Utility of Telemedicine in Pediatric Urology Clinic duringCovid-19 Era-Mini Review (original) (raw)
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Telemedicine Usage Among Urologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study
Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2020
Background Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, urology was one of the specialties with the lowest rates of telemedicine and videoconferencing use. Common barriers to the implementation of telemedicine included a lack of technological literacy, concerns with reimbursement, and resistance to changes in the workplace. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020, the delivery of urological services globally has quickly shifted to telemedicine to account for the mass clinical, procedural, and operative cancellations, inadequate personal protective equipment, and shortage of personnel. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate current telemedicine usage by urologists, urologists’ perceptions on the necessity of in-person clinic appointments, the usability of telemedicine, and the current barriers to its implementation. Methods We conducted a global, cross-sectional, web-based survey to investigate the use of telemedicine before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Urologi...
A pilot study of telemedicine for post-operative urological care in children
Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 2014
We conducted a retrospective study of paediatric urological surgery patients over a 12-month period. We compared patients followed up by telemedicine with those who had post-operative follow-up on site at the Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) in Little Rock. All pre-operative patients living in northwest Arkansas were given the opportunity to use telemedicine from a satellite clinic at Lowell, 328 km from the hospital. Of 61 patients, 10 chose telemedicine and 51 chose to be evaluated at the ACH clinic. All telemedicine visits were completed successfully, but in four cases, the video clarity of the telemedicine images was not sufficient for decision-making, and a digital photograph was sent by email to the physician at the ACH. There were no post-operative surgical complications in either patient group. In the telemedicine group, the median distance to the ACH was 330 km, and the median distance to the remote clinic was 35 km. In the on-site group, the median distance to the AC...
The Emerging Critical Role of Telemedicine in the Urology Clinic: A Practical Guide
Sexual Medicine Reviews, 2021
INTRODUCTION Although telemedicine (TM) has been available for several decades, the recent increase in its acceptance due to the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a valuable solution for the delivery of health care that provides easy, affordable, and convenient communication with urologic patients. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to highlight limiting factors and provide successful practical solutions to assist urologists in incorporating and maintaining TM in their practices. METHODS A thorough literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed, Cochrane library, clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Search terms and keywords included "telemedicine" and "urology." Only articles written or translated into the English language were included. RESULTS A total of 12 peer-reviewed articles were identified that discussed barriers for incorporation of TM in urology. Articles exclusive to the use of TM during the COVID-19 pandemic were also included, as well as American Urological Association and European Urological Association guidelines and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services statements and policies regarding TM pertinent to urological practice. CONCLUSION TM is currently a viable option and fills an unmet need for most practicing urologists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering insight to the relative ease of transition to online clinical practice. OA Raheem, S Brimley, C Natale, et al. The Emerging Critical Role of Telemedicine in the Urology Clinic: A Practical Guide. Sex Med Rev 2020;XX:XXX-XXX.
International Urogynecology Journal, 2020
Introduction and hypothesis The COVID-19 pandemic and the desire to "flatten the curve" of transmission have significantly affected the way providers care for patients. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeons (FPMRS) must provide high quality of care through remote access such as telemedicine. No clear guidelines exist on the use of telemedicine in FPMRS. Using expedited literature review methodology, we provide guidance regarding management of common outpatient urogynecology scenarios during the pandemic. Methods We grouped FPMRS conditions into those in which virtual management differs from direct in-person visits and conditions in which treatment would emphasize behavioral and conservative counseling but not deviate from current management paradigms. We conducted expedited literature review on four topics (telemedicine in FPMRS, pessary management, urinary tract infections, urinary retention) and addressed four other topics (urinary incontinence, prolapse, fecal incontinence, defecatory dysfunction) based on existing systematic reviews and guidelines. We further compiled expert consensus regarding management of FPMRS patients in the virtual setting, scenarios when in-person visits are necessary, symptoms that should alert providers, and specific considerations for FPMRS patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Results Behavioral, medical, and conservative management will be valuable as first-line virtual treatments. Certain situations will require different treatments in the virtual setting while others will require an in-person visit despite the risks of COVID-19 transmission. Conclusions We have presented guidance for treating FPMRS conditions via telemedicine based on rapid literature review and expert consensus and presented it in a format that can be actively referenced.
