The Feasibility of Sharing Audio-Video Recordings of ALS Clinical Encounters with Patients and their Caregivers
Principal Investigator
Paul J. Barr, PhD MPH; Jeffrey Cohen MD (Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center)
Lead Investigator
Reed WR. Bratches MPH MALS
Public Health Relevance
Sharing clinic visit recordings has the potential to make a major positive impact on patients with ALS and their caregivers; the use of video is particularly important in ALS given the involvement of physical and speech therapy. This project will provide insights into the potential of recording technology to support visit information communication and optimal management of this complex condition.
Funding Source
Diamond Endowment Program at Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College
Project Period: 06/01/2018 – 05/31/2019
Other Project Staff
Michelle Dannenberg MPH; Will Haslett PhD; Tanya Butt MPH; Daniel Peipert
Project Summary
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that is best managed in a Multidisciplinary Clinic (MDC). MDC visits are complex, with a single patient meeting with more than 8 specialists over the course of 3+ hours. Current standard practice is the provisioning of a single written after-visit summary (AVS) to aid in patient recall of the clinical discussions. However, the written AVS is problematic, and rarely comprehensive.
Audio/Video recordings have the potential to address many of the shortcomings of the AVS, and provide a perfect record of the clinical visit. However, Audio/Video recordings have not been used in a multidisciplinary clinic.
The objective of this project is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a recording protocol in an ALS MDC in a single arm pilot study. Additionally, qualitative interviews will be conducted to refine the protocol for implementation in a larger trial.