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Shih KK, Arechiga AB, Chen X, Urbauer DL, De Moraes AR, Rodriguez AJ, Thomas L, Stanton PA, Bruera E, Hui D. Telehealth Preferences Among Patients With Advanced Cancer in the Post COVID-19 Vaccine Era. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:525-534.e1. [PMID: 38467349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.02.572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have examined patient preferences for telehealth in palliative care after the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. We examined patient preferences for video versus in-person visits and factors contributing to preferences in the postvaccine era. METHODS This is a cross-sectional survey of patients who were seen at our palliative care clinic between April 2021 and March 2022. Patients were surveyed directly their preference for either video or in-person visits for outpatient palliative care (primary outcome). We also surveyed preferences including convenience, cost, wait time, and perceptions of COVID-19 safety regarding their palliative virtual-video visit. We examined clinical factors associated with preferences with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS About 200 patients completed the survey. 132 (67%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 60%, 74%) preferred virtual-video, while 16 (8%) preferred in-person visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 120 (61%, 95%CI: 54%, 68%) preferred virtual-video after the pandemic. Patients perceived virtual-video favorably regarding travel and related costs (179 [91%]), convenience (175 [88%]), and wait time (136 [69%]). Multivariable analysis showed concerns for catching COVID-19 from healthcare providers (odds ratio [OR]: 4.20; 95%CI: 1.24-14.25; P = 0.02) and feeling comfortable with computers or mobile devices (OR: 4.59; 95%CI: 1.02, 20.60; P = 0.047) were significantly associated with preferring virtual-video. Patients who were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR: 0.25; 95%CI: 0.09, 0.71) and had increased dypsnea (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.59, 0.93) were less likely to prefer video over in-person. CONCLUSION Patients expressed strong preference for video over in-person visits in the outpatient palliative care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoswi K Shih
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Adrienne B Arechiga
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biostatistics (X.C., D.L.U.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Diana L Urbauer
- Department of Biostatistics (X.C., D.L.U.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aline Rozman De Moraes
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley J Rodriguez
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa Thomas
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Penny A Stanton
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine (K.K.S., A.B.A., A.R.D.M., A.J.R., L.T., P.A.S., E.B., D.H.), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Dilhani WNS, Mitchell S, Dale J, Toor K, Javaid M, MacArtney JI. A mixed-methods systematic review investigating the use of digital health interventions to provide palliative and end-of-life care for patients in low- and middle-income countries. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524241236965. [PMID: 38617095 PMCID: PMC11010586 DOI: 10.1177/26323524241236965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The need for palliative care is rising globally with 76% of those who are in need living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Digital health interventions (DHIs) have been identified as a means of making palliative care more widely accessible. This review summarizes the range and characteristics of DHIs used to deliver palliative care in LMICs and sought to identify factors that influence their implementation and utilization. Objectives This review aims to summarize the range and characteristics of DHIs used to deliver palliative care in LMICs and identify factors that influence their implementation and utilization. Design Mixed-method systematic review incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. Data sources and methods All studies focusing on DHIs for patients who need palliative care (adults/children) and their caregivers (patient and caregiver centred) in LMICs and published in English were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases. Data synthesis and analysis were carried out following the convergent integrated approach based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for mixed-methods systematic reviews. Results Fifteen studies were included (three qualitative, four mixed-methods and eight quantitative studies). Telemedicine/mHealth was the most reported DHI utilized in LMICs in delivering palliative care. Patients and caregivers benefited from using DHIs in many ways including increased access to care with reduced discomfort, travel time and risk of health care-associated infections. Health care providers also reported that using DHI such as telemedicine enables them to provide care in a more effective and efficient way. Four factors were identified as the main barriers to implementation: resource constraints; literacy, training and skills; governance, operational and communication issues and technical issues. Conclusion DHIs, such as telemedicine, have the potential to enhance accessibility to palliative care in LMICs, particularly in rural areas. Comprehensive strategies for their use are required to address the identified barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Mitchell
- Division of Primary Care, Palliative Care and Public Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kavanbir Toor
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mikail Javaid
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - John I. MacArtney
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Medical School Building, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 7AL, UK
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Saleem MK, Sattar K, Ejaz KF, Rehman MU, Saleem H, Khursheed S, Akbar A, Ahmed J, Tariq M, Jadoon SK, Saleem Khan M, Tasneem S, Khandker SS, Kundu S, Alvi S. Use of telemedicine to tackle health problems in South Asia during the COVID-19 era and beyond: a systematic review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1012-1020. [PMID: 38333256 PMCID: PMC10849386 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001649] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Telemedicine (TM) and teleconsultation services flourished during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission to avoid COVID-19 infection and physical contact. Many physicians switched to the virtual treatment mode and nearly all types of health disciplines were covered. Through this systematic review, the authors tried to explore the strengths and weaknesses of TM, identify the barriers to adopting TM by population, and explain the limitations of this healthcare delivery model. Methods and results In this systematic review, 28 studies were included (>53% high-quality studies) as eligible, where nearly 75% (n=21) of the studies were from India, and the remaining 25% (n=7) were from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Advice related to cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases were the most common among the health disciplines in which TM was used. A peak in teleconsultation was observed during the high transmission phase of COVID-19, although major queries were associated with existing health complications and comorbidities. Conclusion Other than a few concerns regarding connectivity, privacy, and diagnosis, TM was in fact affordable, timesaving, feasible, and accurate, which ensured a highly satisfying experience among the participants (>80%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad K. Saleem
- General Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Tipperary University Hospital, Ireland
| | - Komal Sattar
- Russell’s Hall Hospital Dudley, MRCP Royal College
| | | | | | | | | | - Amna Akbar
- Poonch Medical College, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad
| | - Jahanzeb Ahmed
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Maham Tariq
- Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College Mirpur
| | | | | | - Sabahat Tasneem
- Public Health Professional (MSPH), Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Shoumik Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sarosh Alvi
- Teaching Faculty, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
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4
