1
|
Raghavendra AS, Jennings K, Guerra G, Tripathy D, Karuturi MS. Patient-reported convenience and effectiveness of telehealth for breast cancer management. Oncologist 2024:oyae165. [PMID: 39017637 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telehealth was rarely used for breast cancer management at tertiary care centers. We sought to examine patient satisfaction, experiences, preferences, and perceived effectiveness and technical quality of telehealth visits in follow-up patients receiving routine outpatient care in the breast medical oncology practice at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. METHODS We administered a survey to 60 follow-up patients for a duration of 9 months (January 5, 2021 to October 27, 2021) who had at least one telehealth consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic, from April 10, 2020 to October 21, 2021. Descriptive statistics were then generated for each question, each domain, and overall survey scores. Subgroup comparisons within patient populations were done using the chi-square or t-test when appropriate. RESULTS Among the 60 participants, 49 (82%) were undergoing standard follow-up during active treatment for either early-stage or metastatic breast cancer. Telehealth and in-person office visits were considered equivalent in terms of quality of communication by 43 participants (72%). Most participants (n = 49, 82%) felt equally cared for during telehealth and in-person visits, and 40 participants (67%) reported feeling connected to their healthcare professional during both telehealth and in-person visits. In addition, 28 participants (47%) felt that the duration of telehealth visits was similar to in-person visits, 46 (77%) found both telehealth and in-person visits equally comfortable for discussing sensitive topics, 39 (65%) considered telehealth visits convenient, and 42 (70%) perceived the overall quality of care for telehealth to be similar to that of in-person visits. Participants expressed high satisfaction with telehealth appointments, with 42 (70%) rating their experience as very satisfying. Most participants (n = 44, 73%) expressed a strong likelihood of participating in telehealth appointments for breast cancer follow-up care in the future. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that telehealth can serve as an effective and satisfactory approach for delivering healthcare services to patients with breast cancer requiring follow-up care. The positive experiences and willingness to continue using telehealth indicate its potential for improving access to care and patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristofer Jennings
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gil Guerra
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Meghan S Karuturi
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang S, Zhou L, Yi L, Chen X, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Hu X. Comparative efficacy of telehealth interventions on promoting cancer screening: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Nurs Scholarsh 2024; 56:585-598. [PMID: 38691056 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer screening is a pivotal method for reducing mortality from disease, but the screening coverage is still lower than expected. Telehealth interventions demonstrated significant benefits in cancer care, yet there is currently no consensus on their impact on facilitating cancer screening or on the most effective remote technology. DESIGN A network meta-analysis was conducted to detect the impact of telehealth interventions on cancer screening and to identify the most effective teletechnologies. METHODS Six English databases were searched from inception until July 2023 to yield relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two individual authors completed the literature selection, data extraction, and methodological evaluations using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Traditional pairwise analysis and network meta-analysis were performed to identify the overall effects and compare different teletechnologies. RESULTS Thirty-four eligible RCTs involving 131,644 participants were enrolled. Overall, telehealth interventions showed statistically significant effects on the improvement of cancer screening. Subgroup analyses revealed that telehealth interventions were most effective for breast and cervical cancer screening, and rural populations also experienced benefits, but there was no improvement in screening for older adults. The network meta-analysis indicated that mobile applications, video plus telephone, and text message plus telephone were associated with more obvious improvements in screening than other teletechnologies. CONCLUSION Our study identified that telehealth interventions were effective for the completion of cancer screening and clarified the exact impact of telehealth on different cancer types, ages, and rural populations. Mobile applications, video plus telephone, and text message plus telephone are the three forms of teletechnologies most likely to improve cancer screening. More well-designed RCTs involving direct comparisons of different teletechnologies are needed in the future. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Telehealth interventions should be encouraged to facilitate cancer screening, and the selection of the optimal teletechnology based on the characteristics of the population is also necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Yi
- Information and Software Engineering College, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juejin Li
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolin Hu
- Department of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/ West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, City of Future Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Coles CE, Earl H, Anderson BO, Barrios CH, Bienz M, Bliss JM, Cameron DA, Cardoso F, Cui W, Francis PA, Jagsi R, Knaul FM, McIntosh SA, Phillips KA, Radbruch L, Thompson MK, André F, Abraham JE, Bhattacharya IS, Franzoi MA, Drewett L, Fulton A, Kazmi F, Inbah Rajah D, Mutebi M, Ng D, Ng S, Olopade OI, Rosa WE, Rubasingham J, Spence D, Stobart H, Vargas Enciso V, Vaz-Luis I, Villarreal-Garza C. The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission. Lancet 2024; 403:1895-1950. [PMID: 38636533 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Earl
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Global Breast Cancer Initiative, World Health Organisation and Departments of Surgery and Global Health Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos H Barrios
- Oncology Research Center, Hospital São Lucas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maya Bienz
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, London, UK; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David A Cameron
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer and Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fatima Cardoso
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Wanda Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Prudence A Francis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Felicia Marie Knaul
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Tómatelo a Pecho, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Stuart A McIntosh
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Kelly-Anne Phillips
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Jean E Abraham
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Lynsey Drewett
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Farasat Kazmi
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Dianna Ng
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Szeyi Ng
