Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the residents' perceptions of the, COVID-19 driven, newly implemented online learning systems adopted among accredited urology residency programs nationwide, and their sustainability following the pandemic era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was designed and dispersed to urology program coordinators and directors to distribute to their residents. In the survey, Online education models was the all-encompassing term to describe any form of resident education that occurred online. Anonymous surveys were exported from Survey Monkey and data was analyzed for statistical significance. RESULTS: Over 70% of urology residents agreed or were neutral to the statement that Online education models were equivalent to in-person learning. Only 13% of residents stated that online learning should not be continued following the pandemic. Several different parameters were assessed, and only 5 of them showed statistical significance. Stress, personal engagement, interpersonal communication efficiency and non-verbal cues were all lower with online education models. The only attribute that was scored higher by residents was network connectivity issues. CONCLUSIONS: An overwhelming majority of urology residents in the United States believe Online education models should continue to be adopted once the pandemic is over.

[Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study]. / La educación quirúrgica en línea implementada en los programas de residencia urológica como respuesta a la COVID-19: estudio piloto.

Objective: To understand the residents' perceptions of the, COVID-19 driven, newly implemented online learning systems adopted among accredited urology residency programs nationwide, and their sustainability following the pandemic era. Materials and methods: A survey was designed and dispersed to urology program coordinators and directors to distribute to their residents.In the survey, online education models was the all-encompassing term to describe any form of resident education that occurred online. Anonymous surveys were exported from Survey Monkey and data was analyzed for statistical significance. Results: Over 70% of urology residents agreed or were neutral to the statement that online education models were equivalent to in-person learning. Only 13% of residents stated that online learning should not be continued following the pandemic. Several different parameters were assessed, and only 5 of them showed statistical significance. Stress, personal engagement, interpersonal communication efficiency and non-verbal cues were all lower with online education models. The only attribute that was scored higher by residents was network connectivity issues. Conclusions: An overwhelming majority of urology residents in the United States believe online education models should continue to be adopted once the pandemic is over.

La educación quirúrgica en línea implementada en los programas de residencia urológica como respuesta a la COVID-19: estudio piloto Online surgical education adopted among urology residency programs in response to COVID-19: A pilot study

Objetivo Comprender la percepción de los residentes respecto a los sistemas de aprendizaje en línea, los cuales, impulsados por la pandemia de la COVID-19, han sido recientemente implementados a nivel nacional en los programas de residencia urológica acreditados. Adicionalmente, nos proponemos analizar su sostenibilidad tras la era de la pandemia. Material y métodos Se diseñó una encuesta para, a través de los coordinadores y directores de programas de urología, difundirla a los residentes de urología. En la encuesta, los modelos de educación en línea englobaron cualquier forma de educación recibida por los residentes que se diera en línea. Las encuestas anónimas se exportaron de Survey Monkey y se analizaron los datos para determinar la significación estadística. Resultados Más del 70% de los residentes de urología estuvieron de acuerdo, o mostraron una actitud neutral, ante la afirmación de que los modelos de educación en línea eran equivalentes al aprendizaje presencial. Solo el 13% de los residentes afirmaron que el aprendizaje en línea no debería continuar tras la pandemia. Se evaluaron diversos parámetros, y solo 5 de ellos mostraron significación estadística. El estrés, el compromiso personal, la eficacia de la comunicación interpersonal y las señales no verbales fueron más bajos para los modelos de educación en línea. El único aspecto al que los residentes dieron mayor puntuación fue el de los problemas de conectividad a una red. Conclusiones La gran mayoría de los residentes de urología en Estados Unidos cree que los modelos de educación en línea deben mantenerse una vez terminada la pandemia.