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Akapo AO, Schultz C, Coelho D, Muffly TM. American Indian and Alaskan Native Access to Obstetrics and Gynecology Subspecialists: Findings From a National Mystery Caller Study in the United States. Cureus 2023; 15:e51403. [PMID: 38292990 PMCID: PMC10826858 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A significant disparity exists for American Indian and Alaska Native populations in accessing obstetric and gynecology (OBGYN) subspecialty care, as nearly 43% of individuals do not reside in areas where the Indian Health Service (IHS) provides care. Geographical separation from IHS facilities exacerbates healthcare disparities, particularly regarding access to specialized services. This study aims to create a map illustrating the average driving time from an IHS clinic to OBGYN subspecialists (e.g., gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, family planning, urogynecology, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility [REI]) and determine the average wait time for appointments with these specialists. Study design A cross-sectional and mystery caller study was conducted using hospital-level data from the IHS and data on women from the 2010 United States Census provided by the US Census Bureau. All US OBGYN subspecialists were identified and mapped. The local distribution of clinics near IHS hospitals was determined, and the nearest OBGYN subspecialist was mapped to IHS hospitals providing women's care services. Thirty-seven OBGYN subspecialists closest to IHS hospitals were contacted to calculate the mean wait time for subspecialty care appointments. Results The median driving time to the closest gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, family planning, urogynecology, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility OBGYN subspecialist was 214 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 107-290). The longest drive to see a subspecialist for urogynecology services was over 240 minutes. From the 2010 US Census, we identified 583,574 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) pediatric, adolescent, and women within a 60-minute drive of an IHS hospital. The mean wait time for a new patient appointment was 13.6 business days (SD ± 2). Conclusions Geographical disparities significantly impact the ability of American Indian and Alaska Native populations to access OBGYN subspecialty care. There was no difference in wait times compared to the national average, though there were significantly longer drive times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeola O Akapo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Claire Schultz
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, USA
| | - Diego Coelho
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Coelho Services, Florianópolis, BRA
| | - Tyler M Muffly
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, USA
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Hasselfeld BW, Links AR, Claus LE, Canino R, Sisson SD, Hughes HK. Provider Perspectives Regarding Ambulatory Telemedicine at a Large Academic Health System During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1696-1704. [PMID: 36940314 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To understand provider preferences regarding telemedicine across clinical departments and provider demographic groups. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to providers at Johns Hopkins Medicine who had completed at least one outpatient telemedicine encounter. The survey included questions about clinical appropriateness and preferred use of telemedicine. Demographic data were obtained from institutional records. Descriptive statistics provided a profile of provider responses. Wilcoxon rank sum tests evaluated departmental and demographic differences. Results: A total of 1,342 of 3,576 providers responded (37.5%). Providers indicated that telemedicine was clinically appropriate for new patients a median of 31.5% of the time (Range: 20% in pediatrics, 80% in psychiatry/behavioral sciences). For existing patients, providers indicated that telemedicine was clinically appropriate a median of 70% of the time (Range: 50% in physical medicine, 90% in psychiatry/behavioral sciences). Providers desired a median of 30% of their schedule template be dedicated to telemedicine (Range: 20% in family medicine, 70% in psychiatry/behavioral sciences). Providers who were female, had fewer than 15 years in practice, or were psychiatrists/psychologists tended to find telemedicine more clinically appropriate (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A majority of providers across clinical departments felt that high-quality care could be delivered through telemedicine, although the amount of care varied widely based on department and patient type. Preferences for future telemedicine similarly showed wide variety across and within departments. These findings indicate that in this early adoption phase of widespread telemedicine integration, there is lack of consensus among providers about the amount of telemedicine appropriate for everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Hasselfeld
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Office of Telemedicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Office of Johns Hopkins Physicians, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne R Links
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren E Claus
- Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca Canino
- Office of Telemedicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen D Sisson
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Office of Johns Hopkins Physicians, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Helen K Hughes
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Office of Telemedicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Xu X, Ho MH, Lin CC. Telehealth in palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic mixed studies review. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs 2023; 20:476-491. [PMID: 36942832 DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12637] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused unprecedented disruption to healthcare delivery worldwide. The use of telehealth practices rapidly expanded during the pandemic, while its application in palliative care remains a conflicted issue. AIMS The aims of this study were to evaluate users' reports of their satisfaction with telehealth palliative care during COVID-19 and to identify facilitators and barriers to telehealth implementation in palliative care during COVID-19. METHODS A systematic search of the literature, including studies between January 2020 and June 2022, was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Embase, and Google Scholar. Empirical studies of telehealth in palliative care during COVID-19 were included. RESULTS A total of 18 studies were included in the review, of which nine were outpatient consultations, four were family meetings, two were remote volunteering programs, two were inpatient care, and one was a residential care home needs assessment. The satisfaction rates were high (66%-99%) among patients and family members who participated in telehealth consultations, but the satisfaction with family meetings was mixed. Compared with their clients, healthcare professionals were less likely to assess telehealth as satisfactory. The authors identified four barriers and four facilitators. The barriers were technological challenges, lack of nonverbal communication, ethical concerns, and limitations for clinical practice. The facilitators were accessibility and convenience, visual cues, facilitation and training, and family engagement. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION This systematic mixed studies review suggests that current evidence supports the feasibility of telehealth implementation in palliative care for outpatient consultations and routine follow-up appointments. This review also identified facilitators and barriers to telehealth in palliative care, and the findings can inform the implementation of future palliative care services. Future attention should be paid to the effectiveness of telehealth implementation in palliative care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Xu
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Mu-Hsing Ho
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chia-Chin Lin
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Kitamura Y, Nakai H. Maintaining quality of life and care for cancer survivors experiencing disaster disruptions: a review of the literature. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:701. [PMID: 37495955 PMCID: PMC10373278 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11191-9] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disasters caused by natural phenomena are increasing in frequency and devastation. The growing number of cancer survivors constitute a vulnerable population in their need for continuous and high-level care, a vulnerability that is exacerbated in the event of disasters. Although the evidence base on the needs of cancer survivors is growing, little is known about cancer care in disaster settings. Therefore, we prepared a narrative literature review that outlines existing evidence, identifies knowledge gaps, and clarifies key concepts that are central to the burgeoning area of research into the quality of care for cancer survivors through disasters. As the preponderance of available evidence stresses the importance of careful disaster planning for maintaining care services, this review also provides guidance in developing plans for how to proceed during, and in the aftermath of, disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Kitamura
- School of Nursing, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0265, Japan
| | - Hisao Nakai
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Kochi, 2751-1 Ike, Kochi, 781-8515, Japan.
