Abstract Details

Title Teleneurology for Epilepsy: Improving Access to Care in Rural Nebraska

Topic Practice, Policy, and Ethics

Presentation(s) S22 - Practice, Policy, and Ethics: Improving Patient Care and the Rise of Telemedicine (4:30 PM-4:42 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 006

Objective To demonstrate feasibility, evaluate time expenditure, patient satisfaction and quality of care metrics in a first-in-state tele-epilepsy clinic.

Background Nebraska has more than 20,000 patients with epilepsy, served by only two Level IV epilepsy centers, both located in Omaha, NE. Most patients travel several hours for an initial appointment. In addition, driving restrictions on epilepsy patients adds to their difficulty in getting access to care. To address this treatment gap, we set up the first telehealth epilepsy clinic in the state.

Design/Methods Referral to a monthly tele-epilepsy clinic staffed by an Epileptologist were received from primary care physicians (PCP) and general neurologists. Patients seen at the UNMC clinic were provided with a teleclinic follow up option. The Zoom video conferencing tool was used for the tele-visit at the remote site in Hastings, NE. Demographics, travel times, satisfaction scores and quality metrics are being collected.

Results In the first four months a total of 10 patients were seen. Of these, 80% were new and 20% were follow up patients. The average age was 34 + 14.4 years, 60% were male and 40% were female. 30% of patients were found to be medically refractory and an epilepsy monitoring unit referral for presurgical work-up was scheduled. None of the patients had access to an Epileptologist that did not require > 4.5 hours of travel time. Without the tele-epilepsy clinic, 60% would receive epilepsy care from their PCP and 40% from a general neurologist. The average travel time to be seen by an Epileptologist in person was 5.96 +0.53 hours. The average travel time to the tele-clinic was significantly shorter and was 0.95+ 0.34 hours.

Conclusions Epilepsy care via telemedicine is feasible and provides much needed access to specialty care in rural regions. A nine month follow-up on quality metrics and satisfaction scores will be presented.

Authors/Disclosures
Proleta Datta, MD (Oregon Health and Science University) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Datta has received research support from Great Plains IDeA-CTR Pilot grant. Dr. Datta has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Medical Expert with US Dept of Transportation, FMCSA.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file

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