Karen K Hoi1, Stuart H Curtis2, Lynn Driver3, Erica Wisnosky3, David A Zopf2,4, Lauren A Bohm2. 1. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 3. Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 4. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a period of social isolation that has challenged the ability of providers to uphold in-person patient care. Although commonplace in pediatric otolaryngology, multidisciplinary clinics pose a unique challenge during this time due to increased infection risk from multiple patient-provider interactions. Guidance on the application of telemedicine for multidisciplinary clinics in pediatric otolaryngology is limited. METHODS: We provide comprehensive guidance on best practices for conducting telemedicine visits for a number of multidisciplinary otolaryngology clinics using our experiences at a single tertiary care children's hospital. A review of literature to support the adoption of telemedicine in multidisciplinary pediatric otolaryngology is also incorporated. RESULTS: Telemedicine was successfully adopted for 7 multidisciplinary pediatric clinics with a variety of specialists: aerodigestive disorders, congenital hearing loss, microtia/aural atresia, orofacial clefting, sleep disorders, tracheostomy care, and velopharyngeal dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine is feasible for a variety of multidisciplinary clinics and its optimization is critical for providing care to complex pediatric otolaryngology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a period of social isolation that has challenged the ability of providers to uphold in-person patient care. Although commonplace in pediatric otolaryngology, multidisciplinary clinics pose a unique challenge during this time due to increased infection risk from multiple patient-provider interactions. Guidance on the application of telemedicine for multidisciplinary clinics in pediatric otolaryngology is limited. METHODS: We provide comprehensive guidance on best practices for conducting telemedicine visits for a number of multidisciplinary otolaryngology clinics using our experiences at a single tertiary care children's hospital. A review of literature to support the adoption of telemedicine in multidisciplinary pediatric otolaryngology is also incorporated. RESULTS: Telemedicine was successfully adopted for 7 multidisciplinary pediatric clinics with a variety of specialists: aerodigestive disorders, congenital hearing loss, microtia/aural atresia, orofacial clefting, sleep disorders, tracheostomy care, and velopharyngeal dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine is feasible for a variety of multidisciplinary clinics and its optimization is critical for providing care to complex pediatric otolaryngology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.