Telemedicine in pediatric surgery

Abstract

Importance: Telemedicine is an emerging strategy for healthcare delivery that has the potential to expand access, optimize efficiency, minimize cost, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Objective: To review the current spectrum, potential strategies, and implementation process of telemedicine in pediatric surgery.

Design: Review and opinion design.

Setting: n/a.

Participants: n/a. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: n/a.

Results: n/a.

Conclusions and relevance: Telemedicine is an emerging approach with the potential to facilitate efficient, cost-effective delivery of pediatric surgical services.

Brief abstract: Telemedicine is an emerging strategy for healthcare delivery that has the potential to expand access, optimize efficiency, minimize cost, and enhance patient satisfaction. The objectives of this review are to explore common terms in telemedicine, provide an overview of current legislative and billing guidelines, review the current state of telemedicine in surgery and pediatric surgery, and provide basic themes for successful implementation of a pediatric surgical telemedicine program.

Type of study: Review.

Level of evidence: Level V.

Keywords: Pediatric surgery; Technology; Telehealth; Telemedicine; Virtual visit.