Tele-Urology During COVID-19: Rapid Implementation of Remote Video Visits
Urology Practice, 2020
Introduction: COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to the delivery of urological care. Following rapid implementation of remote video visits at our tertiary academic medical center serving a large rural population we describe and assess our experience with planned video visits and ongoing scheduling efforts. Methods: Patients scheduled for video visits between April 14 and April 27, 2020 were included. Prospective and retrospective data were collected on patient and clinical characteristics as well as telemedicine outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors influencing video visit success. Concurrently scheduling data were collected from a separate cohort regarding patient access to technology and willingness to participate in video visits. Results: A total of 209 patients were included with an overall video visit success rate of 67%. Of video visits that failed (69) reasons included no-show (35%), inability to connect to the telemedicine platform (23%) and lack of Internet access (10%). Nearly half of failed video visits (46.4%) were completed as phone visits. After adjustment for patient demographics commercial insurance was significantly associated with video visit success. In assessment of scheduling outcomes 179 patients were contacted to offer video visits. Of these patients 6.7% reported not having Internet access. Of those with Internet access 87% agreed to proceed with a video visit in lieu of visiting in person. Conclusions: Our experience indicates that rapid implementation of video telemedicine is feasible and highly accepted by patients. Efforts focused on standardized pre-visit patient education may further optimize successful telemedicine visits.
Serving patients in a pandemic – the rise of telemedicine in urogynecology
Obstetrics & Gynecology International Journal
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in healthcare provision across the NHS with large-scale implementation of telemedicine. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, patients’ convenience and satisfaction of telephone clinics in urogynecology during the initial stages of the pandemic. Methods: All consented patients scheduled for phone clinics were included. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and inductive thematic analysis for free-text comments. Results: 101/109 (93%) patients completed the survey. Median age (interquartile, IQR) was 60 years (IQR 21.5) and median consultation duration was 16 minutes (IQR 8). 33/101 (32.7%) were new cases and 13/101(12.9%) were tertiary referrals. To facilitate face-to-face appointments, 100/101 (99%) patients required transport and 30/101 (29.7%) needed time off-work. 98/101 (97%) of the patients were happy or very happy with phone consultation, with 91/101(90.1%) scoring 8-10 on Visual Analogue Sc...
Journal of Pediatric Urology, 2020
The COVID-19-pandemic forces hospitals to reorganize into a dual patient flow system. Healthcare professionals are forced to make decisions in patient prioritization throughout specialties. Most pediatric urology pathologies do not require immediate or urgent care, however, delay may compromise future renal function or fertility. Contact with patients and parents, either physical in safe conditions or by (video)telephone must continue. The Paediatric-Urology-Guidelines-panel of the EAU proposes recommendations on prioritization of care. Pediatric-Urology program directors must ensure education, safety and attention for mental health of staff. Upon resumption of care, adequate prioritization must ensure minimal impact on outcome.
Urologic Clinics of North America, 2021
The emergence of the COVID-19 public health emergency has propelled telemedicine into the future by alleviating many of the barriers that telehealth adopters faced. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have made several changes that allow practitioners to continue to utilize telemedicine through a variety of platforms. With the adoption of telemedicine came socioeconomic disparities in care and access. It is crucial to ensure equal access to this emerging technology.
Journal of Biology and Today`s World, 2020
Since the start of the COVID-19 situation, social distancing has been adopted globally which has promoted the use of telemedicine technology. It is a virtual relationship between doctors and patients, so it requires the expectations of patients and physicians to be addressed. Patients’ privacy, maintaining safe communication and distance learning are equally important for running successful telemedicine programs. Other issues include access to this technology, its acceptability and the level of health literacy. In developing countries patients’ understanding of their disease and the longterm management is already lacking even in the ideal circumstances. When it comes to telemedicine interactions it becomes an even more difficult task. All these obstacles need attention in order to address patients’ concerns and maintain their satisfaction with the modality of telemedicine. Even developed world countries are learning with the passage of time as to how to deal with various obstacles i...