Telemedicine use expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, including to surgical fields that had limited prior adoption of telehealth such as oculoplastic surgery. To assess telemedicine usage patterns, barriers to implementation, and satisfaction with telemedicine, this study from HIP Investigator Dr. Yao Liu conducted a survey among members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
They received 196 unique survey responses from 963 invited participants. Among the 192 ASOPRS members who participated, the majority reported currently using telemedicine. Telemedicine adoption increased significantly among oculoplastic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many current users reported that they were unsure or did not plan to use telemedicine post-pandemic. Further research is needed to design sustainable telemedicine programs to enhance patient access to oculoplastic specialty care in the long term.
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