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 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 vide 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1223161
Entities
People
- Matthew Griffith
Organizations
- Denver Research Institute