Grimes CL, Balk EM, Dieter AA, Singh R, Wieslander CK, Jeppson PC, Aschkenazi SO, Kim JH, Truong MD, Gupta AS, Keltz JG, Hobson DT, Sheyn D, Petruska SE, Adam G, Meriwether KV. Guidance for gynecologists utilizing telemedicine during COVID‐19 pandemic based on expert consensus and rapid literature reviews.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2020. [PMCID:
PMC9087699 DOI:
10.1002/ijgo.13276]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background
COVID‐19 has impacted delivery of outpatient gynecology and shifted care toward use of telemedicine.
Objective
To rapidly review literature and society guidelines and create expert consensus to provide guidance regarding management of outpatient gynecology scenarios via telemedicine.
Search strategy
Searches were conducted in Medline and Cochrane databases from inception through April 15, 2020.
Selection criteria
Literature searches were conducted for articles on telemedicine and abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, vaginitis, and postoperative care. Searches were restricted to available English language publications.
Data collection and analysis
Expedited literature review methodology was followed and 10 943 citations were single‐screened. Full‐text articles and relevant guidelines were reviewed and narrative summaries developed.
Main results
Fifty‐one studies on the use of telemedicine in gynecology were found. Findings were reported for these studies and combined with society guidelines and expert consensus on four topics (abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, vaginal discharge, and postoperative care).
Conclusions
Guidance for treating gynecological conditions via telemedicine based on expedited literature review, review of society recommendations, and expert consensus is presented. Due to minimal evidence surrounding telemedicine and gynecology, a final consensus document is presented here that can be efficiently used in a clinical setting.
Guidance for gynecologists using telemedicine during COVID‐19 based on rapid literature review, review of society recommendations, and expert consensus in accessible format.
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