPD versus in-person OPD once pandemic ends were recorded.

Results Total 1388 patients filled the online Covid-19 Teleneurology survey google form. Mean age was 39.21±16.72 years. 59% patients were males. 600 (43%) patients’ educational qualification were ≤10^th standard. 60.5% patients belonged to the rural background. Headache (30.5%) followed by backache (16%), stroke (13%) and seizure (11%) were the common illnesses. 36% patients saved a travel time of >5 hours, 27% saved 2-5 hours and 32% benefitted from a travel of duration 30 minutes to 2 hours. There was saving of travel expenditure of >500rs (N=260), 101-500rs (N= 536), 51-100rs (N=188) and <50rs (N= 404). About 96% (N=1332) felt satisfied with the treatment advice via teleconsultation.

Conclusions Teleneurology facility is not only feasible but also affordable and acceptable in various neurological conditions. The chief reasons were no waiting time, saving of travelling time and travel expenditure with equal efficacy.

Authors/Disclosures
Anand Kumar, DM (Institute of Medical Sciences BHU) PRESENTER	Dr. Kumar has nothing to disclose.
Varun K. Singh, MD, MBBS (IMS, BHU)	Dr. Singh has nothing to disclose.
Deepika Joshi, MD (Banaras Hindu University)	Dr. Joshi has nothing to disclose.
Abhishek Pathak, MD, MBBS, DM (Dept of Neurology)	Dr. Pathak has nothing to disclose.
Rameshwar N. Chaurasia, MD (Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University)	Dr. Chaurasia has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
Neha Lall (Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi)	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file