Reshaping the diagnostic pathways for investigation of haematuria during and after the covid-19 pandemic: Diagnostic accuracy of strategies for detection of bladder cancer from the identify cohort study

Introduction: Diagnostic haematuria services have been reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, compromising patient care, and necessitating a more pragmatic pathway. Method: The IDENTIFY study was an international, prospective, multicentre cohort study of over 11,000 patients referred to secondary care for investigation of haematuria. Using this data, we developed strategies using combinations of imaging and cytology as triage tests to maximise cancer detection within a pragmatic pathway. Results: 8112 patients (74 4%) received an ultrasound or a CT urogram, with or without cytology. 5737 (70 7%) patients had visible haematuria (VH) and 2375 (29 3%) had non-visible haematuria (NVH). Diagnostic test performance was used to determine optimal age cut-offs for four proposed strategies. We recommended proceeding directly to transurethral resection of bladder tumour for patients of any age with positive triage tests for cancer. Patients with negative triage tests under 35-years-old with VH, or under 50-years-old with NVH can safely be discharged without undergoing flexible cystoscopy. The remaining patients may undergo flexible cystoscopy, with a greater priority for older patients to capture high risk bladder cancer. Conclusions: We suggest diagnostic strategies in patients with haematuria, which focus on detection of bladder cancer, whilst reducing the burden to healthcare services in a resource-limited setting.

Assessment of trends and clinical presentation in the emergency department of patients with renal colic during the COVID-19 pandemic era. / Evaluación de las tendencias y presentación clínica de pacientes con cólico nefrítico que acuden al servicio de urgencias durante la era pandémica del COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesized that the recent COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a delay in renal colic patients presenting to the Emergency Department due to the fear of getting infected. This delay may lead to a more severe clinical condition at presentation with possible complications for the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of data collected from three institutions from Spain and Italy. Patients who presented to Emergency Department with unilateral or bilateral renal colic caused by imaging confirmed urolithiasis during the 45 days before and after each national lockdown were included. Data collected included patients' demographics, biochemical urine and blood tests, radiological tests, signs, symptoms and the therapeutic management. Analysis was performed between two groups, Group A: patients presenting prior to the national lockdown date; and Group B: patients presenting after the national lockdown date. RESULTS: A total of 397 patients presented to Emergency Department with radiology confirmed urolithiasis and were included in the study. The number of patients presenting to Emergency Department with renal/ureteric colic was 285 (71.8%) patients in Group A and 112 (28.2%) patients in Group B (p<0.001). The number of patients reporting a delay in presentation was 135 (47.4%) in Group A and 63 (56.3%) in Group B (p=0.11). At presentation, there were no statistical differences between Group A and Group B regarding the serum creatinine level, C reactive protein, white blood cell count, fever, oliguria, flank pain and hydronephrosis. In addition, no significant differences were observed with the length of stay, Urology department admission requirement and type of therapy. CONCLUSION: Data from our study showed a significant reduction in presentations to Emergency Department for renal colic after the lockdown in Spain and Italy. However, we did not find any significant difference with the length of stay, Urology department admission requirement and type of therapy.

Assessment of trends and clinical presentation in the emergency department of patients with renal colic during the COVID-19 pandemic era

