ACOG ePoster Library

Abstract
Discussion Forum (0)
In-person post-operative visits are common following gynecologic surgery; however, the COVID-19 outbreak urged surgeons to re-evaluate the setting in which they provide care. Telemedicine for post-operative follow-up reduces costs and improves access to healthcare, but its role in gynecology remains undefined. We aimed to determine whether telemedicine is a safe alternative to in-person visits for post-operative gynecological care. This IRB-approved retrospective chart review examined benign gynecologic surgeries between 11/1/2019 and 4/27/2020. Medical records were identified using an administrative billing database. 219 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent 223 surgeries. Surgeries were divided into major versus minor based on entry into the peritoneal cavity. Procedures were categorized as pre-COVID-19 if occurring before 2/6/2020. 164 and 59 procedures were performed pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, respectively. Demographic data was similar. 103 and 30 major procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. 61 and 29 minor procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. There was a significant decrease of in-person follow-up after major and minor surgery post-COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (p=0.0001, p=0.0004). Post-COVID-19, there was significant difference in visit duration for patients engaging in telemedicine ( =15.43 minutes) compared to in-person visits ( =58.60 minutes) (p=0.0172). There was no difference in unscheduled contact (patient portal messages, telephone calls, emergency room visits) for patients that had in-person follow-up (n=24) and those without in-person follow-up (n=12). There was no difference in post-operative complications between these two groups (p=0.1977). Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient platform for follow-up after gynecologic surgery, especially for minor procedures.
In-person post-operative visits are common following gynecologic surgery; however, the COVID-19 outbreak urged surgeons to re-evaluate the setting in which they provide care. Telemedicine for post-operative follow-up reduces costs and improves access to healthcare, but its role in gynecology remains undefined. We aimed to determine whether telemedicine is a safe alternative to in-person visits for post-operative gynecological care. This IRB-approved retrospective chart review examined benign gynecologic surgeries between 11/1/2019 and 4/27/2020. Medical records were identified using an administrative billing database. 219 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent 223 surgeries. Surgeries were divided into major versus minor based on entry into the peritoneal cavity. Procedures were categorized as pre-COVID-19 if occurring before 2/6/2020. 164 and 59 procedures were performed pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, respectively. Demographic data was similar. 103 and 30 major procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. 61 and 29 minor procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. There was a significant decrease of in-person follow-up after major and minor surgery post-COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (p=0.0001, p=0.0004). Post-COVID-19, there was significant difference in visit duration for patients engaging in telemedicine ( =15.43 minutes) compared to in-person visits ( =58.60 minutes) (p=0.0172). There was no difference in unscheduled contact (patient portal messages, telephone calls, emergency room visits) for patients that had in-person follow-up (n=24) and those without in-person follow-up (n=12). There was no difference in post-operative complications between these two groups (p=0.1977). Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient platform for follow-up after gynecologic surgery, especially for minor procedures.
Examining the Utilization and Outcomes of Telemedicine for Postoperative Gynecologic Care During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic
Ms. Fatou Sahor
Ms. Fatou Sahor
Affiliations:
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
ACOG ePoster. Sahor F. 10/22/2021; 344762; 16
user
Ms. Fatou Sahor
Affiliations:
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Abstract
Discussion Forum (0)
In-person post-operative visits are common following gynecologic surgery; however, the COVID-19 outbreak urged surgeons to re-evaluate the setting in which they provide care. Telemedicine for post-operative follow-up reduces costs and improves access to healthcare, but its role in gynecology remains undefined. We aimed to determine whether telemedicine is a safe alternative to in-person visits for post-operative gynecological care. This IRB-approved retrospective chart review examined benign gynecologic surgeries between 11/1/2019 and 4/27/2020. Medical records were identified using an administrative billing database. 219 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent 223 surgeries. Surgeries were divided into major versus minor based on entry into the peritoneal cavity. Procedures were categorized as pre-COVID-19 if occurring before 2/6/2020. 164 and 59 procedures were performed pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, respectively. Demographic data was similar. 103 and 30 major procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. 61 and 29 minor procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. There was a significant decrease of in-person follow-up after major and minor surgery post-COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (p=0.0001, p=0.0004). Post-COVID-19, there was significant difference in visit duration for patients engaging in telemedicine ( =15.43 minutes) compared to in-person visits ( =58.60 minutes) (p=0.0172). There was no difference in unscheduled contact (patient portal messages, telephone calls, emergency room visits) for patients that had in-person follow-up (n=24) and those without in-person follow-up (n=12). There was no difference in post-operative complications between these two groups (p=0.1977). Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient platform for follow-up after gynecologic surgery, especially for minor procedures.
In-person post-operative visits are common following gynecologic surgery; however, the COVID-19 outbreak urged surgeons to re-evaluate the setting in which they provide care. Telemedicine for post-operative follow-up reduces costs and improves access to healthcare, but its role in gynecology remains undefined. We aimed to determine whether telemedicine is a safe alternative to in-person visits for post-operative gynecological care. This IRB-approved retrospective chart review examined benign gynecologic surgeries between 11/1/2019 and 4/27/2020. Medical records were identified using an administrative billing database. 219 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent 223 surgeries. Surgeries were divided into major versus minor based on entry into the peritoneal cavity. Procedures were categorized as pre-COVID-19 if occurring before 2/6/2020. 164 and 59 procedures were performed pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, respectively. Demographic data was similar. 103 and 30 major procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. 61 and 29 minor procedures were performed pre- and post-COVID-19, respectively. There was a significant decrease of in-person follow-up after major and minor surgery post-COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (p=0.0001, p=0.0004). Post-COVID-19, there was significant difference in visit duration for patients engaging in telemedicine ( =15.43 minutes) compared to in-person visits ( =58.60 minutes) (p=0.0172). There was no difference in unscheduled contact (patient portal messages, telephone calls, emergency room visits) for patients that had in-person follow-up (n=24) and those without in-person follow-up (n=12). There was no difference in post-operative complications between these two groups (p=0.1977). Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient platform for follow-up after gynecologic surgery, especially for minor procedures.

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