Telehealth Is an Acceptable and Feasible Option for Patients with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases: Data From the Online EGID Partners Cohort

Introduction: Telehealth (TH) has had an increasingly important role in patient care, but the utility of TH for patients with EoE and non-EoE EGIDs has not been extensively described. We aimed to determine the acceptability and feasibility of TH for EGID patients and assess differences between EoE and non-EoE EGID patients. Methods: We performed a survey study based in EGID Partners (egidpartners.org), an online patient-centered research network designed and implemented by patient advocacy groups (PAGs) and researchers. Subjects were recruited via email, social media, patient portals, webinars, and by physicians. Adults (≥18 years) with EoE or non-EoE EGIDs, and these same groups but for caregivers of children < 18 years of age could join. Subjects completed a survey focusing on their experience using TH for EGID care. TH visits were defined as a visit between a healthcare provider and patient using audio and visual telecommunications. We compared EoE and non-EoE EGID patients with regards to TH experiences. Results: Of 78 respondents, 35 (45%) had an EGID-related TH visit (mean age 35 years, 69% adult respondents, 63% female). For EGIDs, 25 had EoE, 8 had eosinophilic gastritis, 7 had eosinophilic enteritis, 3 had eosinophilic colitis, and 8 had overlapping locations. Most TH visits were with a gastroenterologist (89%) and were follow-up visits (91%) (Figure 1). Visits were primarily conducted on laptop or smartphone and a high proportion of participants reported proficiency using TH technology as well as reliable and stable internet service. Most felt they were able to spend adequate time with their provider, discuss health concerns and communicate as effectively as an in-person visit, while having lower travel-related costs and less missed work or school. More than 80% had their TH visit covered by health insurance, but just 24% could see an out-of-state provider. Overall, 88% of EGID patients agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with their TH visit and 91% agreed or strongly agreed that they would use TH services again. Responses did not differ significantly between EoE and non-EoE EGID patients (Figure 1). Conclusion: Telehealth can be an effective, acceptable and feasible method of delivering care to EGID patients, with approximately 90% reporting satisfaction with their visit and being willing to use TH again. TH generally allowed patients to miss less work/school while having a similar experience to in-person visits.Figure 1.: EoE/non-EoE EGID patients and TH experiences.