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Numerous studies have deemed the virtual fracture clinic (VFC) model to be both cost and clinically effective. However, very few of these studies have analysed the type of injuries seen in the VFC. The objectives of this study were to assess the clinical effectiveness of the VFC and analyse the types of injuries that lead to patients re-presenting in the face-to-face fracture clinic after being discharged virtually. This is a retrospective study analysing 17,269 patients referred to the VFC between September 2017 and February 2020. Data regarding the type of presenting injury were collected to understand which injuries required further management after being discharged virtually. Patient clinic letters provided data regarding the purpose and outcomes of VFC referrals as well as face-to-face appointments. Theatre lists were cross-referenced to extract data regarding surgical management. In total, 57.37% (9,908) patients were discharged virtually. Of these patients, 92.52% were discharged successfully and 7.48% re-presented to the fracture clinic: 98.11% were managed conservatively and 1.88% required surgery. The highest number of failed discharges were for distal radius fractures (109, 14.69%). Face-to-face follow-up in fracture clinic was requested for 37.06% (6,400) of patients; 4.98% of them required surgical intervention. Some 5.56% (961) of referrals were removed from our analysis: 807 were inappropriate referrals and 154 were deemed suitable for multidisciplinary team discussion. The trust has saved an average of £702,205 annually since introduction of the VFC. The VFC model delivers as promised in terms of clinical efficacy and cost management. Injury types showing higher numbers of unsuccessful discharges could benefit from having modified management pathways.

The Dutch acute health care system faces challenges with limited resources and increasing patient numbers. To reduce outpatient follow-up, direct discharge (DD) has been implemented in over 30 out of 80 Dutch hospitals. With DD, no routine follow-up appointments are scheduled after the emergency department (ED) visit for low-complex, isolated, and stable musculoskeletal injuries. This policy is supported by information leaflets, a smartphone app, and a telephone helpline with human support. Growing evidence shows that DD is satisfactory, safe, and effective in reducing secondary health care use, but thorough patient experiences are lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with DD to ensure durable adoption and to improve the treatment protocol. A mixed method study was conducted parallel to the implementation of DD in 3 hospitals. Data were collected through a survey directly after the ED visit, a survey 3 months post injury, and semistructured interviews. Quantitative data were reported descriptively, and qualitative data used thematic analysis. Outcomes included the Bowen feasibility parameters: implementation, acceptance, preliminary efficacy, and demand. All patients who consented to the study face-to-face with one of the 12 low-complex musculoskeletal injuries were included in the study during the implementation period. Of the 429 patients who started the primary survey, 138 patients completed both surveys. A total of 18 semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed. Patients reported a median treatment satisfaction score of 7.8 (IQR 6.6-8.8) on a 10-point scale of DD at the ED. Information quality was experienced as good (106/138, 77%), and most preferred DD over face-to-face follow-up (79/138, 59%). Patient information demands and app use varied among patients, with a median frequency of use of 4 times (ranging from 1 to 30). This study shows that patients consider DD a feasible and safe alternative to traditional treatment, with a favorable perception of its acceptability, efficacy, applicability, and demand. Nevertheless, response rates were relatively low, and personal nuances and preferences must be considered when implementing DD. Clinicians and policy makers can use the insights to improve DD and work towards the integration of DD into clinical practice and future guidelines.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn’s and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Background and AimsTo monitor the health status of pregnant women moment by moment, new technologies in the field of telemedicine can be used, such as virtual visits and virtual clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, by using these technologies, useful and satisfactory services have been provided to pregnant mothers. The aim of this study is to specify the applications, features, and infrastructure of a comprehensive virtual clinic in the field of gynecological and pregnancy care.MethodsA systematic review search was conducted through the scientific databases from February 2013 to February 2022 using Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Furthermore, manual searches in Google Scholar and the reference lists of included studies were carried out.ResultsIn this systematic review we included 16 articles that reported experiences in virtual clinics in pregnancy and postpartum healthcare. The involved studies were experimental, cohort, and cross-sectional studies. The target group users were pregnant or women who gave birth and families of neonatal. The application of virtual clinics was for the visit, consultation, monitoring, follow-up, and home care virtually. Highly satisfaction scores of caregivers after virtual visits and consultation were reported. There were some challenges during virtual visits and consultation; the most important challenge was a poor internet connection.ConclusionThe reviewed studies show promising outcomes according to patient and provider satisfaction. We predict that telehealth will become a growingly significant part of gynecological care in the future.

