Substitution of care within benign gynecology during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands

During the COVID-19 pandemic, less surgery was performed than before (or after). Elective care surrounding benign diseases has been particularly hard hit; after all, priority was given to acute and oncological surgery. In benign gynecology, surgical elective care has virtually come to a standstill. It is obvious that alternative treatments have been offered to these patients during the COVID-19 period. Purpose and method With this research we will find out which care was provided instead of operations and how satisfied patients and caregivers were with this. With this information we can draw up a protocol for which care should be offered and how in a new period of absolute scarcity. But even in the case of relative scarcity, one can learn from substituted care: if patients are equally satisfied with non-operative treatment, operations may be performed less frequently. This can contribute to lower healthcare costs and relieve the burden on staff.