To compare outcomes between periodic in-person infectious disease (ID) care and daily Tele-ID care at a community hospital, emphasizing the need for effective alternatives in areas with limited access to specialists.
Key Findings:
Daily Tele-ID care group had higher CCI scores (5.3 vs 4.5, P = .047), indicating a more complex patient population.
Shorter length of stay in Tele-ID group (7.5 vs 9.08 days, P = .003), suggesting efficiency in care delivery.
Less frequent discharge on intravenous antibiotics in Tele-ID group (34% vs 51%, P = .007), indicating a shift towards oral therapy.
Higher discharge on oral antibiotics in Tele-ID group (39% vs 23%, P = .014), reflecting a potential change in treatment approach.
No significant differences in transfer rates to tertiary care (13% vs 14%, P = .84) or in-hospital mortality (2% vs 2%), suggesting comparable safety.
Higher 30-day readmission rate in Tele-ID group (11% vs 1%, P < .01), with only one ID-related readmission, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Interpretation:
Daily Tele-ID services increased utilization of ID care and showed comparable outcomes to in-person care, suggesting effectiveness in resource-limited settings and the potential for broader implementation.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce bias, affecting the reliability of outcomes.
Single-center study limits generalizability to other settings.
Short follow-up period for assessing long-term outcomes may overlook important trends.
Conclusion:
Daily Tele-ID care is a viable alternative to in-person ID care, particularly in areas lacking access to specialists, with similar or improved patient outcomes, warranting further exploration in diverse healthcare settings.
