Table 1

Patient Characteristics and Time Investment in Telenephrology Consultations

CharacteristicsDistribution
New consultations (n = 122)
Age (range), y73.6 (34–96)
Sex, % (No.)
  Male40 (49)
  Female60 (73)
Estimated GFR (range), mL/min/1.73 m246 (22–128)
Albuminuria
  Normoalbuminuria, % (No.)49 (48)
  Microalbuminuria, % (No.)38 (38)
  Macroalbuminuria, % (No.)13 (13)
Time of consultation, family physician, % (No.)
  06:00–08:001 (1)
  08:00–17:0073 (89)
  17:00–19:0017 (21)
  19:00–06:009 (11)
Time of consultation, nephrologist, % (No.)
  06:00–08:001 (1)
  08:00–17:0061 (74)
  17:00–19:0025 (31)
  19:00–06:0013 (16)
Time investment, family physician, No. (95% CI), min9:27 (8:29–10:25)
Time investment nephrologist, No. (95% CI), min8:45 (8:04–9:27)
Days until response, No. (95% CI)1.6 (1.2–1.9)
Follow-up consultations (n = 52)
Time investment, family physician, No. (95% CI), min6:43 (5:48–7:38)
Time investment nephrologist, No. (95% CI), min6:47 (5:55–7:40)

Notes: Consultations performed by 42 family physicians and 5 nurse practitioners in 28 family practices, between May 2009 and August 2011.

  • GFR = glomerular filtration rate.