Virtual care extends beyond the walls of healthcare organizations to provide care at a distance. Although virtual care cannot be regarded as a solution for all health-related inquiries, it provides another care delivery channel for specific patient populations with appointments that do not require in-person physical examinations or procedures. A scoping review was conducted to define the meaning of virtual care, understand how virtual care has influenced the healthcare industry and is being expanded to complement the existing healthcare system, and describe the outcomes of using virtual care for patients and providers. Findings from the scoping review suggest that virtual care encompasses the provision of care using advanced video conferencing technology to support remote care that takes place between patients and providers and the use of virtual reality technology to simulate care environments. Some of virtual care’s use in healthcare includes application to pain and anxiety management, virtual consultations and follow-up visits, rehabilitation and therapy services, outpatient clinics, and emergency services. Lastly, from a provider and patient perspective, while both saw benefits of virtual care and scored the service relatively high on satisfaction after using virtual care, the greatest barrier to using virtual care may be technological challenges.

Background Universal access to quality healthcare remains a fundamental human right; however, underserved populations in rural and remote areas face persistent barriers to timely and appropriate care. Recent advancements in digital technology, especially virtual clinics, present promising opportunities to bridge these healthcare gaps by enhancing access and continuity of care. This review aims to systematically explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of virtual clinics in underserved regions to guide future policies and strategic development. Methods Employing the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google, and Google Scholar databases, supplemented by gray literature from targeted Google searches and snowballing techniques. A three-phase screening process was independently carried out by multiple reviewers based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and thematic analysis were conducted through a six-stage process using MAXQDA software. Results Sixty-six articles were included from an initial 1590 records screened. The body of research has grown steadily since 2002, predominantly originating from Australia, the USA, and Canada. Major challenges identified include inadequate policy support, high startup costs, resistance from healthcare providers, limited internet infrastructure, privacy and security concerns regarding data, and restrictions in performing physical examinations remotely. Key facilitators encompass strong government policy backing, active stakeholder engagement, sustainable financial models, targeted workforce training (notably indigenous-focused), investment in infrastructure, and the adoption of hybrid care models combining in-person and virtual services. Notably, the nature and severity of these challenges and facilitators vary across countries of different income levels, underscoring the necessity of tailored, context-sensitive strategies. Conclusion Implementing virtual clinics in underserved areas faces multifaceted challenges, but strategic facilitators can significantly advance their adoption and sustainability. Context-specific approaches considering economic capacities, infrastructural strengths, and workforce readiness are essential. Strengthening infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, supporting human resource development, and formulating enabling policies form the cornerstone for equitable and enduring virtual healthcare access in marginalized regions. Clinical trial Not applicable.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and virtual consultations worldwide, complex factors that may affect the use of virtual clinics are still unclear. This study aims to identify factors associated with the utilization of virtual clinics in the experience of virtual clinic service implementation in Taiwan. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 187,742 outpatient visits (176,815, 94.2%, in-person visits and 10,927, 5.8%, virtual visits) completed at a large general hospital in Taipei City from May 19 to July 31, 2021, after rapid implementation of virtual outpatient clinic visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data of patients' demographic characteristics, disease type, physicians' features, and specialties/departments were collected, and physicians' opinions regarding virtual clinics were surveyed and evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale. Multilevel analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with the utilization of virtual clinics. Patient-/visit-, physician-, and department-level factors accounted for 67.5%, 11.1%, and 21.4% of the total variance in the utilization of virtual clinics, respectively. Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% CI 1.22-1.33, P<.001); residing at a greater distance away from the hospital (OR 2.36, 95% CI 2.15-2.58 if distance>50 km, P<.001; OR 3.95, 95% CI 3.11-5.02 if extensive travel required, P<.001); reimbursement by the National Health Insurance (NHI; OR 7.29, 95% CI 5.71-9.30, P<.001); seeking care for a major chronic disease (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.24-1.42, P<.001); the physician's positive attitude toward virtual clinics (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.16-1.93, P=.002); and visits within certain departments, including the heart center, psychiatry, and internal medicine (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.46-4.46, P=.004), were positively associated with the utilization of virtual clinics. The patient's age, the physician's age, and the physician's sex were not associated with the utilization of virtual clinics in our study. Our results show that in addition to previously demonstrated patient-level factors that may influence telemedicine use, including the patient's sex and distance from the hospital, factors at the visit level (insurance type, disease type), physician level (physician's attitude toward virtual clinics), and department level also contribute to the utilization of virtual clinics. Although there was a more than 300-fold increase in the number of virtual visits during the pandemic compared with the prepandemic period, the majority (176,815/187,742, 94.2%) of the outpatient visits were still in-person visits during the study period. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the factors impacting the utilization of virtual clinics to accelerate the implementation of telemedicine. The findings of our study may help direct policymaking for expanding the use of virtual clinics, especially in countries struggling with the development and promotion of telemedicine virtual clinic services.

