Performance of Urodynamics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

AimsThe principal aim of this multicentre, international cohort study is to explore the safety concerns of clinicians when performing urodynamic studies (UDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will also assess provider preference on personal protective equipment (PPE) during UDS and awareness of relevant international guidelines. The outcome is to offer a practical means of reducing the risk of aerosol transmis-sion during UDS, to include a protocol for screening patients, and to consider safer methods of inducing urethral leak-point pressure.MethodsA 14-point, multiple-response, online questionnaire was designed through Survey Monkey. This was distributed to healthcare workers involved in UDS via email, WhatsApp, and Twitter. This included, of varying experience; urologists, urogynaecologists, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical scientists across the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Australia, Europe, and Middle-East.ResultsThe study was conducted over two weeks and there were 104 responses to the survey. The majority of respondents were consultants (60%) and 73% of respondents performed UDS regularly. There were 56.7% of respondents who felt that UDS was safe to be re-instated and there were 52.8% who did not feel coughing was safe during the procedure. At the time of the survey, 83.5% were unaware of any national or international urological guidelines on the best practice for urodynamics during this era and 52.8% of clinicians stated they would wear PPE during UDS if it were reinstated.ConclusionThe majority of respondents felt safe to reinstate UDS; however, they felt more official guidance and recommendation is needed. Our proposed protocol can provide a safe and practical approach that keeps healthcare workers and patients safe.