COVID-19 forced a swift change to remote neurology outpatient appointments in order to reduce hospital footfall. The impact of this change on diagnosis, investigations requested, and follow up was unknown.

This retrospective study compared 100 general neurology outpatients assessed remotely by a single clinician in 2020, to 100 patients assessed face to face during a similar time frame in 2019. The aim of the study was to identify if remote consultations are a feasible alternative, and if their use resulted in increased numbers of investigations or repeat consultations.

There were similar numbers of urgent investigations ordered in 2019 and 2020 (9% and 7% respectively); however, fewer routine investigations were requested (7% compared with 38%). Of 58 new outpatients in 2020, 12% required video assessment, and 1 required a physical review. An additional 10% consultations were needed in 2020. The discharge rate was similar in both cohorts (41% and 44%). Follow up plans were similar between the 2 cohorts, despite an increase in 2020 of 6 month follow up appointments.

This study demonstrates remote neurology outpatient consultations are feasible outside the pandemic. We propose follow up appointments could be done remotely as a default and potentially for some selected new patients.

james.pigott@nhs.net