Integrating telehealth in an obstetric care model is important to prepare for possible infection outbreaks that require social distancing and limit in-person consultations. To ensure the successful implementation of obstetric telehealth in Hong Kong, it is essential to understand and address pregnant women’s concerns. This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s attitudes, concerns, and perceptions regarding telehealth obstetric clinic services in Hong Kong. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional questionnaire study at Queen Mary Hospital between November 2021 and August 2022. Utilizing a 5-point rating scale, the questionnaire aimed to capture pregnant women’s preferences, expectations, feasibility perceptions, and privacy concerns related to telehealth clinic services. We used statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression, to compare questionnaire responses and investigate the association between advancing gestation and attitudes toward telehealth clinics. The study included 664 participants distributed across different pregnancy stages: 269 (40.5%) before 18 gestational weeks, 198 (29.8%) between 24 and 31 weeks, and 197 (29.7%) after delivery. Among them, 49.8% (329/664) favored face-to-face consultations over telehealth clinics, and only 7.3% (48/664) believed the opposite. Additionally, 24.2% (161/664) agreed that telehealth clinics should be launched for obstetric services. However, the overall preference for telehealth clinics was <20% for routine prenatal checkups (81/664, 12.2%) and addressing pregnancy-related concerns, such as vaginal bleeding (76/664, 11.5%), vaginal discharge (128/664, 19.4%), reduced fetal movement (64/664, 9.7%), uterine contractions (62/664, 9.4%), and suspected leakage of amniotic fluid (54/664, 8.2%). Conversely, 76.4% (507/664) preferred telehealth clinics to in-person visits for prenatal education talks, prenatal and postpartum exercise, and addressing breastfeeding problems. Participants were more comfortable with telehealth clinic tasks for tasks like explaining pregnancy exam results (418/664, 63.1%), self-administering urinary dipsticks at home (373/664, 56.4%), medical history-taking (341/664, 51.5%), and self-monitoring blood pressure using an electronic machine (282/664, 42.8%). %). During the postpartum period, compared to before 18 weeks of gestation, significantly more participants agreed that telehealth clinics could be an option for assessing physical symptoms such as vaginal bleeding (aOR 2.105, 95% CI 1.448-3.059), reduced fetal movement (aOR 1.575, 95% CI 1.058-2.345), uterine contractions (aOR 2.906, 95% CI 1.945-4.342), suspected leakage of amniotic fluid (aOR 2.609, 95% CI 1.721-3.954), fever (aOR 1.526, 95% CI 1.109-2.100), and flu-like symptoms (aOR 1.412, 95% CI 1.030-1.936). They were also more confident with measuring the symphysis-fundal height, arranging further investigations, and making diagnoses with the doctor via the telehealth clinic. The main perceived public health advantage of telehealth clinics was the shorter traveling and waiting time (526/664, 79.2%), while the main concern was legal issues from wrong diagnosis and treatment (511/664, 77.4%). Face-to-face consultation remained the preferred mode of consultation among the participants. However, telehealth clinics could be an alternative for services that do not require physical examination or contact. An increased acceptance of and confidence in telehealth was found with advancing gestation and after delivery. Enforcing stricter laws and guidelines could facilitate the implementation of telehealth clinics and increase confidence in their use among pregnant women for obstetric care.

