Telemedicine for Virtual Consultations During COVID-19 Pandemic in a Medically Assisted Reproduction Center: Patients' Perspective

• DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0509
• Publication Date: 2022-07-14T13:29:17Z
• Authors: Loris Marin; Guido Ambrosini; Federica Maria Fantò; Manuela Della Vella; Alberto Massaro; Francesco Dessole; Giampiero Capobianco; Alessandra Andrisani
• Keywords: Pandemic

Background: Restrictive measures imposed to prevent COVID-19 contagion have caused an increase in waiting times for other health procedures. During the pandemic, utilization of telemedicine has increased ensure patient care safely. The aim this study was evaluate perspective infertile patients who underwent virtual consultations infertility. Materials and Methods: This observational study. A survey submitted attended a consultation at single vitro fertilization (IVF) unit between March 2020 July 2021. concerned their experience with assessing video consulting software characteristics. Results: response rate 50.3% (n = 159). In total, 98.8% positively rated telemedicine. Regarding itself, it defined as intuitive easy use by 87.4% patients. majority (92.5%) interviewed reported that they were able receive information clear any doubts had 85.5% would repeat consultation. Conclusions: acceptance very high among However, IVF treatments strong emotional component face-to-face medical staff might help create right climate trust, empathy can be demonstrated during vis-à-vis meeting cannot achieved through screen. should considered those situations where is not possible attend in-person or when couples prefer it.