Judith Volcy, DO; Walkitria Smith, MD; Krystal Mills, MD; Ashley Peterson, DO; Ijeoma Kene-Ewulu, MD; Macy McNair, MD; Riba Kelsey, MD; Nkechi Mbaezue
Corresponding Author: Judith Volcy, DO; Morehouse School of Medicine. Email: jvolcy@msm.edu
Section: Original Research
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Background and Introduction: The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic that forced medical providers to rapidly alter methods of healthcare delivery. One month into this pandemic, we surveyed providers and patients to assess satisfaction or concerns with the change from inperson visits. Materials and Methods: We surveyed IM and FM faculty and residents to ascertain satisfaction or concerns with the change to telehealth from in-person visits. IM providers were exclusively providing telephone visits while FM providers utilized mostly video visits. Results: 129 patients agreed to participate in the survey. 47 IM providers participated in the study: 8 faculty and 39 residents. 407 patients were seen by FM providers with 94 agreeing to participate. 25 FM providers participated in the study: 7 faculty and 18 residents. 84.4% of IM patients and 94% of FM patients agreed or strongly agreed that they enjoyed the televisits while 82.9% of IM and 64% of MF providers felt that same. 76.74% of IM patients and 84.1% of FM patients agreed or strongly agreed that they wouldn’t mind having virtual visits post pandemic compared to 89.44% of IM providers and 88% of FM providers. 91% of IM providers and 88% of FM providers felt comfortable managing visits virtually. Discussion and Conclusion: Patients are open to the expanded use of telemedicine and providers and hospital systems should be prepared to embrace it for the benefit of patient care.