Before COVID-19, telemedicine was rarely used in paediatric surgery. Many institutions banned non-emergent clinic appointments to stop the virus' spread, which led to a rise in the usage of telemedicine. Before and after COVID-19, we looked at the value of telemedicine for patients who visited a paediatric surgical clinic. The perspectives of patients and their carers who were having in-person evaluations by general paediatric surgeons prior to COVID-19 and those whose telemedicine appointments with paediatric surgical providers were completed during the COVID-19 period were surveyed to determine the potential value of telemedicine. 57 participants completed the pre-COVID survey, while 123 participants completed the post-COVID survey. White carers between the ages of 31 and 40 made up the majority of responders. Prior Only 26% of respondents to COVID-19 were aware of telemedicine, 25% said they had travelled more than 100 miles, and more than 50% had travelled more than 40 miles to their appointment. At least one adult had to miss time from work in 43% of homes, and more than 25% projected additional travel expenses of at least $30. Following a telemedicine visit during the COVID-19 period, 76% of patients said the care they received was excellent, 86% of them said they were extremely satisfied with their care, 87% said the visit was less stressful for their child than an in-person visit, and 57% said they would choose a telemedicine visit in the future. Telemedicine can be a better option than traditional in-person care for families looking for an alternative because it lessens the strain of travel without sacrificing quality of care. Level of care. Future study aimed at improving the experience for patients and physicians should consider telemedicine as a feasible alternative for children undergoing surgery.
KeywordsPediatric surgery; Telemedicine; COVID-19; Caregiver; Satisfaction
Published Date: 2023-04-28; Received Date: 2023-04-03
