The aim of this study is to demonstrate that the implementation of remote medical care in the management of patients suffering from specific urogynecological diseases can be a valid alternative to outpatient visits leading to a huge saving of resources which can be used for real emergencies. The objective of our study is to demonstrate that patients treated with telehealth had the same improvement in symptoms and quality of life as those treated with outpatient visits.
Observational analysis on women with urogynecological diseases was performed during restrictive measures period. One group of patients was assessed in the clinic and one group by video consultations. The population answered FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS (Female Sexual Distress Scale), OAB-Q symptoms (The Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Symptoms and health-related quality of life short-form), P-QoL (prolapse quality of life questionnaire), PUF scores (the Pelvic Pain and Urinary/Frequency patient symptom scale), SF-36 questionnaires (the Short Form Health Survey) during the first visit and after 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the change in symptoms after the outpatient and telemedicine visit. The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of the telemedicine impact on the quality of life and sexual function.
125 patients were considered. Symptoms of overactive bladder, genitourinary syndrome, and recurrent urinary infections improved significantly in both groups with no significant differences. Sexual activity increased significantly in both groups with a significant change in FSFI and FSDS values. The SF-36 showed a significant change 12 weeks after the visit in both groups.
Telemedicine is equally useful and effective as the outpatient visits in patients suffering from urogynecological diseases.
Minerva obstetrics and gynecology. 2022 Nov 07 [Epub ahead of print]
Michele C Schiavi, Claudia Morgani, Debora Grilli, Veronica Yacoub, Valerio Carletti, Marzio A Zullo, Paolo Luffarelli, Herbert C Valensise, Carlo Rappa, Vincenzo Spina, Pier Luigi Palazzetti, Mauro Cervigni
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy - ., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy., Department of Surgery-Week Surgery, Campus Biomedico University, Rome, Italy., Andrea Grimaldi Medical Care, Napoli, Italy., Maternal and Child Department, S. Camillo de Lellis Hospital, Rieti, Italy., Clinica Paideia, Rome, Italy.