Background: Teleophthalmology (TO) is a fundamental tool to continue eye care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. TO programs allow follow-up of patients with chronic eye conditions, postoperative follow-up, triage, and referral of emergency conditions.Given the high risk of infection associated with ophthalmic examinations, TO enables safe and satisfactory interactions between patients and health care providers.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate a TO program implemented in Mexico City, between April 1 st , 2020, and June 15 th , 2020. TO consults were offered via telephone and video visits. The program included tele-triage and follow-up consultations. Patients meeting referral criteria for emergency face-to-face (EFTF) evaluation were scheduled for in-person evaluation.Demographic clinical and ophthalmological information, as well as the Net Promoter Score (NPS) for assessing the general patient satisfaction, were obtained.Results: A total of 1,242 teleconsultations were conducted, including 1,159 first assessment consults and 78 follow-ups. The mean age of patients was 59 ± 18.6 years, most were females (57.5%) and had previous eye conditions (65.5%). The most frequent ocular condition presumed during teleconsultation was dry eye syndrome. The prevalence of ocular emergencies requiring EFTF assessment was 12.4%, with a 26.8% no-show rate and a positive predictive value of 51.9%. Patients reported high satisfaction with TO services (NPS = 86.9). Conclusion:TO stands as a viable alternative to limit COVID-19 transmission. Teleconsultation satisfaction rates are high, and most cases will not require immediate referral. Thus, TO programs may serve as a safe response to alleviate healthcare systems, while meeting patients needs during the pandemic.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.