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Mathews JJ, Chow R, Wennberg E, Lau J, Hannon B, Zimmermann C. Telehealth palliative care interventions for patients with advanced cancer: a scoping review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:451. [PMID: 37421447 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telehealth allows patients to maintain contact with healthcare providers without necessitating travel, and is becoming increasingly utilized. The purpose of this study is to describe the components of telehealth palliative care interventions for patients with advanced cancer before the COVID-19 pandemic; identify any intervention components associated with improvements in outcomes; and evaluate reporting of interventions. METHODS This scoping review was registered on the Open Science Framework. We searched 5 medical databases from inception to June 19, 2020. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 18, advanced cancer, asynchronous or synchronous telehealth intervention, and specialized palliative care interventions in any setting. We assessed the quality of intervention reporting using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. RESULTS Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria: 15 (65%) quantitative (7 randomized controlled trials, 5 feasibility trials, 3 retrospective chart reviews); 4 (17%) mixed methods, and 4 (17%) qualitative. Most quantitative and mixed methods studies were conducted in North America (12/19, 63%), reported on hybrid (in-person and telehealth) interventions (9/19, 47%), and were delivered by nurses (12/19, 63%) in the home setting (14/19, 74%). In most studies that reported improvements in patient- or caregiver-reported outcomes, the content was psychoeducational and resulted in improvements for psychological symptoms. No study provided complete reporting on all 12 TIDieR checklist items. CONCLUSION Telehealth studies are needed that reflect palliative care's mission to provide multidisciplinary team-based care that improves quality of life in diverse settings, and that provide detailed reporting of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Jacob Mathews
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald Chow
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 620 University Ave, 12-300, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C1, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erica Wennberg
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenny Lau
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 620 University Ave, 12-300, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C1, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Breffni Hannon
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 620 University Ave, 12-300, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C1, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camilla Zimmermann
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 620 University Ave, 12-300, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C1, Canada.
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Baatiema L, Sanuade OA, Allen LN, Abimbola S, Hategeka C, Koram KA, Kruk ME. Health system adaptions to improve care for people living with non-communicable diseases during COVID-19 in low-middle income countries: A scoping review. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06006. [PMID: 36862142 PMCID: PMC9980283 DOI: 10.7189/iogh.13.06006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to health care for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been significantly disrupted. Calls have been made to adapt health systems and innovate service delivery models to improve access to care. We identified and summarized the health systems adaptions and interventions implemented to improve NCD care and their potential impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We comprehensively searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, PsycINFO, Global Literature on coronavirus disease, and Web of Science for relevant literature published between January 2020 and December 2021. While we targeted articles written in English, we also included papers published in French with abstracts written in English. Results After screening 1313 records, we included 14 papers from six countries. We identified four unique health systems adaptations/interventions for restoring, maintaining, and ensuring continuity of care for people living with NCDs: telemedicine or teleconsultation strategies, NCD medicine drop-off points, decentralization of hypertension follow-up services and provision of free medication to peripheral health centers, and diabetic retinopathy screening with a handheld smartphone-based retinal camera. We found that the adaptations/interventions enhanced continuity of NCD care during the pandemic and helped bring health care closer to patients using technology and easing access to medicines and routine visits. Telephonic aftercare services appear to have saved a significant amount of patients' time and funds. Hypertensive patients recorded better blood pressure controls over the follow-up period. Conclusions Although the identified measures and interventions for adapting health systems resulted in potential improvements in access to NCD care and better clinical outcomes, further exploration is needed to establish the feasibility of these adaptations/interventions in different settings given the importance of context in their successful implementation. Insights from such implementation studies are critical for ongoing health systems strengthening efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and future global health security threats for people living with NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Baatiema
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Olutobi A Sanuade
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Luke N Allen
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Seye Abimbola
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Celestin Hategeka
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kwadwo A Koram
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Margaret E Kruk
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Kelly M, Mitchell I, Walker I, Mears J, Scholz B. End-of-life care in natural disasters including epidemics and pandemics: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:1-14. [PMID: 33731463 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, and place additional strains on end-of-life care services and users. Although end-of-life and palliative care are considered essential components of disaster planning and response, there are gaps in understandings about their real-life application, and how natural disasters impact end-of-life care. OBJECTIVE To synthesise existing evidence of the impacts of natural disasters (eg, bushfires, communicable pandemics, etc) on end-of-life care. METHODS A systematic review with a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The review was registered on PROSPERO (registration: CRD42020176319). PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Science Direct and Web of Science were searched for studies published in English between 2003 and 2020, with findings explicitly mentioning end-of-life care impacts in relation to a natural disaster. Articles were appraised for quality using a JBI-QARI tool. RESULTS Thirty-six empirical studies met the inclusion criteria and quality assessment. Findings were synthesised into three key themes: impacts on service provision, impacts on service providers and impacts on service users. This review demonstrates that natural disasters impact profoundly on end-of-life care, representing a stark departure from a palliative care approach. CONCLUSIONS Clinical practitioners, policy makers and researchers must continue to collaborate for viable solutions to achieve universal access to compassionate and respectful end-of-life care, during natural disasters. Using models, policies and practices already developed in palliative care, involving those most impacted in disaster planning and anticipating barriers, such as resource shortages, enables development of end-of-life care policies and practices that can be rapidly implemented during natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Kelly
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Imogen Mitchell
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Iain Walker
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jane Mears
- School of Social Science, Western Sydney University - Liverpool City Campus, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Scholz
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Rajkumar E, Gopi A, Joshi A, Thomas AE, Arunima NM, Ramya GS, Kulkarni P, Rahul P, George AJ, Romate J, Abraham J. Applications, benefits and challenges of telehealth in India during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:7. [PMID: 36597088 PMCID: PMC9810518 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08970-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND India, the seventh-largest country in the world and the second-most populated faces enormous challenges when it comes to healthcare. The country's healthcare system was close to collapse due to the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth, which enables treating patients remotely, played a critical role during these challenging times. This systematic review investigates in detail the role of telehealth during COVID-19 and its application beyond the pandemic. METHODS Database searches on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science were carried out for studies published on telehealth, and articles were included if they focused on any audio or video telehealth consultation during the pandemic in India. Findings were synthesised into three main themes: applications, benefits and challenges of telehealth services. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools. RESULTS The initial search on databases yielded 1143 articles. Of those, 19 met the eligibility criteria. Findings highlight the effective utilisation of telehealth across multiple medical specialities. Although insufficient technological infrastructure and other barriers due to the virtual consultation challenge the successful implementation of telehealth in India, it has the potential to bridge the rural-urban healthcare divide with cost-effective and easily accessible services. CONCLUSION High patient/provider satisfaction underscores the need to integrate telehealth into routine healthcare practices in the country. However, the review urges the government and healthcare practitioners to address the telehealth challenges with prime importance to ensure quality healthcare throughout the nation even after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslavath Rajkumar
