A comparison of epilepsy patients in a traditional ambulatory clinic and a telemedicine clinic.
OBJECTIVE
This article compares a traditional ambulatory clinic in an academic medical center with a telemedicine clinic. The telemedicine clinic is a joint project of the UTMB Telehealth Center and the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas, with partial funding for clinical operations provided by the Texas Department of Health.


METHODS
Data were collected on all the patients (n = 155) in both clinics for 3 months in 2004. In addition to demographic information, outcome data (number of seizures, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits) were gathered. Medication compliance also was collected by using self-report and medication levels.


RESULTS
Outcome variables were subjected to t test and chi(2) analysis. No significant differences were found in any of the demographic data or outcome measures between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Telemedicine is an acceptable alternative to in-person clinics for the provision of care to adults with epilepsy. Because telemedicine programs are designed to bring medical care closer to where patients live, these clinics provide an excellent alternative to provide consistent care in rural and geographically isolated areas. Additional studies are needed to investigate the potential costs associated with telemedicine as well as the potential for cost savings over time as patients are more able to access care and therefore may be more likely to seek the needed routine care and follow-up.
Rasmusson
Karen A
KA
Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, 77555, USA.
Hartshorn
Jeanette C
JC
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010349:Patient Compliance; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012107:Research Design; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013781:Texas
D000927:Anticonvulsants