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. 2022 May-Jun;35(3):601-604.
doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.03.210264.

How One eConsult Service Is Addressing Emerging COVID-19 Questions

Clare Liddy  1 , Jatinderpreet Singh  2 , Rhea Mitchell  2 , Sheena Guglani  2 , Erin Keely  2
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Free article

How One eConsult Service Is Addressing Emerging COVID-19 Questions

Clare Liddy et al. J Am Board Fam Med. 2022 May-Jun.
Free article

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has made innovative solutions to providing safe, effective care paramount. eConsult allows primary care providers to access specialist advice for their patients without necessitating an in-person visit. This study aims to explain how an eConsult service adapted to providing care for COVID-19 patients and examine its impact on patient care.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of cases submitted to COVID-19 specialties through the Ontario eConsult service between October 2020 and April 2021. Utilization data were extracted from all eligible cases to assess number of cases submitted, patterns of use, response times, and case outcomes (ie, whether eConsult resulted in new or additional information, whether or not a referral was needed).

Results: 2783 eConsults were submitted to 5 COVID-19 specialty groups during the study period. 71% of the cases were for vaccine-related questions. The median response interval was 12 hours. Providers received advice for a new or additional course of action in 36% of cases. 84% of the cases did not require a referral.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the effectiveness of rapidly adapting eConsult for COVID-19 care and supports similar action for other services.

Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Medicine; Health Services Accessibility; Ontario; Pandemics; Patient Care; Primary Health Care; Telemedicine; eConsult.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: Dr. Liddy and Dr. Keely are co-founders of the Champlain BASE eConsult Service, but they have no commercial interest in the service and do not retain any proprietary rights. As Co-Executive Directors of the Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence, they receive salary support from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Dr. Keely answers occasional eConsults (less than one per month) as a specialist through the service, for which she is reimbursed.

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