EP.WE.17Surgical Telemedicine Clinics during the Covid-19 Pandemic – Patient-Reported Outcomes Report

Aims The primary aim was to obtain patient feedback about surgical telemedicine clinics. The secondary endpoint was to investigate any factors influencing the patient’s feedback. Methods A retrospective qualitative study was undertaken, during the period between June – September 2020, at Darent Valley Hospital in West Kent. Telephone and online feedback were obtained using a 5 point questionnaire designed to assess their experience and preference for future consultations. Variables such as ‘demographics’, ‘first or follow-up clinic appointment’ and ‘physician-grade’, were analysed for any influence on patients feedback. Results A total of 200 patients responded to the questionnaire (telephone = 133, online = 77). The median age was 67 years (IQR 44 – 79) and male: female ratio 1. About 35.9% were a new referral and 42.7% has had some face-to-face appointment in the hospital before the pandemic. During the period of the study, about 42.7% had more than one telemedicine appointments. About 83.2% were consulted by surgical registrars. A rating from good to excellent for ‘overall experience’, ‘opportunity to express own concern’ and ‘how well the doctor addressed their concerns’ was given at 90%, 93.1% and 89.4%, respectively. About 80.2% felt reassured and 21.7% would prefer telemedicine for future consultations. There was no association between the variables studied and patient responses. Conclusions A high percentage of patients reported satisfactory service provision via telemedicine clinics. A majority of patients felt reassured. However, given the option, the face-to-face clinic would be the prefered option for the majority.