Access to remote appointments (RA) by telephone or video is increasing as technology advances and becomes more available to patients. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to discover whether surgical patients are satisfied with RAs when compared with conventional outpatient clinics (OPC). A literature search of RCTs of surgical patient satisfaction of RAs versus OPC appointments was performed. The PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to include articles from January 2000 to 2020. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to compare outcomes. All 7 RCTs showed that patients were as satisfied with RAs as OPC appointments (RR = 1.00, [0.98-1.02]; P = .73). Furthermore, both patient cohorts would prefer RAs for future follow-up (RR = 2.29, [1.96-2.97]; P < .00001). One RCT found the cost to institutions was less in the RA group ($19.05 vs $52.76) and another found the patients would save $9.96 on transportation costs. The majority of RCTs suggested cost to patients and or institutions would be less for RA. In conclusion, surgical patients are satisfied with RAs and in fact would prefer them.
Introduction
As the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK, the way the NHS operates changed overnight. One change was the move to remote appointments (RA) by video or telephone. This meta-analysis (MA) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) looks at existing evidence on RA and aims to discover if surgical patients are satisfied with them.
Method
A literature search of RCTs of surgical patient satisfaction of RA versus conventional outpatient clinic (OPC) was performed. The PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched to include articles from January 2000 to 2020. A random effects MA model was used to compare outcomes.
Results
All 5 RCTs showed that patients were as satisfied with RA as OPC (RR = 1.00, [0.97-1.03] p = 0.96). Furthermore, both patient cohorts would prefer RA for future follow-up (RR = 2.28 [1.85-2.82] p < 0.00001). 1 RCT performed a cost analysis and found the cost to institutions was less in the RA group ($19.05 vs $52.76). All other RCTs suggested cost to patients and institutions would be less for RA.
Conclusions
Surgical patients are satisfied with RA and in fact would prefer them, thus indicating that out with the Covid-19 pandemic RAs could be continued, and in doing so may well save money for patients and the NHS.
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