@article{AJO5209,
author = {Elizabeth Olayos and Roi Kagan and Patrick Guiney and Bing Mei Teh},
title = {Telemedicine practices in otolaryngology: a single centre study},
journal = {Australian Journal of Otolaryngology},
volume = {9},
number = {0},
year = {2026},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background: Telemedicine (TM) was rapidly integrated into routine outpatient care at many centres during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This technology provided a means of continuing to offer patient care while minimising infection transmission. While the acute period of infectious risk has passed, this study aims to examine patient characteristics and appointment outcomes during this time, with a view to considering ongoing applications of TM in otolaryngology clinics.Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on patients at a single centre in Melbourne, Australia over a 6-month period between March 2020 and August 2020. Data collected included patient demographics, subtype of otolaryngology consultation, interventions and attendance and planned follow-up patterns. Patient and visit characteristics were assessed and compared for TM vs. face-to-face (F2F) consultations.Results: The study included 1,118 appointments at a general otolaryngology clinic during the assessment period. There was no significant difference in attendance and discharge rates between TM and F2F appointments. Telehealth patients were less likely to be new patients than F2F patients (25.9% vs. 41.8%). There was a significant association between consultation mode and new vs. review status [odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38–0.63, P},
issn = {2616-2792}, url = {https://www.theajo.com/article/view/5209}
}