Telemedicine Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Experience During Covid-19

Abstract

Background

While telemedicine visits were essential and adopted by providers and patients alike, few studies have been conducted evaluating orthopaedic patient perception of the care delivered during these visits. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated specific factors that affected patient satisfaction with telemedicine and the receptiveness to continue virtual visits post COVID-19 in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. Thus, the purposes of our study were to determine: 1) patient satisfaction with using TJA telemedicine services, 2) whether patient characteristics might be associated with satisfaction, and 3) whether virtual clinic visits may be used post-COVID-19.

Methods

A prospective, cross-sectional survey study was completed by 126 TJA patients who participated in telemedicine visits with TJA surgeons from May 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographics, satisfaction and telemedicine experiences.

Results

101 (80.2%) patients were satisfied with their telemedicine visit, with patients less than 80 years old (p=0.008) and those with a longer commute time being more satisfied (p=0.01). There was a significant preference for in-person visits when meeting arthroplasty surgeons for the first time (p<0.001), but patients were equally amenable to follow-up telemedicine visits once there was an established relationship with the surgeon.

Conclusion

Younger patients, patients with longer commute distances, and patients who had established relationships with their provider expressed higher satisfaction with telemedicine arthroplasty visits. While greater than 80% of patients were satisfied with their telemedicine visit, an established patient-provider relationship may be integral to the success of an arthroplasty telemedicine practice.