Telehealth provides effective pediatric surgery care to remote locations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to document the experience and patient satisfaction with providing pediatric surgery consultations and follow-up appointments to remote locations via audiovisual telecommunications technology.

Methods: From January 2000 to April 2001, 16 consecutive pediatric general surgery clinics were reviewed for the type of patient (new or review), the diagnosis, the adequacy and accuracy of the evaluation, and the ability to formulate a plan. In the first year, first-time users were requested to complete a satisfaction survey of 15 questions. Responses to 13 questions were recorded on a 4-point Likert scale, and 2 questions required a "yes" or "no" response.

Results: One hundred eighteen appointments were scheduled. Twenty patients did not show up or cancelled. There were 45 new patient consultations. Thirty-three patients were scheduled for surgery, of which, 21 are completed, and 12 are pending. There were no errors in diagnosis or changes in planned procedures. There were 42 patients seen in 53 follow-up sessions. Thirty-six surveys of a possible 53 were available for analysis. The mean rating of overall treatment experience at Telehealth was 3.47 (95% confidence interval 0.17). One hundred percent responded they would use Telehealth again and would recommend it to another person.

Conclusion: Telehealth is an effective and acceptable way to provide pediatric general surgery clinics to remote locations.