title: Remote monitoring of videourodynamics using smart phone and free instant messaging software.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the feasibility of using smart phones plus free instant messaging software for remote monitoring of videourodynamics.
  
  
  METHODS
  From November 2011 to October 2012, 85 females with voiding disorders were enrolled for videourodynamic tests. The patients were assigned to videourodynamics remotely monitored by the attending physician by using iPhone/iPad and Skype (group 1) and videourodynamics with the attending physician present (group 2). The procedural time and videourodynamic qualities, assessed by the frequency of adherence to the modified Sullivan criteria, in each group were recorded and compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 44 and 41 patients in group 1 and group 2, respectively. The mean procedural time was comparable between group 1 and group 2 (56.3 vs. 54.4 min, P = 0.25). The frequencies of adherence to the modified Sullivan criteria were similar in each group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The qualities of videourodynamics under the attending physician's remote or direct monitoring were both appropriate. Based on the convenience of Internet, the popularity of smart phones and the intention to make the urologists use their time more efficiently, our study provides remote monitoring as an alternative way for performing videourodynamics.
authors: Department of Urology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors: Po-Fan
authors: PF
authors: Hsieh
authors: Chao-Hsiang
authors: CH
authors: Chang
authors: Chi-Shun
authors: CS
authors: Lien
authors: Hsi-Chin
authors: HC
authors: Wu
authors: Po-Jen
authors: PJ
authors: Hsiao
authors: Eric Chieh-Lung
authors: EC
authors: Chou
mesh_terms: D040421:Cell Phone; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012984:Software; D060145:Text Messaging; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: instant messaging; remote monitoring; smart phone; videourodynamics