Disparities in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic among pediatric dermatology patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid implementation of telemedicine at medical centers across the United States. As telemedicine is expected to persist beyond the pandemic in subspecialties like pediatric dermatology, there is growing concern that socioeconomic factors may contribute to inequitable telemedicine access. This study aims to identify factors associated with disparities in telemedicine use among pediatric dermatology patients during the pandemic.

METHODS

In this single-center cross-sectional study, patients less than 18 years old who completed a visit with a pediatric dermatologist via a video telemedicine call or in-person office visit during the specified time periods were included. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to compare demographic factors for (1) patients who had a telemedicine visit versus office visit during June 1, 2020, to January 22, 2021, and (2) patients who had either visit type during June 1, 2020, to January 22, 2021, versus June 1, 2019, to January 2020.

RESULTS

The independent factors associated with lower odds of telemedicine include identifying as Black/African American, having a non-English preferred language, and having public insurance, whereas the independent factors reducing overall access to pediatric dermatology care during the pandemic include identifying as Hispanic/Latino and having public insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential telemedicine use in vulnerable communities may be attributed to disparities in technology access and digital literacy and should be addressed at a structural level. If such disparities are identified and adequately remedied, telemedicine can serve as an important tool for expanding access in the field of pediatric dermatology.