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BMC Oral Health

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research article

Virtual consultations for oral surgery patients

Authors: Aoife Crummey, Abigail Graham, Eleni Besi

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Following Covid-19, many departments have incorporated teledentistry into practice. As new consultation methods are introduced, it’s imperative that patients have as similar an experience with virtual consultations to ensure informed decision-making. This project evaluated patients' perceptions of video consultations and determined if patients seen virtually received the same standard of information by auditing compliance with sending patient information leaflets (PILs) following video consultation.

Method

The department’s PILs were used to create an inclusion list for patients requiring a PIL. A retrospective audit assessed the notes of 100 video consultations for records of if PILs were sent and by what method. The department’s PILs were digitalised and a clinical mailbox introduced enabling clinicians to email patients a PIL hyperlink. The audit was repeated for 88 video consultations. Patient and staff feedback was gathered via online surveys.

Results

Initially, 51% of cases met the criteria requiring a PIL and 16% of patients were sent PILs. Following mailbox introduction, 53% of cases met the criteria and 94% were sent PILs, 100% via email. Patient and staff feedback was positive regarding video consultations and digital PILS. Technical difficulties were reported in 44% of cases.

Conclusions

Patients perceive virtual consultations to be a positive change and the introduction of a mailbox enhances video consultations in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Patient information can be standardised, via digital PILs, regardless of consultation type. As departments implement post-pandemic changes, utilisation of a mailbox can provide multiple improvements to care.

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Title: Virtual consultations for oral surgery patients
Authors: Aoife Crummey
Abigail Graham
Eleni Besi
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02076-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Virtual consultations for oral surgery patients

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

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