Early Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Outpatient Neurologic Care in Hawai'i.
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In March 2020, Hawai'i instituted public health measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including stay-at-home orders, closure of non-essential businesses and parks, use of facial coverings, social distancing, and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers. In response to these measures, Hawai'i Pacific Neuroscience (HPN) modified practice processes to ensure continuity of neurological treatment. A survey of patients was performed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic-related practice processes for quality improvement. Overall, 367 patients seen at HPN between April 22, 2020, and May 18, 2020, were surveyed via telephone. Almost half (49.6%) participated in a telemedicine appointment, with the majority finding it easy to use (87.4%) and as valuable as face-to-face appointments (68.7%). Many (44.5%) patients said they would have missed a health care appointment without the availability of telemedicine, and 47.3% indicated they might prefer to use telemedicine over in-person appointments in the future. Many reported new or worsening mental health problems, including depression (27.6%), anxiety (38.3%), or sleep disturbances (37.4%). A significant number reported worsening of their condition, with 33.1% of patients who experience migraines reporting increased symptom severity or frequency, 45.8% patients with Alzheimer's disease reporting worsened symptoms, 38.5% of patients with Parkinson's disease who had a recent fall, and 50.0% of patients with multiple sclerosis experiencing new or worsened symptoms. Insights from this survey applied to the practice's pandemic-related processes include emphasizing lifestyle modification, screening for changes in mental health, optimizing treatment plans, and continuing the option of telemedicine.
Source: PubMed
Authors: Julie Crocker, Keke Liu, Maiya Smith, Max Nakamoto, Catherine Mitchell, Ena Zhu, Enze Ma, Frances Tiffany Morden, Ariel Chong, Nicholas Van, Nong Dang, Pat Borman, Enrique Carrazana, Jason Viereck, Kore Kai Liow
Institutions: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Hawaii System
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4206862906