Highlights
- •Perioperative audio-only encounters perform comparably with video-based encounters.
- •Audio-only encounters are associated with care for older and more rural patients.
- •Downstream care utilization was similar among audio-only and video-based visits.
Abstract
Background
Digital health is commonly utilized for surgical evaluation, however little is known
regarding the relative effectiveness of audio-only and video-based encounters.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing preoperative digital health encounters
at a hernia center from March 2020–May 2021 was conducted. Visit types were dichotomized
to audio-only and video-based encounters. Downstream care utilization and visit-specific
outcomes were analyzed.
Results
204 preoperative digital health encounters were conducted during the study period.
Audio-only encounters were more commonly performed for patients classified as older
and rural. Supplemental in-person examinations were required among 13.5% and 4.0%
of new- and established-patient encounters, respectively, with no significant difference
between audio-only and video-based assessments. Finalized operative plans were coordinated
for 43.6% of patients, with no significant difference among groups.
Conclusions
Patients being evaluated with audio-only encounters are more likely to be older and
reside in rural settings, yet demonstrate no significant difference in downstream
care utilization and clinic encounter outcomes relative to those being evaluated via
video-based assessment. Enabling audio-only surgical consultations may minimize disparities
in digital care.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 22, 2022
Accepted:
January 19,
2022
Received in revised form:
December 11,
2021
Received:
November 16,
2021
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
