#2777 Telemedicine impact in glomerular diseases

Abstract Background and Aims Telemedicine enables substantial time savings and resource optimization while providing instant accessibility to clinical care teams, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Glomerular diseases, characterized by their rarity, significant impact on younger patients, reliance on off-label medications, and the need for highly specialized care, often necessitate frequent clinical visits. This study retrospectively evaluates the impact of telemedicine during two periods: 2016–2020 (pre-telemedicine) and 2020–2024 (post-telemedicine). Furthermore, it projects trends and outcomes for 2030. We analyzed patient numbers, visit frequencies, and time requirements within a hybrid healthcare model (combining in-person and telehealth visits), quantifying efficiency gains attributable to telemedicine. Additionally, we identified key determinants influencing telemedicine utilization. Since 2023, the proportion of in-person versus telemedicine consultations has been guided by patient demand. Method Data from 2016 to 2024 were retrospectively analyzed to model trends in patient numbers, annual visits per patient, and time utilization. Predictive models for 2030 were developed using linear regression to forecast patient numbers and visits per patient. Time requirements were estimated assuming 30 minutes per in-person visit and 20 minutes per telemedicine visit. Key metrics included total annual visits, total hours required without telemedicine, total hours required with telemedicine, and time saved. Telehealth was implemented via a smartphone using WhatsApp, which was exclusively utilized for logistical or administrative communications. Results The number of patients progressively increased from 244 in 2016 to 340 in 2024 (R² = 0.89, P = 0.001), with an average annual growth rate of 4.92%. Annual visits per patient increased from 3.73 to 4.95 (R² = 0.68, P = 0.006). Total patients evaluated during the pre-telemedicine (2016–2020) and post-telemedicine (2020–2024) periods were 1,106 and 1,636, respectively. The mean annual difference in patient numbers was −51 (95% CI: −24 to −77, P = 0.003), while the mean difference in visits per patient/year was −0.55 (95% CI: −1.19 to 0.07, P = 0.077). Telemedicine accounted for an average of 35% of consultations, reflecting patient demand during 2023 and 2024. Between 2020 and 2024, the hybrid model saved a total of 458 hours, equivalent to 61 full workdays (12 days annually). Predictive modeling suggests that by 2030, patient numbers will increase to 421, with an estimated 2,216 visits annually and 5.68 visits per patient/year. Stratified analysis of telemedicine utilization from 2020 to 2023 identified key reasons: COVID-19-related (9.9%), medication queries (17%), clinical symptoms (14%), consultation management (34%), and other reasons (25%). Consultation management, defined as adapting medical appointments to the needs and conditions of patients or the clinical care team, emerged as the most frequent reason for telemedicine use, with a 21% annual growth rate (R2: 0.95, P = 0.025). Conclusion In the context of glomerular diseases, healthcare resource demands are progressively increasing. Telemedicine has demonstrated its transformative potential to optimize time and resources, benefiting both patients and clinical care teams. Immediate accessibility to clinical support via telemedicine may drive significant advancements in care delivery. Notably, enhanced consultation management has emerged as a critical unmet need, highlighting the potential for telemedicine to address evolving demands in this patient population.