Telemedicine in the Management of Urologic Oncology Patients: Lessons from the COVID-19 Era

Purpose: This study examined and compared uro-oncologic outpatient telemedicine (TM) and in person assessment during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of uro-oncologic outpatients treated in our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, from June 3rd, 2020, to December 30th, 2020. Patients were evaluated for a single urologist in both pre and postoperative assessment. Results: 869 urological outpatients were evaluated in this period, while 193 (22%) through TM modality. The majority was man (n=747; 85.9%, p=0.002), with prostate cancer disease (n=544; 62.6%, p<0.001) at posttreatment follow-up (n=673; 77.4%, p<0.001). Faults were higher at in-person assessment (12.8% vs 7.2%, p=0.035). Conclusions: Telemedicine emerges as a substitute for traditional clinic visits and its expansion will allow ease of access for health services. Our study provides insights into the efficacy of postoperative care offered through TM.