Ann Gynecol Obstetr Res | Volume 5, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access
Mathes MA1*, McColm JL1, Raposo-Hadley AA2, Bertr VA3 and Gustin SLF1,3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA
2Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA
3Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, USA
*Correspondance to: Melissa A Mathes
Fulltext PDFObjective: The primary objective of this study is to quantify patient satisfaction in telemedicine visits during infertility care. Design: This study utilizes a cross-sectional survey design where electronic surveys were sent to all patients who received care through a telemedicine appointment. Setting: Academic affiliated, infertility clinic in Omaha, Nebraska. Patients: All patients utilizing telemedicine for infertility care. Interventions: Patients were sent a link for the survey. Main outcome measure(s): Overall telemedicine rating was measured on a 5-point Likert type scale ranging from 1= “extremely satisfied” to 5= “extremely unsatisfied”. Frequencies of demographic characteristics and survey responses were calculated. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for nonparametric ordinal data to determine statistical significance between subgroups of 3 or more categories. Mann-Whitney U test was used to allow for comparisons between dichotomous categorical groups. Results: A 95.5% felt extremely satisfied or satisfied with their care. Home distance from clinic, length of time trying to conceive, previous in-person visit at the clinic, previous experience with video conferencing software, and whether the patient was alone or accompanied during their telemedicine visit were not significantly correlated with patient satisfaction of their telemedicine appointment. Overall satisfaction scores were significantly different based on patient age group. Conclusion: It is imperative that we continue to modify practice patterns to allow for smooth integration of telemedicine within our practice while maximizing patient satisfaction. While many continue to prefer in-person visits, providers should continue to offer telemedicine options for patients despite relaxation of restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telemedicine; Infertility; COVID-19; Patient satisfaction
Mathes MA, McColm JL, Raposo- Hadley AA, Bertr VA, Gustin SLF. “I Hope it will Continue after the COVID-19 Era”. Telemedicine during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ann Gynecol Obstetr Res. 2022; 5(1): 1021.