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - William E Rosa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ren L, Chen M, Jiang H, Wang Y, Xia L, Dong C. Perceptions of adult patients with cancer towards telemedicine: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100360. [PMID: 38293602 PMCID: PMC10825605 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to systematically identify, evaluate, and synthesize published qualitative research on the views and attitudes of adult cancer patients toward telemedicine and, consequently to better inform the future development of telemedicine technology and interventions. Methods A meta-synthesis review was conducted to identify qualitative studies that reported adult cancer patients' perceptions toward telemedicine applications using nine electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Wan Fang, VIP, and CNKI, from inception to November 2022. Quality appraisal was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data were synthesized using "thematic synthesis" to identify themes and concepts. Results A total of 3518 articles were retrieved, of which 23 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies identified three key meta-themes and 11 key sub-themes: (1) Benefits of telemedicine: obtaining information and social support, maintaining the continuity of treatment, receiving professional assistance, having greater flexibility, and promoting physical and mental health; (2) Limitations of telemedicine: interference with normal life, privacy and security issues, auxiliary function issues, and increased psychological burden; (3) Expectations for future telemedicine: more personalized intervention, more specific and diverse information. Conclusions The study showed that the benefits and limitations coexisted in the process of telemedicine application among adult cancer patients. It is necessary to develop personalized applications that are better suited to the needs and characteristics of adult cancer patients. Future telemedicine interventions should focus on information diversification and provide patients with more diverse and effective information. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, CRD42022324528.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liya Ren
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Meijia Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lin Xia
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Dong
- School of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marks VA, Hsiang WR, Nie J, Umer W, Haleem A, Galal B, Pak I, Kim D, Salazar MC, Pantel H, Berger ER, Boffa DJ, Cavallo JA, Leapman MS. Telehealth Availability for Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Cancer 2023; 9:e45518. [PMID: 37917149 PMCID: PMC10654905 DOI: 10.2196/45518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth was an important strategy for maintaining continuity of cancer care during the coronavirus pandemic and has continued to play a role in outpatient care; however, it is unknown whether services are equally available across cancer hospitals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess telehealth availability at cancer hospitals for new and established patients with common cancers to contextualize the impact of access barriers to technology on overall access to health care. METHODS We conducted a national cross-sectional secret shopper study from June to November 2020 to assess telehealth availability at cancer hospitals for new and established patients with colorectal, breast, and skin (melanoma) cancer. We examined facility-level factors to determine predictors of telehealth availability. RESULTS Of the 312 investigated facilities, 97.1% (n=303) provided telehealth services for at least 1 cancer site. Telehealth was less available to new compared to established patients (n=226, 72% vs n=301, 97.1%). The surveyed cancer hospitals more commonly offered telehealth visits for breast cancer care (n=266, 85%) and provided lower access to telehealth for skin (melanoma) cancer care (n=231, 74%). Most hospitals (n=163, 52%) offered telehealth for all 3 cancer types. Telehealth availability was weakly correlated across cancer types within a given facility for new (r=0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.23) and established (r=0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.21) patients. Telehealth was more commonly available for new patients at National Cancer Institute-designated facilities, medical school-affiliated facilities, and major teaching sites, with high total admissions and below-average timeliness of care. Telehealth availability for established patients was highest at Academic Comprehensive Cancer Programs, nongovernment and nonprofit facilities, medical school-affiliated facilities, Accountable Care Organizations, and facilities with a high number of total admissions. CONCLUSIONS Despite an increase in telehealth services for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified differences in access across cancer hospitals, which may relate to measures of clinical volume, affiliation, and infrastructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Walter R Hsiang
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - James Nie
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Waez Umer
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
| | - Afash Haleem
- The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ, United States
| | - Bayan Galal
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Irene Pak
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dana Kim
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Haddon Pantel
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hoffmann S, Beissner J, Hieber R, Jacoby J, Engler T, Walter CB. Demand-oriented design of telemedical services in gynecologic oncology. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1168. [PMID: 37891588 PMCID: PMC10604842 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medical field is in the midst of a massive expansion in telemedical services. However, it is not possible to say to what extent telemedical offerings can be designed to meet needs in the German healthcare system. This study provides insights into demand-oriented care using telemedical services for gynecological patients. METHODS A total of 262 patients who received systemic therapy for gynecological oncology were surveyed anonymously using a questionnaire regarding their acceptance of telemedicine from February 2021 to April 2021. RESULTS Insufficient computer skills were associated with less acceptance of telemedicine treatment by gynecological oncology patients and presented a barrier. However, the patient's level of education was not related to the level of acceptance. Long travel distances from medical facilities and some types of patient occupations significantly increased the acceptance of telemedicine services. A high level of education, on the other hand, was not associated with the approval of telemedical approaches. Long journeys and work commitments increased the acceptance of telemedical visits. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the factors investigated have an influence on the acceptance of telemedical offerings by patients. Barriers such as insufficient computer skills must be taken into account when implementing telemedicine services. Telemedicine can provide physical and economic relief for patients if telemedical planning is tailored to their needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Hoffmann
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Beissner
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Hieber
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johann Jacoby
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University of Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engler
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christina Barbara Walter
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 7, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|