[MAINTAINING UROLOGICAL CARE IN A REGION WITHOUT RESIDENT SPECIALISTS: A ONE-YEAR EVALUATION OF A HYBRID OUTPATIENT CLINIC AT A LOCAL PUBLIC HOSPITAL].

(Objective) To evaluate the clinical performance and utility of a hybrid outpatient clinic combining telemedicine with in-person consultations in a local public hospital lacking a resident urologist. (Methods) This retrospective study included all urological outpatient visits conducted at Nakashibetsu Municipal Hospital between April 2024 and March 2025. In-person clinics were held 48 days per year, and telemedicine consultations were conducted on the same schedule. Clinical outcomes, including the total number of visits, distribution by consultation type, and number of hospitalizations, were analyzed. In addition, a questionnaire survey assessing patient acceptance of telemedicine was administered to 235 patients who received online consultations between June and August 2024. (Results) A total of 3,140 patient visits were recorded during the study period. Of these, 1,916 visits were conducted in person and 1,224 via telemedicine, accounting for 39.0% of all visits. Thirty-four patients required hospitalization. In the questionnaire survey, 55.3% of respondents indicated no preference between telemedicine and in-person consultations, demonstrating a moderate level of acceptance of telemedicine. (Conclusion) The hybrid outpatient clinic model effectively maintained urological services in a local public hospital without a resident specialist. While in-person care remains essential for cases requiring procedures or inpatient management, this hybrid system represents a viable option for ensuring continuity of urological care in regional healthcare settings.