The purpose of the research was to understand, evaluate and analyze the modalities used for spine care patients. Telehealth was a primary element of spine care access. It has a successful history of improving patients’ safety, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. Researchers carried out studies and surveys with patients who got their spine care via telehealth.
Between February and September 2020, researchers used the clinical registry procedure to identify spine patients found remotely at the academic medical tertiary center. This discovery was then published on an online spine care survey where patients were asked about their telemedicine experiences. The doctor that made this discovery ran a statistical analysis and thematic analysis on the Likert scale on a free-form response.
After which, the sociodemographic data was later abstracted and evaluated. The researcher reviewed the questionnaire of about 140 patients who had physical spine care appointments and telemedicine. Patients with medium and low area deprivation missed the physical spine care appointments. This shows that spine care patients rated their telemedicine experience highly.
What is Area Deprivation Index (ADI)?
An area deprivation index (ADI) is a unit used to measure the multi-dimensional status of the socio-economic region, which is linked to a health outcome. In this case, researchers use a patent’s ADI address to determine the area in which they reside.
Researchers found out that 42 percent of spine patients with low or medium socioeconomic status are also likely to miss a physical appointment compared to patients with high socioeconomic status. The total ratio of missed telehealth scheduled appointments is identical across all socioeconomic statuses.
However, telemedicine continues to be a popular method for care access delivery across America. In regions with mental health-related issues, hypertension, acute respiratory diseases, and joint and soft tissue diseases were all virtually treated, increasing telehealth visits.
Patients now understand the medical and health advantages while reflecting on how effective it is compared to a physical doctor’s appointment. This research analysis would help influence future practices and improve easy access to doctors’ and patients’ satisfaction.