Rapid implementation of telegenetic services during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed continuing patient access, but not equally for all

Abstract

Telegenetics is the use of telemedicine to deliver clinical genetic services to patients. During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), telegenetics was essential for the Center of Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH). This study reviews and analyzes in the context of the RE-AIM framework CPGH’s rapid implementation of telegenetics and its impact. We conducted a chart review of all out-patient telegenetics encounters scheduled in CPGH during the first five weeks of the COVID-19 PHE. Data analyzed included demographics; number of encounters scheduled; subspecialties and providers; outcome of encounter (completed, cancelled, no- show); and telehealth platform used. Data were compared to data for out-patient encounters in 2019. In the first five weeks of the COVID-19 PHE, 465 virtual visits were scheduled and 428 were completed, involving all six subspecialties and 86% of CPGH providers. The no-show plus cancellation rate was significantly lower than in 2019. By week four, CPGH’s virtual visit volume was 82% of its out-patient volume during the same time period in 2019. Patients over 60 and Black patients were significantly more likely to use phone-audio only appointments. CPGH rapidly implemented telegenetic services to continue providing care to patients. We identified success factors that enabled this. However, our analysis also identified a possible “digital divide” for Black and older patients.