Abstract
INTRODUCTION:During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine, initially viewed as inadequate, can now be considered as one of the solutions during this demanding time in medicine.
OBJECTIVES:The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of medical attention in neurology with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is an observational descriptive study. Data was obtained by an anonymous survey aimed at working Neurologists in Colombia.
RESULTS:Of the 120 questionnaires collected, 70 (58%) were answered by women. The data shows that 70 (58.3%) of participating doctors in this study perceived their patient workload volume increased. Data collected reveals seventy-six (63,9%) of the doctors in this study felt that outpatient telemedicine, with some improvements, can continue to be a useful tool in the daily practice of Neurology. Neuromuscular and demyelinating diseases, and movement disorders were not considered a good option to assess via telemedicine. However, Epilepsy and Dementia were considered a good option for first-time evaluation.
DISCUSSION:76 (64%) of the doctors agreed the practice of telemedicine should continue, even when the pandemic is no longer a factor, however, improvements should be made for a better quality of attention. Additional studies are required to evaluate accuracy of teleneurology in comparison to face-to-face outpatient consultation.
CONCLUSION:Telemedicine is a useful tool in Neurology outpatient evaluation, but improvement is needed to assure quality and safety.
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