Disparities in telemedicine utilization among kidney transplant patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Barriers and opportunities

Introduction The COVID‐19 pandemic allowed for the rapid implementation of telemedicine for kidney transplant patients; however, widespread adoption may worsen existing health care inequities among vulnerable populations. This study aimed to characterize telemedicine utilization by kidney transplant patients during the early pandemic with particular attention to healthcare equity. Methods A retrospective analysis of kidney transplant patients interacting with telemedicine was performed. Patient demographic data and distance to the transplant center were obtained. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Urban‐Rural Classification Scheme for Counties and Brokamp Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI) score were used to characterize patients’ counties of residence. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated associations between patient and community characteristics and the likelihood of an encounter being telemedicine. Results This study included 1033 patients who participated in 3727 encounters from March 11 through October 2020. Characteristics associated with decreased likelihood of telemedicine use were increased age (OR = .993; 95% CI = .986‐.999, P = .022), non‐White vs. White race (OR = .826, 95% CI = .697‐.979; P = .028), male vs. female sex (OR = .746, 95% CI = .632‐.880; P