Virtual clinics progress and outcome during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: To assess progress and outcome of the Virtual clinics during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Methods: We used Excel sheet to collect and anlyse data including number of call attempts for answer, duration of the calls, success in talking to the carers and the outcome of consulttion. Results: One-hundred-sixty-seven calls were made for 117 patients. Average of 1.3 calls per patient. 94/115 (81.7%) calls were eventually answered. 65% (71) parents answered the call from a single attempt (71/110). 18% (21/110) of parents answered the call on the second attempt. The average call duration was 9 min (range 21–5 min). We discharged 11% (11/103) of patients, while 33% (34/103) patients required a face-to-face physical review. A follow-up appointment was scheduled for 54% patients (58/103). Discussion/Conclusion: With careful patients’ selection, virtual outpatient clinics represent a feasible means of delivering outpatient care from a clinician perspective.