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Romero-Ayuso D, García-López R, Lozano-Villena C, Martínez JR, Parga-Amado P, García-Ferreiro P, Gallud JA, Lozano M, Triviño-Juárez JM. Usability of a mobile phone application to enhance activities of daily living in occupational therapy services for breast cancer survivors. Hong Kong J Occup Ther 2023; 36:128-140. [PMID: 38027046 PMCID: PMC10680858 DOI: 10.1177/15691861231206489] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: The use of new technologies in rehabilitation to evaluate and improve occupational performance and quality of life is increasing. Technological applications in the health field could help meet the needs of patients, including those of women breast cancer survivors. The main aim of this study was to design a mobile phone application "MAIA" focused on the perceived needs of women who have had breast cancer to achieve optimal performance in their daily lives in a meaningful way. Methods: A cross-sectional usability study using an online questionnaire was designed. Sociodemographic and occupational performance data were collected. System Usability Scale, Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, Occupational Balance Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand were administered. Descriptive statistics were used to describe categorical (frequencies and percentages) and quantitative variables (mean and standard deviation). Results: The sample was composed of seventy-eight women diagnosed with breast cancer. Nine activities of daily living were affected in more than 20% of women with breast cancer. The most affected were sleep and rest and functional mobility. Conclusions: Women survivors of breast cancer showed difficulties in daily life performance and participation. The MAIA App could be useful as a new online resource in occupational therapy for the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Romero-Ayuso
- University of Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs, Spain
- CIMCYC, University de Granada, Spain
| | - Raquel García-López
- Hospital Provincial de Conxo, Unidad de Trastornos Alimentarios (UDAL), Servicio Gallego de Salud, Spain
| | - Carmen Lozano-Villena
- Hospital Universitario Ntra. Sra. De La Candelaria, Servicio Canario de Salud, Spain
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Ma Z, Shi Y, Yao S, Lu N, Cheng F. Effectiveness of telemedicine-based psychosocial intervention for breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:595. [PMID: 37768402 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08052-3] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine-based psychosocial interventions among breast cancer (BC) patients regarding quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety, distress, fatigue, sleep disorders, sexual function, and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). METHODS A search of 10 databases was conducted to identify RCTs of the effects of telemedicine-based psychosocial interventions on outcomes. Selection of studies, quality appraisal, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. GRADE and Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools were used for quality appraisal. Heterogeneity was determined by I2, standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to determine intervention effects, and meta-analyses, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed. RESULTS In total, 29 RCTs were included. Telemedicine-based psychosocial interventions improved the primary outcomes of QOL (SMD = 0.32), distress (SMD = - 0.22), and anxiety (SMD = - 0.16) in BC patients with moderate effect size. There were some improvements in the secondary outcomes of sleep disorders (SMD = - 056), sexual function (SMD = 0.19), and FCR (SMD = - 0.41). After sensitivity analysis, the effect size of fatigue was moderate (SMD = - 0.24). CONCLUSION Telemedicine-based psychosocial interventions are superior to usual care in BC patients with improved QOL, sexual function, and less distress, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disorders, and FCR. Due to the heterogeneity of the results for QOL, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and FCR, these results should be interpreted cautiously. In the future, more rigorous RCTs need to be designed to identify better delivery models and intervention times to further test their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuyue Ma
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Shi
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Control &, Nanjing Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210018, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ningning Lu
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research &, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 210018, Jiangsu, China.
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Venkataramanan R, Pradhan A, Kumar A, Alajlani M, Arvanitis TN. Role of digital health in coordinating patient care in a hub-and-spoke hierarchy of cancer care facilities: a scoping review. Ecancermedicalscience 2023; 17:1605. [PMID: 37799945 PMCID: PMC10550326 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1605] [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: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coordinating cancer care is complicated due to the involvement of multiple service providers which often leads to fragmentation. The evolution of digital health has led to the development of technology-enabled models of healthcare delivery. This scoping review provides a comprehensive summary of the use of digital health in coordinating cancer care via hub-and-spoke models. Methods A scoping review of the literature was undertaken using the framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. Research articles published between 2010 and 2022 were retrieved from four electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Reviews and Global Health Library). The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for the scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist were followed to present the findings. Result In total, 311 articles were found of which 7 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The use of videoconferencing was predominant across all the studies. The number of spokes varied across the studies ranging from 1 to 63. Three studies aimed to evaluate the impact on access to cancer care among patients, two studies were related to capacity building of the health care workers at the spoke sites, one study was based on a peer review of radiotherapy plans, and one study was related to risk assessment and patient navigation. The introduction of digital health led to reduced travel time and waiting period for patients, and standardisation of radiotherapy plans at spokes. Tele-mentoring intervention aimed at capacity-building resulted in higher confidence and increased knowledge among the spoke learners. Conclusion There is limited evidence for the role of digital health in the hub-and-spoke design. Although all the studies have highlighted the digital components being used to coordinate care, the bottlenecks, Which were overcome during the implementation of the interventions and the impact on cancer outcomes, need to be rigorously analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Venkataramanan
