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Impact of teleophthalmology during COVID-19 lockdown in a tertiary care center in South India.
Ravindran, M, Segi, A, Mohideen, S, Allapitchai, F, Rengappa, R
Indian journal of ophthalmology. 2021;(3):714-718
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to describe the experience of teleconsultations addressed at our hospital in India during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. METHODS This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 977 teleconsultations presenting between April 1st and May 31, 2020. A two-level protocol was implemented to triage the calls. RESULTS Overall, 977 teleconsultation were addressed. Of the 621 teleconsultation addressed the most common queries were related to redness/pain/ watering/blurred vision/itching/irritation (52.49%), followed by queries related to medications (28.01%), appointments (18.84%) & 0.64% cited an emergency need to visit the hospital due to sudden loss of vision. The majority of the queries were directed to the department of cornea (58.93%) followed by retina (16.26%), cataract (13.04%), glaucoma (10.14%) & pediatric ophthalmology (1.61%). The most common advice given to the patient was related to medications (47.66%) followed by appointment-related queries (31.72%) & fixing of surgical appointment (20.61%). Among the 356 preterm babies that were screened, 57 (16.01%) were diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Of them 3 required laser and 3 were given injection. CONCLUSION Teleconsultation is here to stay beyond the pandemic. WhatsApp was the preferred modality of communication for us. Teleophthalmology has given us insights to use this evolving technology to reach out to the population at large to provide eye care services. We believe that this mode of teleophthalmology has helped us in providing feasible eye care to the patients.
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People living with type 1 diabetes point of view in COVID-19 times (COVIDT1 study): Disease impact, health system pitfalls and lessons for the future.
Tejera-Perez, C, Moreno-Pérez, Ó, Rios, J, Reyes-García, R
Diabetes research and clinical practice. 2021;:108547
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Abstract
AIMS: To analyse the effects of confinement among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers over the course of the COVID-19 crisis and to evaluate contemporary changes in medical assistance and patient preferences. METHODS An observational cross-sectional study designed as a self-reported web-based survey was conducted over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS A total of 769 subjects participated in the survey (603 people with T1D and 166 caregivers). Changes in glycaemic control were reported in 66% of cases, weight gain in 40.4% of cases and decreased exercise levels in 65.4% of cases. Of the cohort, 53% maintained contact with the healthcare team, and 23% received specific information related to COVID-19. Emotional support was requested by 17% of respondents. Regarding telemedicine, 97.9% agreed with its use with the following preferences regarding the future: telephone call (84.5%), video-call (60.6%) and platform devices (39.7%). CONCLUSIONS Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least two-thirds of people with T1D underwent changes in the management of their condition. Almost all participants agreed with the concept of telemedicine, favouring telephone and video calls as their preferred means of communication.