Role, effectiveness, cost efficiency, sustainability, and outcomes of using telemedicine in endourology: A systematic review of literature.

Abstract

The role of telemedicine (TM) in endourology has expanded significantly over the past decade, demonstrating benefits for both patient satisfaction and healthcare efficiency. We wanted to look at the role and effectiveness of using these technological innovations in endourology. A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework and Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome statement. Search was done for all English language articles, over several databases, from inception to Aug 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on studies involving patients with kidney stone disease and reporting outcomes related to healthcare delivery, cost savings, and environmental sustainability (green credentials). A total of 933 articles were initially identified and after screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 10 articles were finally included. Of these articles, 8 showed a cost-saving and 9 showed a greener credential of using TM. All included studies showed a positive impact of TM in terms of reduced time to access urology services, enhanced acute and follow-up efficiency, time to decision-making or treatment, patient satisfaction, and safety. Most studies showed more than one clinical and/or organizational benefit in the patient pathway. Our review shows that TM in endourology demonstrates multiple benefits, including cost savings, environmental sustainability, and improved healthcare delivery. The included studies highlight enhanced access to services, faster decision-making, and high patient satisfaction and safety. Given the pressures on the National Health Service and existing waiting times, more should be done to adapt and adopt this technological revolution.