Introduction We hypothesized that the recent COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a delay in renal colic patients presenting to the Emergency Department due to the fear of getting infected. This delay may lead to a more severe clinical condition at presentation with possible complications for the patients. Material and methods Retrospective review of data collected from three institutions from Spain and Italy. Patients who presented to Emergency Department with unilateral or bilateral renal colic caused by imaging confirmed urolithiasis during the 45 days before and after each national lockdown were included. Data collected included patients’ demographics, biochemical urine and blood tests, radiological tests, signs, symptoms and the therapeutic management. Analysis was performed between two groups, Group A: patients presenting prior to the national lockdown date;and Group B: patients presenting after the national lockdown date. Results A total of 397 patients presented to Emergency Department with radiology confirmed urolithiasis and were included in the study. The number of patients presenting to Emergency Department with renal/ureteric colic was 285 (71.8%) patients in Group A and 112 (28.2%) patients in Group B (p<0.001). The number of patients reporting a delay in presentation was 135 (47.4%) in Group A and 63 (56.3%) in Group B (p=0.11). At presentation, there were no statistical differences between Group A and Group B regarding the serum creatinine level, C reactive protein, white blood cell count, fever, oliguria, flank pain and hydronephrosis. In addition, no significant differences were observed with the length of stay, Urology department admission requirement and type of therapy. Conclusion Data from our study showed a significant reduction in presentations to Emergency Department for renal colic after the lockdown in Spain and Italy. However, we did not find any significant difference with the length of stay, Urology department admission requirement and type of therapy. Resumen Introducción Nuestra hipótesis es que la pandemia por COVID-19, y el estado de alarma impuesto por los gobiernos, pueden haber retrasado las visitas a urgencias por cólicos nefríticos, debido al miedo a contagiarse en los centros sanitarios. Este atraso en acudir a los servicios de urgencias puede llevar a un empeoramiento clínico y aumentar las complicaciones relacionadas con la enfermedad o el tratamiento recibido. Material y métodos Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de 3 centros hospitalarios en España e Italia. Fueron incluidos pacientes atendidos en el servicio de urgencias por cólico renal (unilateral o bilateral) secundario a litiasis confirmadas en pruebas de imagen durante los 45 días previos y posteriores a la declaración del estado de alarma de cada país. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, síntomas y signos de presentación, análisis de sangre y orina, pruebas de imagen, y manejo terapéutico. El análisis estadístico se realizó entre dos grupos, Grupo A: pacientes que acudieron antes de la declaración del estado de alarma y Grupo B: pacientes que acudieron tras la declaración del estado de alarma. Resultados Un total de 397 pacientes que acudieron a urgencias por cólicos nefríticos secundarios a litiasis fueron incluidos en el estudio, 285 (71,8%) en el Grupo A y 112 (28,2%) en el Grupo B (p<0,001). Un total de 135 (47,4%) en el Grupo A y 63 (56,3%) en el Grupo B (p=0,11) admitieron haber pospuesto su búsqueda de atención médica urgente. En el momento de la valoración inicial, no se encontraron diferencias entre ambos grupos en los niveles de creatinina sérica, leucocitosis, fiebre, oliguria, dolor, o hidronefrosis. Además, no se observaron diferencias en relación con la estancia media, ingreso en el servicio de urología, o necesidad de tratamientos invasivos. Conclusión Nuestros resultados muestran una disminución significativa de atenciones en urgencias por cólicos nefríticos tras la declaración del estado de alarma en España e Italia. A diferencia de otros estudios publicados recientemente, no encontramos diferencias en la estancia media, ingreso al servicio de urología, o necesidad de tratamientos invasivos en pacientes que se presentaron antes y después del estado de alarma.

Evaluation of teleconsultation system in the urological patient during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction The global pandemic of COVID-19 has led to rapid implementation of telemedicine, but there is little information on patient satisfaction of this system as an alternative to face-to-face care. Objective To evaluate urological patient satisfaction with teleconsultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods Observational, prospective, cross-sectional, non-interventional study carried out by telephone survey during the period considered as the peak of the pandemic (March-April 2020). A quality survey composed of 11 questions on urological care provided by physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted, selecting a representative sample of patients attended by teleconsultation. Results Two hundred patients were contacted by telephone to answer a survey on the quality of teleconsultation. The distribution of patients surveyed among the specialized consultations was homogeneous with the number of consultations cited in the period;18% of them required assistance from family members. Sixty percent of patients avoided going to a medical center during the pandemic. Of the surveyed patients, 42% had cancelled diagnostic tests, 59% had cancelled medical consultations, 3.5% had cancelled treatments and 1%, had cancelled interventions. Ten percent reported a worsening of urological symptoms during confinement. According to physicians, consultations were effectively delivered in 72% of cases, with teleconsultation being carried out by their usual urologist in 81%. Teleconsultation overall satisfaction level was 9 (IQI 8−10), and 61.5% of respondents consider teleconsultation as a "health care option" after the healthcare crisis. Conclusion Teleconsultation has been evaluated with a high level of satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering continuous care to urological patients during the healthcare crisis. The perceived quality offers a field of optional telematic assistance in selected patients, which should be re-evaluated in a period without confinement measures. Resumen Introducción La pandemia global de COVID 19 ha provocado una rápida implantación de la telemedicina, pero existe escasa información sobre la satisfacción percibida por el paciente como alternativa a la asistencia presencial. Objetivo Se evalúa la satisfacción del paciente urológico con la teleconsulta durante la pandemia COVID19. Material y métodos Estudio observacional, prospectivo transversal, no intervencionista, mediante encuesta telefónica durante el periodo considerado pico de pandemia (marzo-abril 2020). Se realiza una encuesta de calidad compuesta por 11 preguntas, sobre la atención urológica durante la pandemia COVID 19 por los facultativos, seleccionando una muestra representativa de los pacientes atendidos en el periodo por teleconsulta. Resultados 200 pacientes fueron contactados telefónicamente para responder a una encuesta de calidad sobre teleconsulta. La distribución de pacientes encuestados entre las consultas monográficas fue homogénea entre el número de consultas citadas en el periodo, requiriendo 18% de ellos ayuda por familiar. Un 60% de los pacientes evitaron acudir a un centro médico durante la pandemia. El 42% de los pacientes encuestados tenían cancelada alguna prueba complementaria, 59% alguna consulta médica, 3,5% tratamientos y un 1% intervenciones. Un 10% apreció un empeoramiento de su sintomatología urológica durante el confinamiento. La resolución subjetiva de la consulta por el facultativo fue alcanzada en 72% casos, siendo la teleconsulta por el urólogo habitual en el 81%. El grado de satisfacción global con la teleconsulta fue de 9 (RIQ 8-10) considerando la teleconsulta como una “opción de asistencia sanitaria” pasada la crisis sanitaria por el 61,5% de los encuestados. Conclusión La teleconsulta ha sido valorada con un alto grado de satisfacción durante la pandemia COVID 19, ofreciendo asistencia continuada a los pacientes urológicos durante la crisis sanitaria. La calidad percibida ofrece un campo de asistencia telemática opcional, en pacientes seleccionados, a reevaluar fuera de una situación de confinamiento.

