Previously submitted to: Journal of Medical Internet Research (no longer under consideration since Dec 28, 2021)
Date Submitted: Apr 24, 2021
Open Peer Review Period: Apr 24, 2021 - Jun 19, 2021
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Implementation of telemedicine in times of SARS-CoV-2 in gynecology and obstetrics: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional study
ABSTRACT
Background:
In the COVID-19 pandemic, many consultations had to be cancelled, postponed or converted to a virtual format. Telemedicine in gynaecology (telegynaecology) could support gynaecologists and obstetricians.
Objective:
This study analyses the use and perception of telemedicine applications among gynaecologists in Germany.
Methods:
This prospective cross-sectional study was based on a survey of gynaecologists in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were calculated and regression analyses were performed to show correlations.
Results:
The physicians expect telemedicine to be used in gynecology and obstetrics. 76. 4% (365/478) of the respondents rated their knowledge of telemedicine as insufficient. The majority of respondents (437/478, 91. 6%) said they did not currently use telemedicine, although 67. 3% (321/478) would like to do so. Obstacles to the introduction of telemedicine include the purchase of technical equipment (325/478, 68. 1%), administration (305/478, 64. 0%) and poor reimbursement (233/478, 48. 9%). Doctors surveyed would prefer telemedicine to communicate directly with other doctors (388/478, 81. 2%) rather than to communicate with patients (228/478, 47. 8%). In the treatment phases, 73. 2% (349/478) of the respondents would use telemedicine during follow-up. Half of the respondents would choose tele-culting as a specific approach to improving care (246/478, 51. 5%).
Conclusions:
Telemedicine in gynecology finds little use but high acceptance among doctors. The absence of a structured framework is an obstacle to effective implementation. Training courses should be introduced to improve the limited knowledge in the use of telemedicine. More research in telegynecology is needed. These include large-scale randomized controlled trials, economic analyses and the exploration of user preferences.
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