Virtual Urology Clinics: Impact on Patients, Clinicians, Environment and Economy
BAUS ePoster online library. Shanmugathas N. 06/22/21; 319132; p9-4
Disclosure(s): NA
Mr. Nimlan Shanmugathas
REGULAR CONTENT
Login now to access Regular content available to all registered users.
Abstract
Discussion Forum (0)
Rate & Comment (0)
Objectives
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated restructuring of outpatient services with increased reliance on telemedicine. Greater use of virtual clinics (VCs) is expected to continue; However, patient and clinician satisfaction with these are poorly understood, as are their environmental and fiscal impact.
Methods
The first, middle and last patients from various Urological subspeciality VC lists over a 30-day period at the peak of the pandemic were contacted. Healthcare professionals independent of initial care evaluated patient satisfaction using a custom questionnaire. Environmental and fiscal cost analyses were calculated using patient addresses, NHS tariff data and Gross Value Added (GVA) per head. Simultaneously, an online survey exploring changes to outpatient practices and clinician satisfaction with VC was distributed to UK Urologists.
Results
1146 patients underwent VC (30th March – 30th April 2020). 99 patients were contacted. 55 (56%) completed all survey questions (male: 78%, age >65: 60%, follow up: 78%). 49 (89%) were satisfied/very satisfied, with reduced time and travel having the strongest influence on responses. Approximately 5.31 tonnes of C02 emissions were avoided. Estimated cost-savings were £42,714.55 to the NHS and £62,078.82 to the economy.
86 Urologists completed the clinician survey. 83 (97%) switched some/all outpatient activity to virtual, with 69 (80%) using telephone. 24 (28%) felt satisfied/very satisfied for new referrals. 81% (70) felt satisfied/very satisfied for follow up consultations. 61 (71%) would use VC regularly. There were notable variations by subspeciality.
Conclusions
VC use should be strongly considered beyond the pandemic, but may not suitable for every patient or subspeciality.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated restructuring of outpatient services with increased reliance on telemedicine. Greater use of virtual clinics (VCs) is expected to continue; However, patient and clinician satisfaction with these are poorly understood, as are their environmental and fiscal impact.
Methods
The first, middle and last patients from various Urological subspeciality VC lists over a 30-day period at the peak of the pandemic were contacted. Healthcare professionals independent of initial care evaluated patient satisfaction using a custom questionnaire. Environmental and fiscal cost analyses were calculated using patient addresses, NHS tariff data and Gross Value Added (GVA) per head. Simultaneously, an online survey exploring changes to outpatient practices and clinician satisfaction with VC was distributed to UK Urologists.
Results
1146 patients underwent VC (30th March – 30th April 2020). 99 patients were contacted. 55 (56%) completed all survey questions (male: 78%, age >65: 60%, follow up: 78%). 49 (89%) were satisfied/very satisfied, with reduced time and travel having the strongest influence on responses. Approximately 5.31 tonnes of C02 emissions were avoided. Estimated cost-savings were £42,714.55 to the NHS and £62,078.82 to the economy.
86 Urologists completed the clinician survey. 83 (97%) switched some/all outpatient activity to virtual, with 69 (80%) using telephone. 24 (28%) felt satisfied/very satisfied for new referrals. 81% (70) felt satisfied/very satisfied for follow up consultations. 61 (71%) would use VC regularly. There were notable variations by subspeciality.
Conclusions
VC use should be strongly considered beyond the pandemic, but may not suitable for every patient or subspeciality.
Objectives
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated restructuring of outpatient services with increased reliance on telemedicine. Greater use of virtual clinics (VCs) is expected to continue; However, patient and clinician satisfaction with these are poorly understood, as are their environmental and fiscal impact.
Methods
The first, middle and last patients from various Urological subspeciality VC lists over a 30-day period at the peak of the pandemic were contacted. Healthcare professionals independent of initial care evaluated patient satisfaction using a custom questionnaire. Environmental and fiscal cost analyses were calculated using patient addresses, NHS tariff data and Gross Value Added (GVA) per head. Simultaneously, an online survey exploring changes to outpatient practices and clinician satisfaction with VC was distributed to UK Urologists.
Results
1146 patients underwent VC (30th March – 30th April 2020). 99 patients were contacted. 55 (56%) completed all survey questions (male: 78%, age >65: 60%, follow up: 78%). 49 (89%) were satisfied/very satisfied, with reduced time and travel having the strongest influence on responses. Approximately 5.31 tonnes of C02 emissions were avoided. Estimated cost-savings were £42,714.55 to the NHS and £62,078.82 to the economy.
86 Urologists completed the clinician survey. 83 (97%) switched some/all outpatient activity to virtual, with 69 (80%) using telephone. 24 (28%) felt satisfied/very satisfied for new referrals. 81% (70) felt satisfied/very satisfied for follow up consultations. 61 (71%) would use VC regularly. There were notable variations by subspeciality.
Conclusions
VC use should be strongly considered beyond the pandemic, but may not suitable for every patient or subspeciality.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated restructuring of outpatient services with increased reliance on telemedicine. Greater use of virtual clinics (VCs) is expected to continue; However, patient and clinician satisfaction with these are poorly understood, as are their environmental and fiscal impact.
Methods
The first, middle and last patients from various Urological subspeciality VC lists over a 30-day period at the peak of the pandemic were contacted. Healthcare professionals independent of initial care evaluated patient satisfaction using a custom questionnaire. Environmental and fiscal cost analyses were calculated using patient addresses, NHS tariff data and Gross Value Added (GVA) per head. Simultaneously, an online survey exploring changes to outpatient practices and clinician satisfaction with VC was distributed to UK Urologists.
Results
1146 patients underwent VC (30th March – 30th April 2020). 99 patients were contacted. 55 (56%) completed all survey questions (male: 78%, age >65: 60%, follow up: 78%). 49 (89%) were satisfied/very satisfied, with reduced time and travel having the strongest influence on responses. Approximately 5.31 tonnes of C02 emissions were avoided. Estimated cost-savings were £42,714.55 to the NHS and £62,078.82 to the economy.
86 Urologists completed the clinician survey. 83 (97%) switched some/all outpatient activity to virtual, with 69 (80%) using telephone. 24 (28%) felt satisfied/very satisfied for new referrals. 81% (70) felt satisfied/very satisfied for follow up consultations. 61 (71%) would use VC regularly. There were notable variations by subspeciality.
Conclusions
VC use should be strongly considered beyond the pandemic, but may not suitable for every patient or subspeciality.
Code of conduct/disclaimer available in General Terms & Conditions
{{ help_message }}
{{filter}}