Teleoncology: A Solution for Everyone? A Single-Center Experience with Telemedicine during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth was rapidly implemented without previous evidence. The ONCOTELEMD study aimed to evaluate the opinion of patients attended via telemedicine during this period and to study factors that condition patient preferences on its use. Included patients had a confirmed cancer diagnosis and were contacted by telephone between 13 March and 30 April 2020, in the Medical Oncology Service of Hospital Parc Taulí, Sabadell. A 12-question survey was presented to them between 4 February and 19 April 2021. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression tests. Six hundred forty-six patients were included; 487 responded to the survey. The median age was 68 years (27-90), 55.2% were female. Most patients had a surveillance visit (65.3%) and were diagnosed with colorectal or breast cancer (43% and 26.5%, respectively); 91.8% of patients were satisfied, and 60% would accept the use of telemedicine beyond the pandemic. Patients aged more than 50 years (OR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19-0.81; p = 0.01) and diagnosed with breast cancer (OR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.69; p < 0.001) were less predisposed to adopt telehealth in the future. Patients agreed to be informed via telehealth of scan or lab results (62% and 84%, respectively) but not of new oral or endovenous treatments (52% and 33.5%, respectively). Additionally, 75% of patients had a medium or low-null technologic ability, and 51.3% would only use the telephone or video call to contact health professionals. However, differences were found according to age groups (p < 0.0001). In total, patients surveyed were satisfied with telemedicine and believed telehealth could have a role following the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, our results remark on the importance of individualizing the use of telehealth, showing relevant data on patient preferences and digital literacy.

Patient’s preferences on the use of Telemedicine during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. ONCOTELEMED study (preprint)

BACKGROUND Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth for cancer care was rapidly implemented without previous experience. Afterwards, few published studies have assessed patient’s perception with the use of telemedicine during this period. The main objective of ONCOTELEMD study was to evaluate the opinion of patients attended via telemedicine during the first quarter of 2020 in the Medical Oncology Service of Hospital Parc Taulí, Sabadell. METHODS 646 patients were visited via telephone between March 13 and April 30 2020. A 12-question survey was presented to them between February 4 and April 19 2021. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test. RESULTS 487 patients responded. Median age was 68 years [27–90]. 90% of patients were satisfied with the telephone visit and 60% would agree to switch some in-person to virtual visits in the future. In general, patients agreed to be informed via telehealth of radiological/analytical results but not of new oral or endovenous treatments. 75% of patients had a medium or low-null knowledge of new technologies. However, statistical significant differences were found according to age groups. 60% of patients younger than 50 years would prefer to have different technological tools to contact their oncologist whereas 58% of patients older than 70 years would prefer only telephone or video-calls. CONCLUSIONS In global, patients surveyed were satisfied with the virtual visit and believe that telehealth could have a role following COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, it is necessary to individualize its use according to patient’s preferences and conditions.