Do Telemedicine Wound Care Specialist Consults Meet the Needs of the Referring Physician?
Author Information
Author(s): Marek K. Dobke, Dhaval Bhavsar, Fernando Herrera
Primary Institution: University of California San Diego
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the factors that influence the use of telemedicine consultation by primary care physicians in managing patients with problem wounds.
Conclusion
The majority of primary care physicians found telemedicine wound care consults to be a useful tool in their practice, enhancing communication and decision-making.
Supporting Evidence
- Sixty percent of respondents felt comfortable with telemedicine consultation based on recommendations alone.
- 93% of PCPs agreed that telemedicine wound care consult is a useful tool in their practice.
- Telemedicine was found to reduce overall costs and decrease transportation issues.
Takeaway
Doctors can use video calls to help patients with wounds without needing to see them in person, which makes things easier and faster.
Methodology
A six-question survey was administered to 36 primary care physicians who referred patients to a Wound Care Program, focusing on their attitudes towards telemedicine consultations.
Limitations
The study's sample size was small and limited to a specific geographic area, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 36 primary care physicians, with some practicing in rural settings and others in urban areas.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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