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - Aswathy Gopi
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - Aditi Joshi
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - Aleena Elizabeth Thomas
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - N. M. Arunima
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - Gosetty Sri Ramya
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - Prachi Kulkarni
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - P. Rahul
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - Allen Joshua George
- grid.512371.30000 0004 1767 583XHumanities and Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi, Jharkhand India
| | - John Romate
- grid.448766.f0000 0004 1764 8284Department of Psychology, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka India
| | - John Abraham
- grid.416432.60000 0004 1770 8558St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka India
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12
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Elhakeem I, Iqbal P, Nashwan AJ, Abubakar M, Jawad AT, AlHiyari MA, Chandra P, Osman MA, Mohamad SS, Alkhatib M, Yassin MA. Patients' experience and satisfaction using telemedicine for outpatient services in a Tertiary Cancer Center in Qatar during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e883. [PMID: 36320657 PMCID: PMC9617592 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.883] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim The coronavirus-19 is an ongoing global pandemic resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. For a patient population at higher risk of infection, telemedicine is a promising means of providing safe and alternative care routes while minimizing their risk of exposure. This study gives insight into patients' experiences and satisfaction with telemedicine during this pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 297 patients (RR: 85%) at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), Qatar. Data was collected through electronic medical records of the eligibe patient population, and phone calls were made whereby the physician read a standard introductory script followed by a survey questionnaire. We focused on patients' experience with telemedicine services amid the pandemic. This was done using a six-point Likert scoring system of seven questions that were scaled from 1 to 6. Results More than 80% of patients somewhat to strongly agreed that telemedicine met their healthcare needs, improved their confidence in their healthcare system, and were generally satisfied with the quality of care provided. Nearly all patients (90%) understood their physicians' recommendations over the phone. In addition, more than half of the patients (89%) felt they could freely communicate their concerns. Patients also showed an inclination towards face-to-face consultations at 68%; however, 90% were willing to participate in future teleconsultations. Conclusion Our study indicates an overall positive experience among patients towards the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine is a safe, futuristic approach toward patient care management and, thus, provides healthcare professionals a platform to implement further patient and physician education. Even though our data also showed that patients liked in-person visits to some degree, this needs to be looked into more in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa Elhakeem
- Medical EducationHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar,Hematology/Oncology DepartmentHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Phool Iqbal
- Internal Medicine DepartmentNew York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital CenterNew YorkUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Prem Chandra
- Academic Health SystemHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
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13
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de Varge Maldonado JMS, de Paula AC, Gadelha CAG. Perception of Health Care Providers and Users on Teleconsultation in Times of COVID-19 in Brazil: An Exploratory Interview Study. Telemed J E Health 2022; 29:717-725. [PMID: 36282808 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, teleconsultation was considered an important instrument in the fight against the health crisis, with temporary mandates changing the current legislation to expand its use. This study examined the perceptions of health care providers and users regarding teleconsultation. Methods: The study consisted of a national survey of 1,089 participants, of which 480 were health care providers and 609 were users, carried out through two semistructured questionnaires administered between June and August 2020, using six categories of analysis for teleconsultation-quality, remuneration, duties and responsibilities, experience and positioning regarding use, and technology-and an additional question about the benefits and harms of telemedicine. Results: The research indicated that, although face-to-face care is favored, there is an important movement toward accepting virtual care, even though there are relative differences in perception regarding the six categories analyzed. Discussion: Regarding the benefits of telemedicine, issues such as access, practicality, agility, convenience, easiness, and speed stood out as well as concerns such as contact, quality, impersonality, distance, errors, and falsehood, among others. Conclusions: Although there is evidence of benefits and limitations, bringing to light that contributions from the perception of health care providers and users can help promote debates to establish teleconsultation on a permanent basis in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Cruz de Paula
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Okyere J, Mensah ABB, Kissah-Korsah K. Covid-19 Front-Liners: Experiences of Palliative Care Providers in a Tertiary Hospital. SAGE Open Nurs 2022; 8:23779608221132172. [PMID: 36267052 PMCID: PMC9577064 DOI: 10.1177/23779608221132172] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In “normal” times, palliative care (PC) service delivery is confronted with
many challenges thereby making access to care difficult. Now, we are in the
era of COVID-19 where the healthcare ecology is radically changed. During
this process of radical transformation, there are some ramification of
COVID-19 on PC service delivery. Yet, there is a paucity of empirical
evidence to support this claim. Objective We explored PC providers’ perspectives on delivering PC services in the era
of COVID-19. Methods Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach, we conducted
face-to-face and telephone interviews with seven PC service providers at
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Haase's adaptation of Colaizzi's method
was employed as the analysis strategy. Results Two main themes emerged: ramifications and adaptations. The ramifications of
COVID-19 on PC service delivery included changes in care relationship,
perceived increased responsibilities, psychological distress, shortage of
medicines, and treatment delays. In an attempt to mitigate the challenges
posed by COVID-19 on PC service delivery, the following mechanisms
adaptations were made: halting of service provision, resorting to
tele-consultation, adopting shift system and reducing number of
appointments, and adoption of infection prevention and control
strategies. Conclusions Our results indicate that COVID-19 has substantial ramification of PC service
delivery. In conclusion, priority should be given to the training of
healthcare workers on emergency preparedness for future pandemics. Also,
continuous professional development would be needed in order build PC
service providers’ skills and capacity to effectively utilize
tele-consultation in PC service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health,
University of
Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana,Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences,
Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi, Ghana,Joshua Okyere, Department of Population and
Health, University of Cape Coast, University Post Office, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences,
Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Kissah-Korsah
- Department of Population and Health,
University of
Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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15
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Smith SJ, Smith AB, Kennett W, Vinod SK. Exploring cancer patients', caregivers', and clinicians' utilisation and experiences of telehealth services during COVID-19: A qualitative study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:3134-3142. [PMID: 35688719 PMCID: PMC9170274 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted oncology. With pandemic restrictions limiting close contact between individuals, telehealth (the use of teleconferencing/videoconferencing to conduct real-time medical consultations) has been increasingly utilised. This qualitative study aimed to explore adult cancer patient, caregiver, and clinician (doctor, nurse, allied health) telehealth experiences during COVID-19 in urban and rural Australian settings and identify potential enablers and barriers to sustained telehealth implementation. METHODS English-speaking participants completed semi-structured interviews regarding their telehealth experiences since March 2020. Interviews ceased when data saturation occurred. Iterative thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 Pro. RESULTS Thirty-four interviews (clinician=14, patient=13, caregiver=7) were conducted from April to August 2021. Analysis generated seven themes relating to telehealth use: 1) Acceptability as a form of consultation, 2) Impacts on healthcare provision, 3) Communication & relationships, 4) Efficient form of consultation, 5) Comfort of conducting telehealth in different environments, 6) Technological barriers and 7) Future preferences. CONCLUSIONS The rapid uptake of telehealth during the pandemic has mostly been well-received, and telehealth can be appropriately used in oncology. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Barriers including providing appropriate facilities, technology, and telehealth training; and selecting appropriate patients must be addressed to enable sustained telehealth use in future cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Smith
