Exploring the Effects of Telemedicine on Bariatric Surgery Follow-up: a Matched Case Control Study

Wang, Chen D; Rajaratnam, Thiyake; Stall, Benjamin; Hawa, Raed; Sockalingam, Sanjeev

doi:10.1007/s11695-019-03930-4

Cited by 32 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…In addition to asking about diet and exercise patterns, screening for indicators of mental health, loneliness, financial stressors and behaviours that may influence body weight should be implemented by healthcare teams to combat this problem. Telemedicine has been shown to be non‐inferior in terms of appointment adherence, BMI and psychosocial outcomes as method of care for post‐bariatric surgery patients should be embraced during this time when face‐to‐face encounters are limited 29 . Xenaki et al showed that enrolling patients in a stress management program led to significantly reductions in BMI and improved depression and anxiety scores 30 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on weight‐related behaviours among patients with obesity

et al. 2020

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Summary How the impact of the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders is influencing physical, mental and financial health among vulnerable populations, including those with obesity is unknown. The aim of the current study was to explore the health implications of COVID‐19 among a sample of adults with obesity. A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from an obesity medicine clinic and a bariatric surgery (MBS) practice. Patients completed an online survey from April 15, 2020 to May 31, 2020 to assess COVID‐19 status and health behaviours during stay‐at‐home orders. Logistic regression models examined the impact of these orders on anxiety and depression by ethnic group. A total of 123 patients (87% female, mean age 51.2 years [SD 13.0]), mean BMI 40.2 [SD 6.7], 49.2% non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 28.7% non‐Hispanic black, 16.4% Hispanic, 7% other ethnicity and 33.1% completed MBS were included. Two patients tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and 14.6% reported symptoms. Then, 72.8% reported increased anxiety and 83.6% increased depression since stay‐at‐home orders were initiated. Also 69.6% reported more difficultly in achieving weight loss goals, less exercise time (47.9%) and intensity (55.8%), increased stockpiling of food (49.6%) and stress eating (61.2%). Hispanics were less likely to report anxiety vs NHWs (adjusted odds ratios 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05‐0.49; P = .009). Results here showed the COVID‐19 pandemic is having a significant impact on patients with obesity regardless of infection status. These results can inform clinicians and healthcare professionals about effective strategies to minimize COVID‐19 negative outcomes for this vulnerable population now and in post‐COVID‐19 recovery efforts.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on weight‐related behaviours among patients with obesity

et al. 2020

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“…Rapid use of virtual health tools, such as telemedicine, has been instrumental to extending care to patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Telemedicine‐delivered care has been shown to result in weight loss and psychosocial outcomes comparable to those of in‐person bariatric care (11). Remotely delivered CBT by telephone or videoconferencing is effective in improving binge eating, emotional eating, depression, and anxiety among bariatric patients (12).…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Bariatric Surgery: Redefining Psychosocial Care

Sockalingam

Leung

Cassin

2020

Obesity

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The global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease has had a tremendous psychological impact on individuals around the world. Individuals with obesity are susceptible to distress and psychological sequalae secondary to this pandemic, which can have detrimental effects on obesity management. In particular, individuals undergoing bariatric surgery could experience increased emotional distress, resulting in increased eating psychopathology, mental health exacerbation, and difficulties with self‐management. Addressing these challenges requires novel approaches to redefining psychosocial care before and after bariatric surgery. Emerging evidence suggests that the remote delivery of care using virtual care models, including mobile and online modalities, could extend the reach of psychosocial services to individuals after bariatric surgery and mitigate weight regain or impairment in quality of life. Because of this pandemic, the rapid integration of virtual psychosocial care in bariatric surgery programs to address patients’ needs will create new opportunities for clinical and implementational scientific research.

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“…A subsequent 2019 study of the provision of telehealth bariatric services in rural Ontario, Canada, examined 96 patients who had post-operative telehealth review and compared these with 96 matched patients who underwent traditional inperson post-operative consultations [28]. There was no statistically significant difference in 2-year loss to follow-up rates comparing the telehealth consultations to the in-person consultations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving Access to Bariatric Surgery for Rural and Remote Patients: Experiences from a State-Wide Bariatric Telehealth Service in Australia

et al. 2020

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Background The state of Queensland, Australia, is large (1.85 million km 2). The provision of bariatric care across the state is difficult as most major hospitals are concentrated in the capital city of Brisbane. We implemented a statewide telehealth service to improve access for rural patients in a public bariatric service. We report our early experiences with this service. Methods We reviewed all patients seen in the Bariatric Telehealth Clinic from 2017 to 2019. Patients underwent consultation through video-link software at their local hospital with the multidisciplinary team in Brisbane (surgeon, dietician and clinical nurse). Distances from Brisbane and number of visits were calculated. Telehealth patients were contacted by phone to complete a survey regarding their experiences. This was a 17-question Likert-style survey with scores from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Results A total of 85 new patients underwent their initial consultation via telehealth. Each patient had a variable number of inperson as well as telehealth consultations both before and after surgery. Mean distance from telehealth consultation site to Brisbane was 614 km (range 149-2472 km). In total, 41 (48%) completed the survey. With regard to telehealth saving time and money, improving access to bariatric care, and desire to use telehealth again, the mean score was 4 out of 5 or higher for all questions (i.e., agree or strongly agree). There was no identifiable post-operative complication that was caused or exacerbated by telehealth. Conclusion Bariatric surgical telehealth appointments are feasible and preferred by most patients residing in rural and remote locations. Each consultation avoids significant travel time and cost for the patient and health service, with no obvious adverse outcomes. Telehealth improves equity and access to specialist services for rural and remote patients.

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Exploring the Effects of Telemedicine on Bariatric Surgery Follow-up: a Matched Case Control Study

Cited by 32 publications

References 10 publications

Impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on weight‐related behaviours among patients with obesity

Impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on weight‐related behaviours among patients with obesity

The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Bariatric Surgery: Redefining Psychosocial Care

Improving Access to Bariatric Surgery for Rural and Remote Patients: Experiences from a State-Wide Bariatric Telehealth Service in Australia

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