Letter: Telemedicine in Neurosurgery—A Timely Review

Letter to the Editor: “Telehealth and Telemedicine in the COVID-19 Era: A World of Opportunities for the Neurosurgeon”

“…This scenario has provided a unique opportunity for the widespread use of telehealth as a solution to this problem. [1][2][3] The term telehealth refers to remote health care for patients through the use of computer and telecommunication technologies. Telemedicine is part of telehealth and focuses specifically on clinical services that use technology for remote care.…”

“…Telemedicine is part of telehealth and focuses specifically on clinical services that use technology for remote care. 3 Through this modality, the patient from his or her residence manages to contact health personnel, who follow-up and control their case. The first published use of telemedicine dates back to the 1970s.…”

“…Barriers have included an unclear or unidentified need for telemedicine services, medico-legal problems related to providers reimbursement, interstate licensing, lack of universal access to technology, patient confidentiality, and liability for negligence. 1,3,6 Currently, in response to the sudden emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, health care systems have been under pressure to weigh the aforementioned limitations to meet the increased demand for health care, encouraging the abrupt creation and implementation of telemedicine programs. The effect of this modality on neurosurgery has been positive for both neurosurgeons and patients.…”

“…The effect of this modality on neurosurgery has been positive for both neurosurgeons and patients. [1][2][3] In the COVID-19 era, among the main benefits that telemedicine provides to the neurosurgeon, we can mention that it allows the neurosurgeon to reach the patient remotely without being exposed to patients who could be positive for COVID-19; enables the neurosurgeon to use time more efficiently; facilitates the neurosurgeon to differentiate routine cases from neurosurgical emergencies and to decide a behavior; expedites preparation to receive and evaluate patients upon admission to hospital; and it allows the neurosurgeon monitor patients properly, e.g., the postoperative controls, vascular pathology, and brain tumors, which lend themselves to easier evaluation through telehealth visits. 1,2 The wide variety of free software currently available, such as Skype, Messenger, Viber, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Webex, and WhatsApp; adequate lighting; good camera quality; and a good Internet connection allow for the proper evaluation of patients.…”

“…Therefore, educational courses and personal meetings between the doctor and the rest of the hospital staff "online" should always be available. 3 Considering the aforementioned, we can say that telemedicine is a promising and effective tool to continue the neurosurgical care of patients in the era of COVID-19. Current circumstances have encouraged more neurosurgeons to establish telemedicine as part of their daily practice, not only on the job side but also on the academic side, in the case of being a professor.…”