Feasibility of epilepsy follow‐up care through telemedicine: A pilot study on the patient's perspective

Ahmed, Syed Nizamuddin; Mann, Carly; Sinclair, D. Barry; Heino, Angela; Iskiw, Blayne; Quigley, Daphne; Öhinmaa, Arto

doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01464.x

Cited by 92 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…With these challenges in mind, and the demonstrated feasibility of telemedicine in epilepsy [2][3][4] , the Canadian League against Epilepsy (CLAE), during its 2007 annual meeting established a Telemedicine Taskforce. The mandate of this taskforce was to conduct an exploratory survey to identify the use, applications, limitations, obstacles and perceptions about this technology, and to inform future developments.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care - A Canada Wide Survey

Ahmed

Wiebe

Mann

et al. 2010

Can. j. neurol. sci.

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Background: Canadian provinces boast one of the most sophisticated telemedicine infrastructures in the world. Feasibility of epilepsy care through telemedicine is established, but its use by practicing neurologists is unknown. The Canadian League against Epilepsy's telemedicine task force conducted this study to understand the perceptions, barriers and usage of telemedicine in epilepsy care. Methods: Using a 14 item questionnaire we prospectively surveyed all the epileptologists across Canada with regards to current use, perceived benefits and barriers to the use of telemedicine. The survey was mailed out to 76 neurologists who had a primary interest in epilepsy. Results: We received 39 responses (54.1%) spanning seven provinces. Majority of the responders were 50 years and over (56.4%). Although 61.5% of the physicians acknowledged a need for tele-epilepsy services, the majority (64.1%) had not used telemedicine. The most common forms of technology were videoconferencing and telephone but some physicians had also used email. Telemedicine was mainly used for clinical and educational purposes. 79.5% of physicians had access to videoconferencing equipment and 61.5% assessed that there was a need/use for clinical telehealth. The main perceived obstacles in the use of telemedicine were: lack of infrastructure support and remuneration problems followed by limitations in clinical examination. Conclusions: Although widely available, telemedicine is under-utilized in epilepsy care. Most of the obstacles can be easily fixed and overcome through education and simple interventions. Partnering of epilepsy centers across Canada in the development of a comprehensive national telemedicine network would create an excellent opportunity to expand epilepsy care.RÉSUMÉ: Une étude pancanadienne sur la télémédecine et la prise en charge de l'épilepsie. Contexte : Les provinces canadiennes s'enorgueillissent de posséder une des infrastructures de télémédecine les plus sophistiquées au monde. La faisabilité de la prise en charge de l'épilepsie au moyen de la télémédecine est bien établie, mais son utilisation par les neurologues est mal connue. Le groupe de travail sur la télémédecine de la Ligue canadienne contre l'épilepsie a effectué cette étude pour comprendre les perceptions, les barrières et l'utilisation de la télémédecine dans la prise en charge de l'épilepsie. Méthodologie : Nous avons procédé à une enquête prospective au moyen d'un questionnaire portant sur 14 items auprès de tous les épileptologues du Canada concernant leur utilisation actuelle de la télémédecine, les bénéfices perçus et les barrières à son utilisation. Le questionnaire a été posté à 76 neurologues qui avaient un intérêt important pour l'épilepsie. Résultats : Nous avons reçu 39 réponses (54,1%) provenant de 7 provinces. La majorité des répondants avaient 50 ans et plus (56,4%). Bien que 61,5% des médecins reconnaissaient qu'il existe un besoin de services pour la télé-épilepsie, la majorité (64,1%) n'avaient pas utilisé la télémédecine. Les types ...

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Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care - A Canada Wide Survey

Ahmed

Wiebe

Mann

et al. 2010

Can. j. neurol. sci.

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“…The first full-time telemedicine epilepsy clinic has been established in Western Canada and has provided pilot randomized control trial evidence for follow-up care of patients with high levels of patient and carer satisfaction and at very low costs to patients [15]. Prospective comparison of conventional epilepsy clinics with telemedicine clinics showed similar rates of seizures, hospitalisation and emergency room visits in the follow-up period, suggesting that telemedicine may be a safe alternative [48].…”

Section: Epilepsy and Neurology Outpatient Clinicsmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…Applications with doctor-to-patient interaction These can be home or hospital based. Robotic telepresence in the setting of neurointensive [66] care is an example of the former and outpatient follow up [15,41,67] of patients with Parkinson disease and epilepsy exemplify the latter. Often a nurse or allied health professional may assist at the patient's end to facilitate interaction.…”

Section: Networking Models For Telemedicinementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Limited availability of neurological expertise coupled with the need for rapid assessment and treatment in this situation, turned attention to telemedicine as a potential solution. In several neurological disorders, effectiveness of web-based systems has been demonstrated in patient evaluation [12][13][14] as well provision of rehabilitation, follow-up care and counseling [15][16][17][18][19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Teleneurology: is it really at a distance?

Agarwal

Warburton

2011

J Neurol

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Telemedicine refers to the transfer of medical information from one site to another using distance communications technology. This approach has benefitted many medical specialties, with telestroke being a prelude to its applications in neurology. Our review will focus on the use of telemedicine in neurological practice (teleneurology) following a brief discussion of telestroke. Given the emerging nature of trial evidence in teleneurology, our aim is to provide a narrative review and highlight areas that merit further investigation.

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“…Teleneurology is most notably used to provide emergency consultation services for the prompt assessment and treatment of acute stroke. 2,3 Applications have evolved to include mature networks for stroke care, 4 video monitoring for inpatient neurocritical care, 5 and longitudinal care for outpatient chronic neurological conditions such as epilepsy 6 and Parkinson disease. 7 Despite the expanded practices and successes of individual telemedicine programs, the prevalence of use and variety of applications for telemedicine within neurology is largely unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Telemedicine in Leading US Neurology Departments

George

Scoglio

Reminick

et al. 2012

The Neurohospitalist

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Objective: To determine the current practice and plans for telemedicine at leading US neurology departments. Design and Setting: An electronic survey was sent to department chairs, administrators, or faculty involved in telemedicine at 47 neurology departments representing the top 50 hospitals as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Main Outcome Measures: Current use, size, scope, reimbursement, and perceived quality of telemedicine services. Results: A total of 32 individuals from 30 departments responded (64% response rate). The primary respondents were neurology faculty (66%) and department chairs (22%). Of the responding departments, 60% (18 of 30) currently provide telemedicine and most (n ¼ 12) had initiated services within the last 2 years. Two thirds of those not providing telemedicine plan to do so within a year. Departments provide services to patients in state, out of state, and internationally, but only 6 departments had more than 50 consultations in the last year. The principal applications were stroke (n ¼ 14), movement disorders (n ¼ 4), and neurocritical care (n ¼ 3). Most departments (n ¼ 12) received external funding for telemedicine services, but few departments (n ¼ 3) received payment from insurers (eg, Medicare, Medicaid). Reimbursement (n ¼ 21) was the most frequently identified barrier to implementing telemedicine services. The majority of respondents (n ¼ 20) find telemedicine to be equivalent to in-person care. Conclusions: Over 85% of leading US neurology departments currently use or plan to implement telemedicine within the next year. Addressing reimbursement may allow for its broader application.

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Feasibility of epilepsy follow‐up care through telemedicine: A pilot study on the patient's perspective

Abstract: SUMMARY

Cited by 92 publications

References 13 publications

Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care - A Canada Wide Survey

Telemedicine and Epilepsy Care - A Canada Wide Survey

Teleneurology: is it really at a distance?

Telemedicine in Leading US Neurology Departments

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