Videoconferencing in Pressure Injury: Randomized Controlled Telemedicine Trial in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

JMIR Form Res, 2022 · DOI: 10.2196/27692 · Published: April 19, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Telehealth & Digital Health Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether using videoconferencing for healthcare consultations can be as effective as traditional in-person visits for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and pressure injuries (PI). Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving videoconference consultations and the other receiving regular outpatient care. The goal was to see if videoconferencing could improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL), wound healing, and patient satisfaction compared to regular care. District nurses were present in both groups to assist with the consultations at the participant’s home. The results showed that videoconferencing was a safe and efficient way to manage PIs, providing similar outcomes in HRQoL, healing rates, interaction, and satisfaction compared to traditional care. This suggests that telemedicine can be a viable option for delivering care to individuals with SCI and PI, especially those who live far from specialists.

Study Duration

52 weeks maximum

Participants

56 participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) and pressure injury (PI)

Evidence Level

Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) showed no significant differences between the videoconference group (VCG) and the regular care group (RCG).
2
The rate of pressure injury (PI) healing was similar in both groups, with 64% of PIs healing in the VCG and 70% in the RCG.
3
Participants in both groups reported acceptable levels of interaction and satisfaction, with no significant differences observed between the VCG and RCG.

Research Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of videoconferencing for managing pressure injuries (PIs) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to regular outpatient care. The study found that videoconference-based care is a safe and efficient alternative to conventional care, with no significant differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), PI healing, interaction, and satisfaction between the two groups. These findings suggest that telemedicine can improve access to care for individuals with SCI and PI, particularly those in remote areas, and should be considered in future healthcare planning.

Practical Implications

Remote Patient Monitoring

Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of patients with SCI and PI, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and improving access to specialized care.

Improved Access to Specialists

Videoconferencing can connect patients in rural or underserved areas with wound care specialists, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.

Enhanced District Nurse Support

Integrating district nurses into telemedicine consultations can provide local support and guidance, improving the overall quality of care.

Study Limitations

1
The study may lack sufficient statistical power to provide conclusive evidence regarding all comparisons.
2
The heterogeneity regarding participants, modalities, and the level of mixed evidence in previous research makes it difficult to compare with prior work.
3
A longer follow-up period may be needed to assess the number of nonhealing PIs.

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