Telemedicine and smart working: Spanish adaptation of the European Association of Urology recommendations. / Telemedicina y trabajo inteligente: adaptación al español de las recomendaciones de la Asociación Europea de Urología.

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine provides remote clinical support through technology tools. It can facilitate medical care delivery while reducing unnecessary office visits. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused an abrupt change in our daily urological practice, where teleconsultations play a crucial role. OBJECTIVE: To provide practical recommendations for the effective use of technological tools in telemedicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted on Medline until April 2020. We selected the most relevant articles related to «telemedicine¼ and «smart working¼ that could provide valuable information. RESULTS: Telemedicine refers to the use of electronic information and telecommunication tools to provide remote clinical health care support. Smart working is a working approach that uses new or existing technologies to improve performance. Telemedicine is becoming a useful and fundamental tool during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be even more in the future. It is time for us to officially give telemedicine the place it deserves in clinical practice, and it is our responsibility to adapt and familiarize with all the tools and possible strategies for its optimal implementation. We must guarantee that the quality of care received by patients and perceived by them and their families is of the highest standard. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine facilitates remote specialized urological clinical support and solves problems caused by limited patient mobility or transfer, reduces unnecessary visits to clinics and is useful to reduce the risk of COVID-19 viral transmission.

Evaluation of teleconsultation system in the urological patient during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Evaluación de la teleconsulta en el paciente urológico durante la pandemia COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The global pandemic of COVID-19 has led to rapid implementation of telemedicine, but there is little information on patient satisfaction of this system as an alternative to face-to-face care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urological patient satisfaction with teleconsultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional, non-interventional study carried out by telephone survey during the period considered as the peak of the pandemic (March-April 2020). A quality survey composed of 11 questions on urological care provided by physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted, selecting a representative sample of patients attended by teleconsultation. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were contacted by telephone to answer a survey on the quality of teleconsultation. The distribution of patients surveyed among the specialized consultations was homogeneous with the number of consultations cited in the period; 18% of them required assistance from family members. Sixty percent of patients avoided going to a medical center during the pandemic. Of the surveyed patients, 42% had cancelled diagnostic tests, 59% had cancelled medical consultations, 3.5% had cancelled treatments and 1% had cancelled interventions. Ten percent reported a worsening of urological symptoms during confinement. According to physicians, consultations were effectively delivered in 72% of cases, with teleconsultation being carried out by their usual urologist in 81%. Teleconsultation overall satisfaction level was 9 (IQI8-10), and 61.5% of respondents consider teleconsultation as a «health care option¼ after the healthcare crisis. CONCLUSION: Teleconsultation has been evaluated with a high level of satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering continuous care to urological patients during the healthcare crisis. The perceived quality offers a field of optional telematic assistance in selected patients, which should be re-evaluated in a period without confinement measures.