The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid implementation of virtual antenatal care to keep pregnant women safe. This transition from face-to-face usual care had to be embraced by patients and professionals alike.BACKGROUNDThe COVID-19 pandemic required rapid implementation of virtual antenatal care to keep pregnant women safe. This transition from face-to-face usual care had to be embraced by patients and professionals alike.We evaluated patients' and professionals' experiences with virtual antenatal clinic appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine satisfaction and inquire into the safety and quality of care received.OBJECTIVEWe evaluated patients' and professionals' experiences with virtual antenatal clinic appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine satisfaction and inquire into the safety and quality of care received.A total of 148 women who attended a virtual antenatal clinic appointment at our UK tertiary obstetric care center over a 2-week period provided feedback (n=92, 62% response rate). A further 37 health care professionals (HCPs) delivering care in the virtual antenatal clinics participated in another questionnaire study (37/45, 82% response rate).METHODSA total of 148 women who attended a virtual antenatal clinic appointment at our UK tertiary obstetric care center over a 2-week period provided feedback (n=92, 62% response rate). A further 37 health care professionals (HCPs) delivering care in the virtual antenatal clinics participated in another questionnaire study (37/45, 82% response rate).We showed that women were highly satisfied with the virtual clinics, with 86% (127/148) rating their experience as good or very good, and this was not associated with any statistically significant differences in age (P=.23), ethnicity (P=.95), number of previous births (P=.65), or pregnancy losses (P=.94). Even though 56% (83/148) preferred face-to-face appointments, 44% (65/148) either expressed no preference or preferred virtual, and these preferences were not associated with significant differences in patient demographics. For HCPs, 67% (18/27) rated their experience of virtual clinics as good or very good, 78% (21/27) described their experience as the same or better than face-to-face clinics, 15% (4/27) preferred virtual clinics, and 44% (12/27) had no preference. Importantly, 67% (18/27) found it easy or very easy to adapt to virtual clinics. Over 90% of HCPs agreed virtual clinics should be implemented long-term.RESULTSWe showed that women were highly satisfied with the virtual clinics, with 86% (127/148) rating their experience as good or very good, and this was not associated with any statistically significant differences in age (P=.23), ethnicity (P=.95), number of previous births (P=.65), or pregnancy losses (P=.94). Even though 56% (83/148) preferred face-to-face appointments, 44% (65/148) either expressed no preference or preferred virtual, and these preferences were not associated with significant differences in patient demographics. For HCPs, 67% (18/27) rated their experience of virtual clinics as good or very good, 78% (21/27) described their experience as the same or better than face-to-face clinics, 15% (4/27) preferred virtual clinics, and 44% (12/27) had no preference. Importantly, 67% (18/27) found it easy or very easy to adapt to virtual clinics. Over 90% of HCPs agreed virtual clinics should be implemented long-term.Our study demonstrates high satisfaction with telephone antenatal clinics during the pandemic, which supports the transition toward widespread digitalization of antenatal care suited to 21st-century patients and professionals.CONCLUSIONSOur study demonstrates high satisfaction with telephone antenatal clinics during the pandemic, which supports the transition toward widespread digitalization of antenatal care suited to 21st-century patients and professionals.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges for people with diabetes, in addition to their high-risk stratification for infection. Supporting people with diabetes to self-care has been critical to reduce their risk of severe infection. This global pandemic has presented an opportunity to digitalize diabetes care and rapidly implement virtual diabetes clinics, with the aim of optimizing diabetes management and well-being, while keeping patients safe. We performed a rapid review of the literature to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual clinics in diabetes care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and have combined these findings with our own reflections in practice. We identified examples demonstrating safety and feasibility of virtual diabetes clinics, which aligns with our own clinical experience during the pandemic. The advantages of virtual clinics include reduced treatment burden, improved therapeutic alliances, societal and psychological benefits, and in our experience, innovative solutions to overcome the challenges presented by the transition from in-person to virtual care. We have provided three infographics to illustrate lessons learned and key recommendations, including steps to establish a virtual diabetes clinic, a checklist guide for health care professionals conducting virtual clinics, and a patient guide for making the most out of the virtual clinic. It is important to continue adapting to this pandemic and to make technology a sustainable option for the future of diabetes care.