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COMPARING PATIENT SATISFACTION BETWEEN FACE-TO-FACE AND TELEHEALTH CLINICAL VISITS FOR SPORT-RELATED CONCUSSION

Abstract

Mallory McElroy1, Katie Stephenson-Brown1, Samantha Mohler1, R.J. Elbin, Ph.D. 1University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

A multifaceted and interdisciplinary management of sport-related concussion (SRC) is key to concussion assessment and rehabilitation, and oftentimes requires specialty referral for comprehensive and targeted care. However, geographical barriers and lack of specialty providers with concussion expertise, may prevent access to specialized care. Telehealth is an innovative method for providing increased access to healthcare for athletes with SRC. However patient rapport (i.e., therapeutic alliance) and satisfaction have not been documented with this new method of healthcare delivery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare patient and caregiver ratings of the therapeutic alliance and clinical visit satisfaction scores between telehealth and in-office consultations for youth athletes with concussion. METHODS: A between-subjects randomized controlled design was utilized. Twenty patients (M= 15.20, SD= 1.55 yrs) with SRC and their caregiver were randomly assigned to either a telehealth or face-to-face clinical visit. The concussed patient and their caregiver completed the therapeutic alliance and satisfaction scale after the clinical visit. RESULTS: Therapeutic alliance scores did not differ between telehealth and face-to-face conditions (p=.21), and patient satisfaction scores were also similar between conditions (p=.19). CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences among patient and parent reports of satisfaction between face-to-face and telehealth visits for concussion treatment. Therefore, this study shows the therapeutic alliance for the concussion clinical visit can be effectively established via telehealth.

(University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Honors College Grant)

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