Out-Patient Neurosurgery Telemedicine Clinics: A Model to Provide Healthcare And Prevent Cross-Infection

Abstract

Objectives: To determine patient’s and health worker’s views of telemedicine on prevention of cross
infection and delivery of health care in our centre.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted at our neurosurgery centre. Sample size was
calculated, questionnaire designed and administered to consecutive patients or healthcare workers. Data
was analysed using SPSS, IBM version 20.0.
Results: We found 161 patients. 79.5% were males with a male to female ratio of 3.8:1. The mean
age of the patients was 32±12 years. Majority of patients, 68.9% (111/161) lack awareness of virtual
consultation. Most patients, 76.4% (123/161) showed interest in having virtual consultation to prevent
COVID-19 infection. Most patients opined that, virtual consultation can be done in any day and at
any time. There is statistically significant association between age (11-30year), male gender and short
distance to the hospital (1-200KM), to interest in virtual consultation (p< 0.05). Patients living close to
hospital have five times likelihood of accepting virtual consultation than those coming from far distance
(odds ratio-5.7, CI-1.5-21.23, p-0.002). 84.6% of the health workers have prior knowledge of virtual
consultation as a means of preventing COVID-19 infection. All age group, gender and non-emergency
cases should be offered virtual consultation as suggested by the 100% of health workers.
Conclusion: This single centre study shows paucity of knowledge of virtual consultation in our
patients, though interested. In contrast, most health workers know about virtual consultation as a way
of preventing COVID-19 infection, as such, virtual consultation should be introduced in our practice.