Journal
JOURNAL OF VOICE
Volume 36, Issue 3, Pages 396-402Publisher
MOSBY-ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.06.017
Keywords
Telemedicine; Laryngology; COVID-19; Video visit; Coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2
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This study provides a summary of experiences and important considerations for offering telehealth laryngology subspecialty care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that telemedicine can be effectively used to improve patient access to care, and highlight key areas to consider when implementing telehealth services.
Objectives. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 has posed significant limitations and barriers to providing in-person healthcare. We aim to provide a summary of learned experiences and important considerations for implementing and offering telehealth to provide laryngology subspecialty care during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. Materials and Methods. Four laryngologists and a voice-specialized speech-language pathologist from a tertiary-care academic Voice and Swallowing Center were engaged in a structured group consensus conference. Participants shared input, experiences, and practice patterns employed via telemedicine (via telephone or video-communication) during the early COVID-19 era. Results. Key identified areas of consideration when offering telemedicine included (1) how to set up and structure a telemedicine visit and maintain patient confidentiality, (2) patient examination and treatment initiation, (3) optimization of the tele-visit, (4) limitations and recognition of when a tele-visit is insufficient for patient care needs, (5) billing/reimbursement considerations. Group consensus for the aforementioned topics is summarized and discussed. Conclusion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a telemedicine model can be effectively employed to improve patient access to subspecialty laryngology care, including a multidisciplinary care approach, with initiation of various therapeutic interventions. A major limitation given the preclusion of in-person assessment is the lack of access to laryngoscopy, which can likely be delayed safely in the majority of individuals.
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