- Port Macquarie Rural Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Port Macquarie, Australia
| | - Allan Ben Smith
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
| | - William Kennett
- Wauchope District Memorial Hospital and Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Australia
| | - Shalini K Vinod
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia; Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, South West Sydney Local Health District, Australia
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16
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Bauer EH, Schultz ANØ, Brandt F, Smith AC, Bollig G, Dieperink KB. Protocol for an integrative review: patient and families' perspectives on telehealth in palliative care. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062723. [PMID: 36688736 PMCID: PMC9454006 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increases in the use of telehealth in palliative care (telepalliative care) prior to, and during, the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a proliferation of studies on the topic. While knowledge is building on how providers and recipients adapt to telepalliative care, no reviews have, as of yet, examined telepalliative care from a patient and family perspective. Therefore, the aim of this integrative review is to explore patients and families' perspectives on telepalliative. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An integrative review will be performed inspired by the methodology of Remmington and Toronto from March 2022 to December 2022. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL will be searched for primary peer-reviewed studies that describe telepalliative care from patient and families' perspectives. Limiters will be used for age; 18 years+, time; 10 years, and language; English and Danish. Hand searches of authors of included articles and reference lists of included articles will be performed. Two reviewers will independently screen and appraise selected articles using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Conflicts will be resolved through discussions with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted independently by two reviewers into a data matrix with predefined headings and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings will be reported thematically, summarised into a thematic synthesis and discussed in relation to relevant literature. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this review. Results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at a relevant international conference. Reporting of this protocol was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol checklist and prospectively reported to PROSPERO (CRD42022301206).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eithne Hayes Bauer
- Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Southern Jutland Sonderborg Branch, Aabenraa, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research - University Hospital of Southern Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | | | - Frans Brandt
- Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Southern Jutland Sonderborg Branch, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Georg Bollig
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Palliative Medicine and Pain Therapy, Helios Klinikum, Schleswig, Germany
| | - Karin Brochstedt Dieperink
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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17
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Dennett AM, Taylor NF, Williams K, Lewis AK, Brann P, Hope JD, Wilton AM, Harding KE. Consumer perspectives of telehealth in ambulatory care in an Australian health network. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1903-1912. [PMID: 34558144 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to explore consumer experiences of ambulatory telehealth services and whether consumer experiences differed according to whether they received their consultation using telephone or video technology. We conducted structured telephone interviews with patient consumers who had received a recent remote consultation by telephone or video call, at local ambulatory allied health or multidisciplinary services within a large public metropolitan public health network. Respondents were asked about their recent experience and future choices in relation to telehealth. Responses from consumers who received telephone and video consultations were compared. Consumers from community rehabilitation, community health, allied health outpatients, multidisciplinary specialist clinics and mental health services participated (n = 379), of whom 245 received a telephone consultation (65%) and 134 a video consultation (35%). Almost half of respondents (49%) expressed preference for future face-to-face care and 29% reported they would choose to use telehealth over face-to-face consultation for a similar appointment again. Many commented that they would be influenced by the type of consultation required and expressed a desire to have a choice. Approximately 80% of both groups reported they had achieved the desired outcome from their telehealth consultation. Consumers using video were more likely to experience technical issues. Telehealth met the needs of most consumers, and responses were similar for telephone and video consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Dennett
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicholas F Taylor
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Annie K Lewis
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter Brann
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Judith D Hope
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Anita M Wilton
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
| | - Katherine E Harding
- Department of Allied Health, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Vic., Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
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18
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Atreya S, Sinha A, Kumar R. Integration of primary palliative care into geriatric care from the Indian perspective. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:4913-4918. [PMID: 36505579 PMCID: PMC9731086 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_399_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising trend in the ageing population alongside social, cultural, and economic changes poses a major threat to the health care system in the country. Elderly population have dynamic and complex health care needs, are debilitated by the progressive chronic life-threatening diseases, and live a compromised quality of life. Palliative care, with its multifaceted approach, can provide respite to the elderly population. A decentralized approach in which palliative care is provided by the local community will ensure seamless continuity of care and care at an affordable cost. General practitioners or family physicians play a vital role in delivering primary palliative care to the elderly population in the community. An integrating primary palliative-geriatric care model will ensure that care is provided in alignment with the patients' and their families' wishes along the trajectory of the life-threatening illness and at the patients' preferred place. However, delivering primary palliative care in the community can be riddled with challenges at various levels, such as identification of patients in need of palliative care, interpersonal communication, addressing patients' and caregivers' needs, clarity in roles and responsibilities between general practitioner and family physicians and specialist palliative care teams, coordination of services with specialists, and lack of standard guidelines for palliative care referral. Various geriatric-palliative care models have been tested over the years, such as delivering palliative and end-of-life care for disease-specific conditions at specified care settings (home or hospice) and provision of care by different specialist palliative care teams and general practitioners or family physicians. Akin to the aforementioned models, the National Health Program in the country envisages to strengthen the integration of geriatric and palliative care. The integrated geriatric-palliative care model will ensure continuity of care, equitable distribution of service, impeccable inter-sectoral collaboration and care at an affordable cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant Atreya
- Senior Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Department of Palliative Care and Psycho-Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Shrikant Atreya, Department of Palliative Care and Psychooncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata 700 160, West Bengal, India. E-mail:
| | - Abhik Sinha
- Geriatric Health Specialist and Scientist D, ICMR-Center of Ageing and Mental Health Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Raman Kumar
- President, Association of Family Physicians of India, India
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19
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Somani A, Singh LK. Satisfaction with Psychiatric Teleconsultation Services During COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspective of Service Users. Indian J Psychol Med 2022; 44:421-423. [PMID: 35949624 PMCID: PMC9301742 DOI: 10.1177/02537176221101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Somani
- Dept. of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Singh
