This is a single-center randomized prospective study over a 6-month time span. They included patients who met criteria for idiopathic overactive bladder, no bladder outlet obstruction, less than stage 2 pelvic organ prolapse and were able to operate a form of telecommunication. These patients were randomized 1:1 in the telemedicine group. They were excluded if they were treated with more than one overactive bladder medication or were treated with third-line treatment. The groups were followed for 12 weeks. Outcomes were measured with the OAB q-SF.
Patient demographics are displayed below.
Their results include a total of 36 enrolled, 19 patients in the telemedicine group and 17 in standard follow up. Of the total, 23 completed the follow-up, 13 telemedicine and 10 in the standard group. Both groups had a reduction of symptom bother and improved quality of life. The table shows non-protocol communication and was lower in the telemedicine group.
They did have some patients move on to third-line therapy, 4 patients in telemedicine group vs 1 in standard follow up. He concludes that implementing a telemedicine protocol may impact patient medication compliance or matriculation to third-line therapies. Future studies are needed to see if it is safe/efficacious. Limitations from institutional and state laws may hinder follow up.
Presented by: Ricardo I. Palmerola, MD, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
Written by: Lira Chowdhury, DO, Urology Specialist, Urology Partners of North Texas, PLLC, Fort Worth, Texas at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Winter Meeting, SUFU 2020, February 25 - February 29, 2020, Scottsdale, Arizona