Multicenter Study for the Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Patients With Sacral Neuromodulation Implants

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted medical and surgical services globally.
• Patients with sacral neuromodulation (SNM) devices required continuous management and communication for device programming.
• The study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on SNM device patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on patients utilizing sacral neuromodulation devices.
• To assess patient experiences with device management and programming during the pandemic.
• To gauge patient preferences for remote versus in-person care for SNM devices.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter study was conducted across four international centers specializing in SNM.
• An online questionnaire was distributed to SNM device patients during their respective national lockdown periods.
• Data from 162 patient responses were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The majority of patients (92.5%) had their SNM devices implanted prior to the lockdown.
• Most patients (91.9%) reported no difficulties with communication or device access.
• A significant preference for remote programming was observed, with 89.5% of patients favoring this method.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates that SNM device patients adapted well to lockdown conditions, with minimal reported difficulties.
• A strong patient preference for remote programming emerged, suggesting a viable alternative for care delivery.
• Manufacturers should prioritize the development of remote programming solutions for SNM devices to enhance patient access and convenience.