Rapid distribution of information by SMS-embedded video link to patients during a pandemic

Bateman, J. Bronwyn; Mulherin, D.; Hirsch, George; Venkatachalam, Srinivasan; Sheeran, Tom

doi:10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30126-0

Cited by 12 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The smartphone-based methodology used in the present study was accepted by this population, supported by our response rate, which was consistent with other surveys, and illustrating its potential role during a public health emergency [ 7 , 9 ]. The case-mix distribution in this survey was representative of the patients we normally see in our face-to-face follow-up rheumatology clinics, adding strength to our findings [ 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…We contacted all rheumatology follow-up patients at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust (RWT) who had received a telephone consultation from a rheumatology consultant during a 4-week period (from 11 May to 4 June 2020). Surveys were distributed to patients using a recently described mobile phone short message service (SMS) messaging methodology via our SMS provider (Healthcare Communications-UK) [ 7 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

Raizada

Cleaton

Bateman

et al. 2020

Rheumatology Advances in Practice

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Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face rheumatology follow-up appointments were mostly replaced with telephone or virtual consultations in order to protect vulnerable patients. We aimed to investigate the perspectives of rheumatology patients on the use of telephone consultations compared with the traditional face-to-face consultation. Methods We carried out a retrospective survey of all rheumatology follow-up patients at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust who had received a telephone consultation from a rheumatology consultant during a 4-week period via an online survey tool. Results Surveys were distributed to 1213 patients, of whom 336 (27.7%) responded, and 306 (91.1%) patients completed all components of the survey. Overall, an equal number of patients would prefer telephone clinics or face-to-face consultations for their next routine appointment. When divided by age group, the majority who preferred the telephone clinics were <50 years old [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 10.075, P = 0.018]. Prevalence of a smartphone was higher among younger patients (<50 years old: 46 of 47, 97.9%) than among older patients (≥50 years old: 209 of 259, 80.7%) [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 20.919, P < 0.001]. More patients reported that they would prefer a telephone call for urgent advice (168, 54.9%). Conclusion Most patients interviewed were happy with their routine face-to-face appointment being switched to a telephone consultation. Of those interviewed, patients >50 years old were less likely than their younger counterparts to want telephone consultations in place of face-to-face appointments. Most patients in our study would prefer a telephone consultation for urgent advice. We must ensure that older patients and those in vulnerable groups who value in-person contact are not excluded. Telephone clinics in some form are here to stay in rheumatology for the foreseeable future.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

Raizada

Cleaton

Bateman

et al. 2020

Rheumatology Advances in Practice

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Patients without access to smartphone or internet technology are excluded; which is perhaps more likely in the elderly and more vulnerable groups in our population due to poorer healthcare and digital literacy, itself associated with social deprivation [22,23]. The response rate, while consistent with other surveys is relatively low, particularly from the BAME population, and further exploration is required [5,24].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of COVID-19 on rheumatology patients in a large UK centre using an innovative data collection technique: prevalence and effect of social shielding

et al. 2021

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Objectives We sought to gain insight into the prevalence of COVID-19 and the impact stringent social distancing (shielding) has had on a large cohort of rheumatology (RD) follow-up patients from a single large UK centre. Methods We linked COVID-19-related deaths, screening and infection rates to our RD population (1.2.20-1.5.20) and audited active rheumatology follow-up patients through survey data communicated via a linked mobile phone SMS message. We assessed epidemiology, effect of stringent social distancing (shielding) and quality of life (HRQoL) by Short Form 12 (SF12). Results There were 10,387 active follow-up patients, 7911 had linked mobile numbers. 12/10,387 RD patients died from COVID-19 (0.12%); local population 4131/7,415,149 (0.12%). For patients with mobile phones, 1693/7911 (21%) responded and of these, 1605 completed the SF12. Inflammatory arthritis predominated 1174/1693 (69%); 792/1693 (47%) were shielding. Advice on shielding/distancing was followed by 1372/1693(81%). 61/1693 (4%) reported COVID-19 (24/61 shielding); medication distribution was similar in COVID and non-COVID patients. Mental SF12 (MCS) but not physical (PCS) component scores were lower in COVID (60) vs. non-COVID (1545), mean differences: MCS, − 3.3; 95% CI − 5.2 to − 1.4, P < 0.001; PCS, − 0.4; 95% CI, − 2.1 to 1.3). In 1545 COVID-negative patients, those shielding had lower MCS (− 2.1; 95% CI − 2.8 to − 1.4) and PCS (− 3.1, 95% CI − 3.7 to − 2.5), both P < 0.001. Conclusions Our full RD cohort had no excess of COVID deaths compared to the general local population. Our survey data suggest that shielding adversely affects both mental and physical health in RD. These data broaden our understanding of shielding, indicating need for further study.

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“…We had to rely on a traditional method of communication such as postal service which has its inherent drawbacks. Mass communication with novel methods such as video-embedded text messages, social media and email would have been a better option for speedy communication and assessment [ 10 – 12 ]. However, the lack of accessibility and set-up of these modes of communication were a limiting factor.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenges in delivering rheumatology care during COVID-19 pandemic

et al. 2020

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COVID-19 has significantly affected healthcare systems around the world. To prepare for this unprecedented emergency, elective patient care was put on hold across the National Health Service (NHS). Rheumatology service had to be reorganised with a cancellation of elective clinics and clinical reconfiguration to continue to deliver care to patients, support frontline, and prevent viral transmission. The rheumatology community's responsibility of providing a continuity of care for patients had to be balanced with measures to reduce the risk of viral transmission and also protection of both the patients and staff. We describe our experience of delivering rheumatology service as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE NG167) guidelines at a district general hospital during the current pandemic.

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Rapid distribution of information by SMS-embedded video link to patients during a pandemic

Cited by 12 publications

References 5 publications

Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

The impact of COVID-19 on rheumatology patients in a large UK centre using an innovative data collection technique: prevalence and effect of social shielding

Challenges in delivering rheumatology care during COVID-19 pandemic

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