TY - JOUR
T1 - Uro-oncology in the era of social distancing
T2 - The principles of patient-centered online consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic
AU - Sosnowski, Roman
AU - Kamecki, Hubert
AU - Joniau, Steven
AU - Walz, Jochen
AU - Dowling, John
AU - Behrendt, Mark
AU - Klaassen, Zachary
AU - Palou, Joan
AU - van Poppel, Hendrik
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, Polish Urological Association. All rights reserved.
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges to healthcare facilities and as per social distancing measures, many consultations are now being carried out via means of telemedicine. As some urologists may not be skilled with remote consultations, there is a need for recommendations on patient-centered online medical counseling. Material and methods We have identified eight areas of excellence and defined the principles based on our experience. Results A professional setting should be provided, in which the privacy of the patient can be ensured. Accompanying persons should be encouraged into the consultation. Proper introduction could serve not only to verify the personality of the patient, but also to provide them with a sense of confidentiality. The interview should be held in a way to overcome the limitations of non-physical encounters, and pandemic-specific issues should be taken into consideration. When arranging plans, the physician should judge accordingly in regards to what type of management is inevitable or safe, as well as available at this point; strict follow-up should be arranged. As home isolation may lead to unfavorable changes in lifestyle, this issue should be addressed too. The patient should be guided on how to self-educate. Concluding the visit should be aimed at proper evaluation of the patient’s comprehension of the consultation. Conclusions It is vital to pursue consistency in providing care to patients. While online counseling may seem challenging, if one adheres to the principles of patient-centered practice, telemedicine may become a valuable tool in maintaining the best-quality care amid the ongoing pandemic.
AB - Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges to healthcare facilities and as per social distancing measures, many consultations are now being carried out via means of telemedicine. As some urologists may not be skilled with remote consultations, there is a need for recommendations on patient-centered online medical counseling. Material and methods We have identified eight areas of excellence and defined the principles based on our experience. Results A professional setting should be provided, in which the privacy of the patient can be ensured. Accompanying persons should be encouraged into the consultation. Proper introduction could serve not only to verify the personality of the patient, but also to provide them with a sense of confidentiality. The interview should be held in a way to overcome the limitations of non-physical encounters, and pandemic-specific issues should be taken into consideration. When arranging plans, the physician should judge accordingly in regards to what type of management is inevitable or safe, as well as available at this point; strict follow-up should be arranged. As home isolation may lead to unfavorable changes in lifestyle, this issue should be addressed too. The patient should be guided on how to self-educate. Concluding the visit should be aimed at proper evaluation of the patient’s comprehension of the consultation. Conclusions It is vital to pursue consistency in providing care to patients. While online counseling may seem challenging, if one adheres to the principles of patient-centered practice, telemedicine may become a valuable tool in maintaining the best-quality care amid the ongoing pandemic.
KW - COVID-19
KW - Non-physical encounter
KW - Social distancing
KW - Telemedicine
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U2 - 10.5173/ceju.2020.0171
DO - 10.5173/ceju.2020.0171
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85091991636
SN - 2080-4806
VL - 73
SP - 260
EP - 264
JO - Central European Journal of Urology
JF - Central European Journal of Urology
IS - 3
ER -