Effect of telemedicine via videoconference on provider fatigue and empathy: Implications for the Quadruple Aim.

Telemedicine via videoconferencing rapidly deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic reduces contact and opportunity for virus transmission, with Quadruple Aim benefits of improved population health and associated cost avoidance of COVID-related illness. Patient experience of telemedicine has generally been positive, but widespread use of videoconferencing outside of healthcare has brought growing recognition of associated mental fatigue. Experience in telepsychiatry shows attending to non-verbal communication and maintaining empathic rapport requires increased mental effort, making provider experience more sensitive to cumulative fatigue effects.

Uncovering the Mysteries of Electronic Medication Reconciliation.

Island Health Authority ordering providers and staff continue to experience challenges related to electronic medication reconciliation. A Think Tank was created to seek a deeper understanding of the reasons why end users were experiencing challenges with documenting home medications, managing conversion failures, and writing prescriptions. Strategies to improve configuration, education, and process are underway.