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Observational Study
. 2021 Oct;103(9):666-672.
doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7147. Epub 2021 Aug 25.

Virtual clinics in foot and ankle surgery: patient and clinician perceptions

J-H Rhind  1 , A Devany  1 , E Ramhamadany  1 , S Ismael  1 , C Heaver  1 , S Hill  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Virtual clinics in foot and ankle surgery: patient and clinician perceptions

J-H Rhind et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Background: The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has led to the popularisation of 'virtual' clinics. In orthopaedics, little is known about the use of virtual clinics within foot and ankle surgery, specifically.

Methods: A cross-sectional observation study of patients and clinicians in response to virtual clinics in foot and ankle surgery. Patients seen in a virtual clinic were contacted by telephone from two weeks after their consultation and asked to complete a 12-point questionnaire. Demographic information was also collected. Clinicians in foot and ankle completed a 10-point questionnaire.

Results: One hundred patient responses were collected. Patient satisfaction with virtual clinics was positive, with 65% of respondents reporting they were very happy (Likert scale rating 5). More than 90% of patients felt they received enough information, felt involved, felt the virtual clinic was helpful and knew who to contact if there was a problem. However, 79% would still prefer a face-to-face consultation, and 22% would have preferred a video consultation. Clinician responses were more cautious, with 60% stating they were neither happy nor unhappy (Likert scale rating 3). Virtual clinics may be faster for the clinician.

Conclusions: Virtual clinics may be more convenient for patients, with high satisfaction levels reported, but represent significant clinical challenges for foot and ankle surgeons. Elements of virtual clinics may persist post pandemic, particularly in routine follow-up. Virtual clinics are not appropriate for new patient referrals.

Keywords: COVID-19; Foot and ankle clinic; Foot and ankle surgery; Telecommunication clinic; Virtual clinic.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Patient reasons for attending the clinic
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patient responses to the questionnaire
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patient satisfaction with virtual foot and ankle clinics (Likert scale 1–5)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Clinician responses to virtual foot and ankle clinics (Likert scale 1–5)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Clinician satisfaction with virtual clinics
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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