1. Guideline-Based Telemedicine Assessment of Orthopedic Low-Risk Conditions by General Practitioners is Not Inferior to that of Face-to-Face Consultations with Specialists in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Trial.
- Author
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Foni, Noel Oizerovici, Accorsi, Tarso Augusto Duenhas, Correia, Renata Farias Vidigal, Moreira, Flavio Tocci, Lima, Karine De Amicis, Morbeck, Renata Albaladejo, Souza Jr, Jose Leão de, Pedrotti, Carlos Henrique Sartorato, and Wolosker, Nelson
- Abstract
Background: There is a lack of randomized controlled trials focusing on orthopedic telemedicine (TM). The objective of this research was to compare the diagnostic accuracy and pattern of TM consultations of low-risk orthopedic patients performed by general practitioners (GPs) with those of face-to-face evaluations by orthopedists at an emergency department (ED). Methods: This randomized, single-center study was conducted between October 2021 and November 2022 on patients at an ED. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, low back pain, extremity contusion, ankle sprain, or neck pain. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 for TM consultations by generalist physicians with subsequent face-to-face orthopedic evaluations (TM–ED group) or face-to-face evaluations by orthopedic physicians (ED group). Primary outcomes were syndromic diagnosis, physical examination, and tests ordered. Secondary analysis included a satisfaction survey. Results: A total of 99 patients were enrolled; mean age was 41 ± 10.1 years, and 62.6% were female. The most common conditions were foot contusion (28.3%), ankle sprain (27.3%), hand contusion (19.2%), low back pain (19.2%), and neck pain (6.1%). Syndromic diagnosis showed no difference between groups (p = 0.231). In the TM–ED group (n = 51), self-examination demonstrated moderate to good agreement with face-to-face evaluations in several areas. Both groups showed similar tests practices. Patient satisfaction was higher in the TM–ED group across multiple measures. Conclusion: TM consultations for low-risk orthopedic patients by GPs are not inferior to face-to-face specialist evaluations at the ED. Virtual assessments are associated with higher patient satisfaction. Clinical Trial Identifier: NCT04981002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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