- Dept. of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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20
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Caraceni A, Pellegrini C, Shkodra M, Zecca E, Bracchi P, Lo Dico S, Caputo M, Zappata S, Zito E, Brunelli C. Telemedicine for outpatient palliative care during COVID-19 pandemics: a longitudinal study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022:bmjspcare-2022-003585. [PMID: 35710705 PMCID: PMC9240442 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2022-003585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine (TM) emerged as an important mean to reduce risks of transmission, yet delivering the necessary care to patients. Our aim was to evaluate feasibility, characteristics and satisfaction for a TM service based on phone/video consultations for patients with cancer attending an outpatient palliative care clinic during COVID-19 pandemics. Methods A longitudinal observational study was conducted from April to December 2020. Consecutive patients were screened for video consultations feasibility. Either patients or their caregivers received video/phone consultations registering reason and intervention performed. Those contacted at least twice were eligible for experience of care assessment. Results Video consultations were feasible in 282 of 572 screened patients (49%, 95% CI 45% to 52%); 112 patients among the 572 had at least two phone/video consultations and 12 of them had one or more video consultations. Consultations were carried out with patients (56%), caregivers (30%) or both (14%). 63% of the consultations were requested by the patients/caregivers. Reasons for consultation included uncontrolled (66%) or new symptom onset (20%), therapy clarifications (37%) and updates on diagnostic tests (28%). Most interventions were therapy modifications (70%) and appointments’ rescheduling (51%). 49 patients and 19 caregivers were interviewed, reporting good care experience (average of 1–5 satisfaction score of 3.9 and 4.2, respectively). The majority (83% and 84%) declared they would use TM after the pandemics. Conclusions Although feasibility is still limited for some patients, TM can be a satisfactory alternative to in-person visits for palliative care patients in need of limiting access to the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Caraceni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pellegrini
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Morena Shkodra
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ernesto Zecca
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Bracchi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Lo Dico
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Caputo
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Simonetta Zappata
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Zito
- Information and communication technology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Brunelli
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Murphy A, Kirby A, Lawlor A, Drummond FJ, Heavin C. Mitigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Cancer Patients through Telehealth Adoption: A Systematic Review. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22093598. [PMID: 35591287 PMCID: PMC9105995 DOI: 10.3390/s22093598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of life-saving and life-prolonging health services for oncology care and supporting services was delayed and, in some cases, completely halted, as national health services globally shifted their attention and resources towards the pandemic response. Prior to March 2020, telehealth was starting to change access to health services. However, the onset of the global pandemic may mark a tipping point for telehealth adoption in healthcare delivery. We conducted a systematic review of literature published between January 2020 and March 2021 examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adult cancer patients. The review's inclusion criteria focused on the economic, social, health, and psychological implications of COVID-19 on cancer patients and the availability of telehealth services emerged as a key theme. The studies reviewed revealed that the introduction of new telehealth services or the expansion of existing telehealth occurred to support and enable the continuity of oncology and related services during this extraordinary period. Our analysis points to several strengths and weaknesses associated with telehealth adoption and use amongst this cohort. Evidence indicates that while telehealth is not a panacea, it can offer a "bolstering" solution during a time of disruption to patients' access to essential cancer diagnostic, treatment, and aftercare services. The innovative use of telehealth has created opportunities to reimagine the delivery of healthcare services beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Murphy
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland; (A.M.); (A.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Ann Kirby
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland; (A.M.); (A.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Amy Lawlor
- Department of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland; (A.M.); (A.K.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Ciara Heavin
- Department of Business Information Systems, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 CY82 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Hussain Z, Devlin L. Safety Evaluation of an Expedited Omalizumab Home Self-Administration Pathway. Cureus 2021; 13:e19434. [PMID: 34790499 PMCID: PMC8584126 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19434] [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] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Northern Ireland Regional Immunology Service (NIRIS) has developed an expedited omalizumab home self-administration pathway to reduce face-to-face clinic attendance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This audit evaluates the safety of this pathway with a particular focus on anaphylaxis. Objectives This study aimed to retrospectively audit the records of 39 patients undertaking expedited home self-administration at NIRIS for complications, particularly emergency department attendance for anaphylaxis. The target was for 100% of patients to complete a six-month course without experiencing anaphylaxis related to omalizumab administration. Materials and methods A total of 39 records of patients who underwent expedited omalizumab self-administration were audited by a single reviewer. They were prospectively collected between March 2020 and August 2021. Clinical data were collected from the Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record (NIECR). Results Hundred percent of patients were in the process of completing or had completed a six-dose course without anaphylaxis. During the course of omalizumab, 7.6% of patients attended the emergency department. Zero percent of patients have experienced anaphylaxis triggered by omalizumab. The target of 100% patients completing the expedited pathway without omalizumab-related anaphylaxis was met. Conclusion Home self-administration of omalizumab is preferred by patients and clinicians for reducing expense, travel, and unnecessary clinical contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. An expedited omalizumab home self-administration training pathway appears to be safe in a population of Northern Irish patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). More research is needed to determine whether the expedited pathway should become the standard of care post-pandemic
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobia Hussain
- Emergency Medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, GBR
| | - Lisa Devlin
- Allergy and Immunology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, GBR
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23
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Garfan S, Alamoodi AH, Zaidan BB, Al-Zobbi M, Hamid RA, Alwan JK, Ahmaro IYY, Khalid ET, Jumaah FM, Albahri OS, Zaidan AA, Albahri AS, Al-Qaysi ZT, Ahmed MA, Shuwandy ML, Salih MM, Zughoul O, Mohammed KI, Momani F. Telehealth utilization during the Covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Comput Biol Med 2021; 138:104878. [PMID: 34592585 PMCID: PMC8450049 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, different technologies, including telehealth, are maximised to mitigate the risks and consequences of the disease. Telehealth has been widely utilised because of its usability and safety in providing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a systematic literature review which provides extensive evidence on the impact of COVID-19 through telehealth and which covers multiple directions in a large-scale research remains lacking. This study aims to review telehealth literature comprehensively since the pandemic started. It also aims to map the research landscape into a coherent taxonomy and characterise this emerging field in terms of motivations, open challenges and recommendations. Articles related to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic were systematically searched in the WOS, IEEE, Science Direct, Springer and Scopus databases. The final set included (n = 86) articles discussing telehealth applications with respect to (i) control (n = 25), (ii) technology (n = 14) and (iii) medical procedure (n = 47). Since the beginning of the pandemic, telehealth has been presented in diverse cases. However, it still warrants further attention. Regardless of category, the articles focused on the challenges which hinder the maximisation of telehealth in such times and how to address them. With the rapid increase in the utilization of telehealth in different specialised hospitals and clinics, a potential framework which reflects the authors' implications of the future application and opportunities of telehealth has been established. This article improves our understanding and reveals the full potential of telehealth during these difficult times and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem Garfan
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia
| | - A H Alamoodi
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia.
