Survey of Telehealth Adoption by Neuro-ophthalmologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Benefits, Barriers, and Utility

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth modalities have come to prominence as a strategy for providing patient care when in-person care provision opportunities are limited. The degree of adoption by neuroophthalmologists has not been quantified. Methods: Telehealth utilization pre-COVID-19 and peri-COVID-19 was surveyed among practicing neuroophthalmologists in and outside the United States using an online platform. Demographics, perceived benefits, barriers, and utility for different neuro-ophthalmic conditions were collected. Data collection occurred over a 2-week period in May 2020. Results: Two hundred eight practicing neuroophthalmologists (81.3% United States, 50.2% females, age range ,35 to .65, mode 35-44 years) participated in the survey. Utilization of all telehealth modalities increased from pre-COVID to peri-COVID (video visit 3.9%-68.3%, P , 0.0005, remote interpretation of testing 26.7%-32.2%, P = 0.09, online second opinion 7.9%-15.3%, P = 0.001, and interprofessional e-consult 4.4%-18.7%, P , 0.0005, McNemar). The majority selected access, continuity, and patient efficiency of care as benefits and data quality as a barrier. Telehealth was felt to be most helpful for conditions relying on history, external examination, and previously collected ancillary testing and not helpful for conditions requiring funduscopic examination. Conclusions: Telehealth modality usage by neuroophthalmologists increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identified benefits have relevance both during and beyond COVID-19. Further work is needed to address barriers in their current and future states to maintain these modalities as viable care delivery options.

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“…A survey of pre–COVID-19 and peri–COVID-19 telemedicine utilization in neuro-ophthalmology found that an additional 64% of neuro-ophthalmologists adopted video telehealth visits. Respondents cited benefits including ensuring continuity of care, improving patient access to care, and patient convenience ( 41 ). Respondents also increased adoption of asynchronous telehealth models, including remote interpretation of tests, second opinion record review, and interprofessional consultations.…”

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