Evaluation of a pilot paediatric concussion telemedicine programme for northern communities in Manitoba
| Autor: | Vickie Derksen, Brenda Dawyduk, Matthew Kowalchuk, Karen Stelmack, Susan Boles, Kelly Russell, Michael J. Ellis, Adam Amadu |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2019 |
| Předmět: |
Male
Canada Telemedicine Time Factors Health (social science) paediatric lcsh:Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine Adolescent Referral Epidemiology lcsh:RC955-962 Cost-Benefit Analysis Poison control Pilot Projects multi-disciplinary management Suicide prevention Occupational safety and health 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Concussion Health care Injury prevention Health Services Indigenous Humans Medicine 030212 general & internal medicine Child Referral and Consultation Brain Concussion 030505 public health Arctic Regions business.industry Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Manitoba General Medicine Health Services Patient Acceptance of Health Care medicine.disease Videoconferencing concussion Female Medical emergency telemedicine 0305 other medical science business Research Article |
| Zdroj: | International Journal of Circumpolar Health, Vol 78, Iss 1 (2019) International Journal of Circumpolar Health |
| ISSN: | 2242-3982 |
| Popis: | Pediatric concussion patients living in northern communities in Canada can face unique challenges accessing primary and specialized healthcare. In this study we report the clinical characteristics, healthcare utilization, outcomes and estimated cost avoidance associated with a pilot pediatric concussion telemedicine program established between a multi-disciplinary pediatric concussion program in Winnipeg, Manitoba and a hospital in Thompson, Manitoba. From October 1st- July 1st, 2018, 20 patients were evaluated; mean age 13.1 years, 15 (75%) males and 14 (70%) self-identified as Indigenous. Injury mechanisms included hockey (50%), falls (35%) and assaults (15%). Median time from referral to initial consultation was 2.0 days. After screening by the neurosurgeon, 90% of patients underwent initial consultation via real-time videoconferencing with 80% managed exclusively through telemedicine. At the end of the study, 90% met the criteria for clinical recovery, one remained in treatment and one was discharged to a headache neurologist. Sixty-six telemedicine encounters were completed including 57 videoconferencing appointments and 9 telephone follow-ups representing an estimated cost avoidance of $40,972.94. This study suggests telemedicine may be a useful approach to assist pediatric concussion programs with delivering timely, safe and cost-effective care to patients living in medically underserviced remote and northern communities in Canada. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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