| | - B B Zaidan
- Future Technology Research Centre, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, 123 University Road, Section 3, Douliou, Yunlin, 64002, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | - Rula A Hamid
- College of Business Informatics, University of Information Technology and Communications (UOITC), Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Jwan K Alwan
- Biomedical Informatics College, University of Information Technology and Communications (UOITC), Baghdad, Iraq; Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia
| | - Ibraheem Y Y Ahmaro
- Computer Science Department, College of Information Technology, Hebron University, Hebron, Palestine
| | - Eman Thabet Khalid
- Department of Computer Sciences, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
| | - F M Jumaah
- Department of Computer and Software Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Canada
| | - O S Albahri
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia
| | - A A Zaidan
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia
| | - A S Albahri
- Informatics Institute for Postgraduate Studies (IIPS), Iraqi Commission for Computers and Informatics (ICCI), Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Z T Al-Qaysi
- Department of Computer Science, Computer Science and Mathematics College, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - M A Ahmed
- Department of Computer Science, Computer Science and Mathematics College, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - Moceheb Lazam Shuwandy
- Department of Computer Science, Computer Science and Mathematics College, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - Mahmood M Salih
- Department of Computer Science, Computer Science and Mathematics College, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - Omar Zughoul
- Computer Information System, Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College, Al Shahaniya, Qatar
| | - K I Mohammed
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia
| | - Fayiz Momani
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia
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24
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Viitala A, Åstedt-Kurki P, Lehto JT, Palonen M. Online follow-up with a mobile device improves incurable cancer patients' coping - A qualitative study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 55:102047. [PMID: 34688053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine patients' experiences regarding the impact of support given by a mobile application on their ability to cope with incurable cancer. METHOD The qualitative research data of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 20 adult patients suffering from incurable cancer during disease-controlling chemotherapy or palliative care were analysed with inductive content analysis. RESULTS The majority of the interviewees viewed the mobile application as helpful for monitoring relevant symptoms and coping with the disease. The patients' sense of security was increased by their ability to contact the clinic at all times. As a communication channel, the mobile application was seen as more convenient than the telephone, and it provided a sense of freedom for the patients as contacting the clinic was not tied to time or place. The patients also experienced as well increased involvement with their own care and had a sense of staying abreast with their treatment. A minority of the interviewees reported that there was a certain disease-centredness in using the mobile application. CONCLUSIONS The present study extends the knowledge of patients using a mobile application as a part of their cancer care and assesses of the acceptance of using this application to provide supportive care. The patients reported that they were better able to cope with the disease when using the mobile application, although some described it as being too disease centred. Overall, this study indicates that the patients' sense of security and freedom increased when using the mobile application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Viitala
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nursing Science, Tampere, Finland; Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Päivi Åstedt-Kurki
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nursing Science, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juho T Lehto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Palliative Care Centre and Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mira Palonen
- Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nursing Science, Tampere, Finland
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25
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Alipour J, Hayavi-Haghighi MH. Opportunities and Challenges of Telehealth in Disease Management during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. Appl Clin Inform 2021; 12:864-876. [PMID: 34528234 PMCID: PMC8443403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unexpected universal problem that has changed health care access across the world. Telehealth is an effective solution for health care delivery during disasters and public health emergencies. This study was conducted to summarize the opportunities and challenges of using telehealth in health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A structured search was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine, for studies published until November 4, 2020. The reviewers analyzed 112 studies and identified opportunities and challenges. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocols. Quality appraisal was done according to the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS A total of 112 unique opportunities of telehealth application during the pandemic were categorized into 4 key themes, such as (1) clinical, (2) organizational, (3) technical, and (4) social, which were further divided into 11 initial themes and 26 unique concepts. Furthermore, 106 unique challenges were categorized into 6 key themes, such as (1) legal, (2) clinical, (3) organizational, (40 technical, (5) socioeconomic, and (6) data quality, which were divided into 16 initial themes and 37 unique concepts altogether. The clinical opportunities and legal challenges were the most frequent opportunities and challenges, respectively. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the use of telehealth. This study could offer useful information to policymakers about the opportunities and challenges of implementing telehealth for providing accessible, safe, and efficient health care delivery to the patient population during and after COVID-19. Furthermore, it can assist policymakers to make informed decisions on implementing telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the obstacles ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanpour Alipour
- Health Information Management, Health Information Technology Department, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Hayavi-Haghighi
- Department of Health Information Technology, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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26
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Wehrle CJ, Lee SW, Devarakonda AK, Arora TK. Patient and Physician Attitudes Toward Telemedicine in Cancer Clinics Following the COVID-19 Pandemic. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2021; 5:394-400. [PMID: 33822651 DOI: 10.1200/cci.20.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 has infected more than 94 million people worldwide and caused more than 2 million deaths. Patients with cancer are at significantly increased risk compared with the general population. Telemedicine represents a common strategy to prevent viral spread. We sought to evaluate patient with cancer and physician perceptions of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A 16-question survey was e-mailed to 1,843 active e-mails of patients presenting to one of the six cancer clinics at a comprehensive cancer care center from January 1, 2020, to June 1, 2020. A six-question survey was e-mailed to attending physicians of those clinics. Specialties included Medical Oncology, Hematology-Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Urological Oncology, and Gynecologic Oncology. RESULTS Three hundred seventy-four patients (20.3%) and 14 physicians (66.7%) responded. Most (68.2%) currently prefer in-person visits, and 80.4% prefer in-person visits following pandemic resolution. More than half (52.2%) of patients preferring virtual visits do so because of convenience. Most (63.1%) patients with cancer are comfortable with a complete physical examination. Surgical patients are more likely to prefer a complete examination (P = .0476). Physicians prefer in-person visits (64.2%) and believe that virtual visits maybe or probably do not provide comparable care (64.2%). 71.4% believe that virtual visits help prevent the spread of infectious disease. CONCLUSION Given preferences for in-person visits, cancer care teams should be prepared to continue providing in-person visits for many of their patients. The discrepancy between patient and provider concern for spread of infectious disease represents an area where patients may benefit from increased education. Providers should feel comfortable performing physical examinations at their own discretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase J Wehrle
