John M Stone1, Troy E Gibbons2. 1. 1 Department of Pediatrics, Kentucky Children's Hospital , Lexington, Kentucky. 2. 2 Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Kentucky Children's Hospital , Lexington, Kentucky.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The availability of pediatric subspecialty services is a problem evident throughout the United States. Access to pediatric gastroenterology services, especially in rural areas, can be scarce. Telemedicine has been proposed as a tool capable of decreasing healthcare costs while extending medical care. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review available literature regarding the utility of telemedicine as it applies to pediatric gastroenterology, specifically its role in eliminating healthcare disparities. METHODS: Research articles were identified through a PubMed search with key words focusing on telemedicine initiatives in pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric subspecialty, rural pediatric care, and adult gastroenterology. Studies were categorized based on the following areas of application: financial, time management, communication/community, and patient health and satisfaction. RESULTS: We reached the conclusion that evidence-supported trends in available literature provide a framework for pediatric gastroenterology telemedicine initiatives that can provide resource-sparing, community-enriching, and physician-improving services that ultimately serve to better patient health.
BACKGROUND: The availability of pediatric subspecialty services is a problem evident throughout the United States. Access to pediatric gastroenterology services, especially in rural areas, can be scarce. Telemedicine has been proposed as a tool capable of decreasing healthcare costs while extending medical care. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review available literature regarding the utility of telemedicine as it applies to pediatric gastroenterology, specifically its role in eliminating healthcare disparities. METHODS: Research articles were identified through a PubMed search with key words focusing on telemedicine initiatives in pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric subspecialty, rural pediatric care, and adult gastroenterology. Studies were categorized based on the following areas of application: financial, time management, communication/community, and patient health and satisfaction. RESULTS: We reached the conclusion that evidence-supported trends in available literature provide a framework for pediatric gastroenterology telemedicine initiatives that can provide resource-sparing, community-enriching, and physician-improving services that ultimately serve to better patient health.
Authors: Jennifer A Lee; Gennaro Di Tosto; Fiona A McAlearney; Steven Miller; Ethan Mezoff; Rajitha D Venkatesh; Jeannie Huang; Jenifer R Lightdale; Jaclyn Volney; Ann Scheck McAlearney Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr Date: 2021-07-01 Impact factor: 3.288
Authors: Amir Jazayeri; Julie V Dinh; Debra Eseonu; John M Hollier; Benjamin L Shneider Journal: J Telemed Telecare Date: 2022-10-05 Impact factor: 6.344