Overview
The objective of this study is to determine if patients with lower extremity wounds in rural communities who undergo specialty referral through telemedicine have expedited care compared to patients who are treated through standard in person referral.
Description
This is a clustered trial where patients identified as having lower extremity ulcers with peripheral artery disease and diabetes are given the option to be seen by specialty care providers through telemedicine vs. normal standard in person referral. The study is being conducted in rural areas where there are no in person vascular surgery providers. The aim of the study is to determine if patient activation affects likelihood to use telemedicine and if use of telemedicine can expedite speciality care.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patient with the diagnosis of a lower extremity ulcer that has been present for longer than 2 weeks
- Must be willing to complete the patient activation survey
- Must be willing to have the study personnel call them to check in on their status
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients that do not have a telephone