Open AccessINNOVATIONS IN TELEMEDICINE SERVICES IN SPINA BIFIDA CLINICS IN THE U.S. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Author(s) -
Brad E. Dicianno,
Hubert S. Swana,
Rory A. Cooper,
Timothy J. Brei
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
technology and innovation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1949-8241
pISSN - 1949-825X
DOI - 10.21300/22.2.2021.4
Subject(s) - telemedicine , telehealth , pandemic , multidisciplinary approach , covid-19 , medicine , health care , medical emergency , ambulatory care , healthcare delivery , population , spina bifida , outpatient clinic , family medicine , pediatrics , disease , environmental health , political science , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted delivery of outpatient care. Many people with spina bifida (SB) in the U.S. receive outpatient healthcare in a multidisciplinary setting. In accordance with state healthcare mandates, outpatient multidisciplinary clinic visits were deferred, postponed, or canceled, while telemedicine systems were implemented. A survey was created and distributed to all known SB clinics in the U.S. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of outpatient care for the SB population and the use of telemedicine in response. Novel uses of telehealth, benefits of use, suggestions for overcoming barriers, and future opportunities are identified and discussed.