When Dedicated Caregiving Produces Serendipitous Benefits

When neurologist Robert Wilson, DO, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Autonomic Lab, had to stop his in-person shared medical appointments (SMAs) in early 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he searched for other ways to reach his patients. “I knew my patients had a need for this care, this education and this community,” he says.

With the help of Cleveland Clinic leadership, he started virtual SMAs for his patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and autonomic dysfunction in June 2020. The sessions were held every Saturday afternoon to accommodate patients’ work and life schedules. Larger sessions hosted 80 to 100 patients, and sessions of this size saw particular benefit from effective use of the chat bar during pauses.

An unanticipated benefit

As the pandemic intensified in the winter and vaccines emerged, Dr. Wilson noticed his patients were contacting him frequently with vaccine-related concerns. He wanted to make sure he gave them the opportunity to hear the science directly from him within the context of their autonomic disorders.

“As a doctor, discussing science is important,” he says. “But coming together to provide listening, understand where a person is coming from, and help with a patient’s concerns is also key to helping with what we call vaccine hesitancy.”

During his virtual SMAs, Dr. Wilson began educating patients about COVID-19 vaccines and the importance of being vaccinated. Feedback from his patients was positive. They said they felt more confident in their decision to be vaccinated, and they encouraged their friends and family to do the same.

“People with chronic health conditions live every day with an aspect of uncertainty, and the vaccine and pandemic became another aspect of some uncertainty,” he says. “Being sensitive and present to patients’ needs and concerns at this time is our duty and honor as caregivers.”

Virtual SMAs are worth a try

Dr. Wilson says the SMAs wouldn’t be possible without the support of his team, and he encourages other providers to be open to offering virtual SMAs. “Patients are so willing to be educated,” he says. “They are present, engaged and eager.”