Evaluating the Benefit of a Urogynecologic Telehealth Consultation after Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury

Abstract

Introduction: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) are associated with significant risk of complications, including pain, infection, and long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and acceptability of a postpartum telehealth consultation focused on pelvic floor health for patients after OASI. Methods: This prospective study used a pre–post design comparing standard postpartum care versus standard postpartum care plus a telehealth urogynecology consultation focused on pelvic floor recovery. The primary outcome was symptom burden as measured by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) score 16-weeks postpartum. Patient experience was evaluated using the QQ10 and the Patient Enablement Instrument. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare groups. Results: A total of 119 participants completed study activities (control group n = 62, intervention group n = 57). There was no significant difference between the two groups in PFDI-20 scores (55.6 versus 46.6, p = 0.23). The individual items most likely to be endorsed among all participants were related to flatal incontinence (52.1%) and fecal urgency (49.6%). For the subset analysis of 35 patients with severe OASI (3C or fourth-degree tears), those who had a telehealth consultation had lower PFDI-20 scores (56.6 versus 34.7; p = 0.04). QQ10 estimated a value score of 79/100 and a burden score of 18/100 for the telehealth consultation. Conclusions: A postpartum telehealth consultation focused on pelvic floor health may benefit patients with severe OASI who reported reduced symptom burden. Participants rated a telehealth consultation as high value and low burden for this condition.