Usability And Feasibility of an in-Home Remote Exam Device in Children with Medical Complexity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Telemed J E Health. 2024 Aug 20. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0058. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Children with medical complexity (CMC) account for high health care utilization. Telemedicine holds significant potential in CMC, as it allows a provider to engage with CMC in their home environment and can alleviate both financial and transportation burdens. Remote exam devices that enable the performance of a physical exam could expand the ability of providers to clinically assess CMC during a telemedicine visit. In this pilot study, our goal was to develop a process for integrating an in-home remote exam device into a complex care clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the usability and feasibility of this device. Methods: The remote exam device was distributed to caregivers of CMC cared for at a complex care outpatient center. Using deliberate practice framework, our onboarding process provided opportunities for caregivers and providers to learn how to utilize the device. Surveys examining usability and feasibility were administered to both caregivers and providers after each telemedicine encounter. Results: A total of 43 caregivers participated in the onboarding process, which included a total of 83 practice visits. The remote exam device was rated as having excellent usability by caregivers; however, providers rated the device as having lower usability. Feasibility was notable for technology issues contributing to 15% of encounters being cancelled or ending early. Conclusions: The remote exam device was successfully integrated into a complex care clinic. Data from this pilot study supports the usability and feasibility of deploying a remote exam device across a telemedicine platform in a busy and complex outpatient academic practice.

PMID:39163318 | DOI:10.1089/tmj.2024.0058