Internet-Based Patient Survey on Urolithiasis Treatment and Patient Satisfaction.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Health Services Research
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Urolithiasis, or kidney stones, affects a significant patient population.
• Understanding patient experiences with various treatment modalities is crucial for improving care.
• Internet-based surveys offer a novel approach to gather large-scale patient-reported data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate trends in urolithiasis treatment, outcomes, and patient satisfaction using an online survey.
• To establish internet surveys as a feasible research medium for patient urolithiasis experiences.

Main Methods:

• An internet-based survey was disseminated via the website "kidneystoners.org".
• Respondents provided data on treatment type, perceived outcome, and satisfaction.
• Statistical analyses (chi-square, ANOVA) compared responses across treatment groups.

Main Results:

• 443 patients completed the survey; ureteroscopy was the most common treatment (46%).
• 64% reported successful treatment, with higher rates of unsuccessful treatment for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and home remedies.
• Patient satisfaction was significantly associated with treatment success (p<0.0001), not treatment type.

Conclusions:

• Internet surveys facilitate rapid data collection from geographically diverse urolithiasis patients.
• Ureteroscopy is increasingly utilized for renal and ureteral calculi, aligning with prior research.
• Overall patient satisfaction is linked to treatment success, even when secondary procedures are required.