Telehealth for delivery of haemophilia comprehensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented impact to haemophilia healthcare delivery. In particular, rapid implementation of telehealth solutions was required to ensure continued access to comprehensive care.

AIMS

To explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experience of telehealth in a European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre.

METHOD

A systematic evaluation was performed to survey patient and HCP experience and compare clinical activity levels with telehealth to in-person attendances.

RESULTS

Public health measures implemented in March 2020 to reduce COVID-19 spread resulted in a 63% decrease in medical/nursing clinic consultation activity compared to the same period in 2019. Implementation of digital care pathways resulted in marked increase in activity (52% greater than 2019). Importantly, enhanced patient engagement was noted, with a 60% reduction in non-attendance rates. Survey of patients who had participated in medical/nursing teleconsultations demonstrated that teleconsultations improved access (79%), reduced inconvenience (82%), was easy to use (94%) and facilitated good communication with the HCP (97%). A survey exploring the telemedicine experience of HCPs, illustrated that HCPs were satisfied with teleconsultation and the majority (79%) would like to continue to offer teleconsultation as part of routine patient care. In addition to medical/nursing reviews, continued access to physiotherapy with virtual exercise classes for people with haemophilia and teleconsultation for acute dental issues was equally successful.

CONCLUSION

During an unprecedented public health emergency, telehealth has enabled continued access to specialized haemophilia comprehensive care. Our novel findings show that this alternative is acceptable to both patients and HCPs and offers future novel opportunities.