Telemedicine in Vascular Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in seismic changes to healthcare service delivery. The use of telemedicine was widely adopted during the pandemic, although its value in the safe care of vascular patients is unknown. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken to identify studies that described outcomes or patient/clinician views of telemedicine (telephone or video) services in vascular surgery during or after the pandemic. Two reviewers independently searched medical databases, selected studies, extracted data, and undertook a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. Most studies reported increased telemedicine use during the pandemic. Most patients (80.6%–100%) were satisfied with telephone or video consultation. More than 90% of the patients felt that telemedicine was a good substitute during the pandemic to avoid travelling and reduce transmission risk. Three studies showed patients had a strong preference for continuing telemedicine consultations postpandemic. Two studies evaluating patients with arterial ulceration and venous diseases reported no significant difference in clinical outcome between patients reviewed face-to-face and those seen remotely. One study showed clinicians preferred face-to-face consultations. No study conducted cost analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and clinicians viewed telemedicine favorably as an alternative to face-to-face clinics during the pandemic and included studies did not identify any safety concerns. Its role postpandemic is not clearly defined, although these data suggest a significant proportion of patients would appreciate, and be suitable for, such consultations in the future.