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Acta Neurológica Colombiana
Print version ISSN 0120-8748On-line version ISSN 2422-4022
Abstract
GOMEZ-ARIAS, Bety; LIZCANO-MENESES, Angélica and VERGARA-AGUILAR, Jean Paul. National telemedicine survey for neurologists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. Acta Neurol Colomb. [online]. 2021, vol.37, n.4, pp.163-172. Epub Dec 03, 2021. ISSN 0120-8748. https://doi.org/10.22379/24224022385.
INTRODUCTION:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine, initially viewed as inadequate, can now be considered as one of the solutions during this demanding time in medicine.
OBJECTIVES:
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of medical attention in neurology with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This is an observational descriptive study. Data was obtained by an anonymous survey aimed at working Neurologists in Colombia.
RESULTS:
Of the 120 questionnaires collected, 70 (58%) were answered by women. The data shows that 70 (58.3%) of participating doctors in this study perceived their patient workload volume increased. Data collected reveals seventy-six (63,9%) of the doctors in this study felt that outpatient telemedicine, with some improvements, can continue to be a useful tool in the daily practice of Neurology. Neuromuscular and demyelinating diseases, and movement disorders were not considered a good option to assess via telemedicine. However, Epilepsy and Dementia were considered a good option for first-time evaluation.
DISCUSSION:
76 (64%) of the doctors agreed the practice of telemedicine should continue, even when the pandemic is no longer a factor, however, improvements should be made for a better quality of attention. Additional studies are required to evaluate accuracy of teleneurology in comparison to face-to-face outpatient consultation.
CONCLUSION:
Telemedicine is a useful tool in Neurology outpatient evaluation, but improvement is needed to assure quality and safety.
Keywords : survey; Colombia; COVID-19; telemedicine; teleneurology (MeSH).