Telemedicine for Gallbladder Disease

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByRachel Kelz, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this retrospective cohort and pragmatic pilot trial is to examine the social determinants of health in racial and ethnic minority patients from socially vulnerable backgrounds who have Gallbladder Disease (GBD). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What racial barriers in outcome exist for socially vulnerable patients with gallbladder disease? 2. How effective is telemedicine consultation in improving surgical outcomes for socially vulnerable patients with gallbladder disease? Study participants will be asked to undergo telemedicine consultation in place of regular consultation with their doctor before undergoing treatment. Researchers will compare the telemedicine consultation groups with traditional care patients to see if telemedicine consultation is effective at reducing surgical disparity outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with gallbladder disease who belong to a racial or ethnic minority, speak limited English, live in low-income areas, or are underinsured. They must have been seen by a primary care provider or discharged from an emergency department between February and June 2023.

Participant Groups

The study compares telemedicine consultations with traditional in-person doctor visits before gallbladder surgery. It aims to determine if telemedicine can improve surgical outcomes and reduce disparities among socially vulnerable patients.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Telemedicine ConsultationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Patient will schedule a Telemedicine Consultation in place of traditional in-person visit.

Group II: Traditional In-Person CareActive Control1 Intervention

Patient will schedule a traditional in-person visit as per usual care.