One of the initial studies focusing on how patients perceive teleneurology and identifying the factors influencing their acceptance across various neurological conditions revealed that teleneurology was well received by patients with different diagnoses such as headaches, movement disorders, and other neurological symptoms. The study also noted that patients with more complex medical conditions, including multiple diseases, expressed higher satisfaction with teleneurology.
It was observed that older patients showed similar acceptance levels to younger patients, dispelling the notion that younger individuals are more tech-savvy. Additionally, residing in rural areas with limited access to in-person medical visits did not affect the acceptance of teleneurology.
Dr. Linda S. Williams, a senior author of the study and a research scientist at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Regenstrief Institute, emphasized the efficiency of telehealth in enabling healthcare providers to gather crucial information from patients through video consultations, which can aid in making accurate diagnoses. This mode of healthcare delivery is beneficial in optimizing scarce medical resources, particularly in instances of physician shortages, and in catering to patients who face challenges in traveling to healthcare facilities due to conditions like epilepsy, which are significant in neurology.
The study involved patients who were surveyed two weeks after engaging with clinicians through teleneurology services, conducted either at home via video or at outpatient clinics with telehealth capabilities. The research highlighted the importance of considering teleneurology for older patients and those with complex medical conditions, who often require neurology care. This approach can help address the shortage of neurologists in the U.S., especially in rural areas, by improving efficiency in patient consultations and optimizing the utilization of limited neurological resources through telehealth services.