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Sang W Lee
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Tania K Arora
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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27
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Javanparast S, Roeger L, Kwok Y, Reed RL. The experience of Australian general practice patients at high risk of poor health outcomes with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:69. [PMID: 33832422 PMCID: PMC8031338 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the potential decrease in access and utilisation of general practice services and its impact on patient care. In March 2020, the Australian Government introduced telehealth services to ensure that people more vulnerable to COVID-19 do not delay routine care from their general practitioners. Evidence about patients’ experience of telehealth and its impact on patient care is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the experience with telehealth by Australian general practice patients at high risk of poor health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 30 patients from nine general practices in metropolitan Adelaide (May–June 2020). Participants were identified by their regular doctor as being at high risk of poor health outcomes. Interviews sought participants’ perspectives and experiences about telehealth services in the general practice setting during COVID-19, and the value of offering continued telehealth services post pandemic. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a coding structure developed based on deductive codes derived from the research questions and any additional concepts that emerged inductively from interviews. Results Participants expressed satisfaction with telehealth including convenient and timely access to general practice services. Yet, participants identified challenges including difficulties in expressing themselves and accessing physical exams. Prescription renewal, discussing test results and simple follow-ups were the most common reasons that telehealth was used. Telehealth was mainly via phone that better suited those with low digital literacy. Participants indicated that an existing doctor-patient relationship was important for telehealth services to be effective. Subjects believed that telehealth services should be continued but needed to be combined with opportunities for face-to-face consultations after the COVID-19 pandemic was over. Conclusions The expansion of telehealth supported access to general practice including chronic disease management during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, telehealth in Australia is likely to have a stronger place in primary healthcare policy and practice and an increased acceptance amongst patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01408-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Javanparast
- Discipline of General Practice, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Leigh Roeger
- Discipline of General Practice, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yuen Kwok
- Discipline of General Practice, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Richard L Reed
- Discipline of General Practice, Flinders University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
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28
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Adhikari SD, Biswas S, Mishra S, Kumar V, Bharti SJ, Gupta N, Garg R, Bhatnagar S. Telemedicine as an Acceptable Model of Care in Advanced stage Cancer Patients in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 - An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:306-312. [PMID: 34511801 PMCID: PMC8428884 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_45_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The availability of routine care for patients with cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become challenging, and the use of telemedicine can be promising in this area. The objective of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of telemedicine-based palliative interventions in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre with 547 follow-up patients who used palliative medicine teleconsultation services. The following data were retrieved from the records: Patient's reason for the call, the main barriers to a hospital visit, the assistance given to them by the physician on the call and the patients' satisfaction with the service on a 4-point scale. The data were analysed using percentages for categorical variables and mean/standard deviation for quantitative variables. RESULTS Out of the 547 patients, 462 (84.46%) utilised voice calling service, and the major reason for not visiting the hospital were cited to be fear of contracting COVID-19 (37.3%), inability to attend due to health constraints (7.13%) and issues with transportation (48.8%). The majority of the calls (63.62%) calls were regarding uncontrolled symptoms of the primary diseases. A total of 402 (73.49%) patients were very satisfied, and a total of 399 (72.94%) decided to continue to use this medium in the future as well. CONCLUSION Telemedicine is a good modality for the assessment of chronic pain and providing symptomatic supportive care in patients with cancer in the COIVD-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Das Adhikari
- Department of Anaesthesia, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Swagata Biswas
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Seema Mishra
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sachidanand Jee Bharti
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nishkarsh Gupta
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Garg
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, Dr Bhima Rao Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Corresponding author: Sushma Bhatnagar, Deapartment of Onco-anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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29
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Proposal for a Fuzzy Model to Assess Cost Overrun in Healthcare Due to Delays in Treatment. MATHEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/math9040408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Apart from the effects of treating those infected with COVID-19, the pandemic has also affected treatment for other diseases, which has been either interrupted or canceled. The aim of this paper is to provide a financial model for obtaining the cost overrun resulting from the worsening of illnesses and deaths for each of the causes considered. To achieve this, first deaths have been classified into causes of death and for each of these causes, an estimation has been made of the worsening condition of patients due to delay in treatment. Through these data, a fuzzy relation between deaths and the worsening condition of patients can be obtained. Next, the expertise process has been used to estimate cost overrun in relation to patients’ pathologies. The experts’ opinions have been aggregated using ordered weighted average (OWA). Lastly, using fuzzy logic again, a correction coefficient has been determined, which optimizes the future implementation of the proposed model without the need for a new estimation of inputs. The paper concludes with a numerical example for a better comprehension of the proposed theoretical model. Ultimately, it provides the scientific community in general and in particular managers of public administration entities with a novel tool for improving the efficiency of the healthcare system.
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