Evaluation of Telemedicine Spirometry Testing for Veterans with ALS (E-TEST VA)
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by weakness of skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm which is responsible for breathing. The effect of this weakness on decreasing lung function is evaluated every 1.5-3 months following the diagnosis of ALS with serial breathing tests (spirometry), conducted at clinic visits. Policies adopted by the Veterans Health Administration(VHA) and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic limited the ability to provide routine in-person evaluation and testing. To continue serving patients, VA and non-VA ALS clinics expanded the use of video telehealth visits to maintain continuity. Additionally, some clinics have been able to take advantage of telehealth spirometry devices to monitor patient lung function remotely. We sought to evaluate the quality of tests produced, patient and provider satisfaction, and costs/savings of using these devices among patients with ALS in order to better understand patient and provider opinions regarding telehealth and determine if this would be an appropriate form of telehealth to integrate into ongoing ALS care following the pandemic. Methods: We are currently conducting a prospective mixed methods study at two ALS multidisciplinary clinics. After enrollment patients perform three spirometry tests, one in clinic (standard of care), one study with the portable spirometer supervised by study staff, and a final portable spirometer study that is unsupervised. The study was designed to minimize impact on patient care, as both sites were already performing in-facility and supervised home spirometry. Patients also complete a survey outlining costs related to transportation and testing as well as satisfaction with the spirometer device and tolerance of uncertain results produced by the device.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1199735
Entities
People
- Matthew Griffith
Organizations
- Denver Research Institute