Rapid implementation of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: Cancer patients' perspectives and preferences
Ce dossier présente un ensemble d'articles concernant la prise en charge des cancers durant la crise sanitaire liée au COVID-19
Résumé en anglais
INTRODUCTION : The use of telemedicine in oncology practice is rapidly expanding and is considered safe and cost effective. However, the implications of telemedicine on patient‐physician interaction, patients' satisfaction and absence of personal touch have not been studied to date. Following the spread of COVID‐19, telemedicine services were rapidly incorporated at the oncology division of Tel Aviv Medical Center (TLVMC). We aimed to evaluate patients' perspectives and preferences regarding telemedicine and assess whether this virtual communication platform affects the patient‐physician relationship.
METHODS : Between March 2020 and May 2020 adult cancer patients who conducted at least one successful telemedicine meeting were interviewed by trained medical personnel. The interview was based on validated patient satisfaction questionnaires, and focused on patient‐physician interaction in relation to the last in‐patient visit.
RESULTS : 172 of 236 (74%) patients approached agreed to participate. Study population was comprised mainly of gastro‐intestinal malignancies (n=79, 46%) with median age of 63 years (range 21‐88). The majority were males (n=93, 54%). 89 (51.7%) receiving active oncologic treatment and 58 (33.7%) were under routine surveillance following completion of active therapy. Almost all had a sense of secured privacy (n=171, 96%), while the majority of patients affirmed that their concerns were met (n=166, 93%) and were able to perceive eye contact with the treating physician (n=156, 87%). Only a minority felt absence of physical clinic visits harmed their treatment (n=36, 20%). Most patients (n=146, 84.9%) wished to continue telemedicine services. A multivariate analysis revealed that higher satisfaction and routine surveillance were both predictors of willingness to continue future telemedicine meetings over physical encounters (OR=2.41; p=0.01, OR=3.34; P=0.03 respectively).
CONCLUSION : Telemedicine is perceived as safe, effective, and often does not compromise medical care or the patient‐physician relationship. Its integration is ideal for patients under surveillance after completion of active oncologic treatment. Physician communication skills workshop implementing this platform is warranted.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : During the COVID‐19 pandemic, telemedicine was rapidly implemented worldwide to facilitate continuity of quality care and treatment. Despite many potential setbacks, telemedicine has become a useful and safe tool for oncology practitioners to care for their patients. The use of telemedicine regarding patients’ perspective, emotions and patient‐physician communication in daily oncology practice has not been studied to date. We found telemedicine is perceived as safe, effective, and without compromising medical care or the patient‐physician relationship. Its use is ideal for surveillance after completion of active oncologic treatment. Physician communication skills workshops implementing this platform, is warranted.
