The evolution of telehealth in early-onset scoliosis care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-14-2024

Publication Title

Spine Deformity

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the adoption and sustained use of telehealth for managing early-onset scoliosis (EOS) during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 35-question anonymous survey was emailed to 191 physician members of an international pediatric spine research group. Results: Ninety seven clinicians completed the survey (51%). Of the 78% who reported that they currently use telehealth for EOS patients, 44% do so rarely; 21% do not use telehealth at all for EOS patients. Pre-pandemic, 37% used telehealth, increasing to 93% during the pandemic, with 40% using telehealth for most visits and 33% for a quarter of visits (p < 0.001). Post-pandemic usage was significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels (p < 0.001). Bracing was the favored treatment to monitor via telehealth (61% of respondents). Minor curves and initial post-op visits were ranked as the most suitable for remote care (77% of respondents). Geography and transport issues were the most cited drivers of telehealth (71% and 57% of respondents, respectively). No specific subset of EOS was particularly suitable for telehealth. The most common exam techniques used via telehealth included back inspection (88%), observing gait/posture (58%), and Adams test (46%). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant increase in telehealth services for EOS patients (p < 0.001). While most patients returned to in-person visits post-pandemic, a significant number continued to use telehealth, especially when compared to pre-pandemic (p < 0.001). This persistent use, particularly for patients treated with bracing and to monitor minor curves, highlights the opportunity to optimize EOS care by strategically blending telemedicine with conventional clinic visits.

PubMed ID

39673678

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