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK
- Strategy and Research Wing, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai 400086, India
| | - Akash Pradhan
- Strategy and Research Wing, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai 400086, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Strategy and Research Wing, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai 400086, India
| | - Mohannad Alajlani
- Institute of Digital Healthcare, WMG, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, UK
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Scaturro D, Vitagliani F, Mangano MS, Tomasello S, Sconza C, Respizzi S, Vecchio M, Letizia Mauro G. Effect of Telerehabilitation and Outpatient Rehabilitation in Women with Breast Cancer. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:105. [PMID: 37606400 PMCID: PMC10443266 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine was shown to be indispensable during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to ensure continuity of care for fragile patients. We compared a telerehabilitation program versus an outpatient rehabilitation program in women with breast cancer undergoing quadrantectomy surgery. There were 56 women with breast cancer divided into two groups: the treatment group (TG), made up of 24 patients undergoing a remote rehabilitation project program; and the control group (CG), composed of 32 patients subjected to the same rehabilitation project program in an outpatient setting. At the time of enrollment (T0) and the end of the 8 weeks of treatment (T1), the following questionnaire scores were considered: numerical rating scale (NRS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick-DASH), Piper fatigue scale (PFS)m and Breast Cancer Therapy Functional Rating Scale (FACT-B). We observed that the CG showed greater improvements than the TG in upper limb function (7.8 ± 4.2 vs. 10.9 ± 4.9; p < 0.05) and quality of life (27.9 ± 7.2 vs. 40.0 ± 3.3; p < 0.05). No difference in efficacy between the two groups was observed for pain (2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 2.3 ± 0.9; p = 0.64) and fatigue (3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 3.2 ± 0.6; p = 0.66). Telerehabilitation is a valid tool in the management of women with breast cancer in the postoperative phase. However, face-to-face rehabilitation treatment may be preferred because it is more effective as it allows the construction of a specific, personalized, and targeted rehabilitation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Scaturro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.S.); (G.L.M.)
| | - Fabio Vitagliani
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catania, 90121 Catania, Italy;
| | | | - Sofia Tomasello
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Cristiano Sconza
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre IRCSS, 20019 Milan, Italy; (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Stefano Respizzi
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre IRCSS, 20019 Milan, Italy; (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Michele Vecchio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giulia Letizia Mauro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.S.); (G.L.M.)
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Bu S, Smith A‘B, Janssen A, Donnelly C, Dadich A, Mackenzie LJ, Smith AL, Young AL, Wu VS, Smith SJ, Sansom-Daly UM. Optimising implementation of telehealth in oncology: A systematic review examining barriers and enablers using the RE-AIM planning and evaluation framework. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 180:103869. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Leveraging Telehealth for the Management of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10102015. [PMID: 36292461 PMCID: PMC9602569 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10102015] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer affects 2.3 million women and kills 685,000 globally, making it the most prevalent cancer. The telemedicine modality has been used to treat the symptoms associated with breast cancer recovery. Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of telemedicine to help women recover from the treatment-associated effects and promote overall recovery from breast cancer. Methods: Four databases were queried for published literature from the last 10 years. The systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Kruse Protocol and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Results: Five interventions were identified in the literature, with the most dominant being eHealth and mHealth. The other interventions were telephone, video teleconference, and a combination of eHealth and mHealth. There were positive effects of these telemedicine interventions in 88% of the studies analyzed. Telemedicine is shown to positively affect physical and mental health, sleep outcomes, quality of life, and body image. The largest barriers to the adoption of telemedicine interventions are training, cost, workflow, time of providers, and low reimbursement. Conclusion: Telemedicine offers promise to both providers and breast cancer survivors to improve the physical and mental health detriments of both cancer and its associated treatments. It also helps women develop healthy habits to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
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Telerehabilitation for Managing Daily Participation among Breast Cancer Survivors during COVID-19: A Feasibility Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041022. [PMID: 35207294 PMCID: PMC8878496 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to examine the feasibility and impact of a short-term occupation-based telerehabilitation intervention (Managing Participation with Breast Cancer (MaP-BC)) on daily participation, health-related quality-of-life, and breast-cancer-related symptoms and understand women's perspectives regarding strategies to manage daily participation and symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-methods study (single-arm pre-post with a qualitative component) included 14 women after their primary medical treatment for breast cancer. Women received six weeks of occupation-based intervention using a video-communication. Sessions focused on identifying functional goals and training strategies to manage daily participation. The primary outcome was perceived performance and satisfaction with meaningful activities by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcomes were participation in the Activity Card Sort (ACS), upper-extremity functioning of Disability Arm Shoulder Hand, self-reported symptom severity, executive-functioning, health-related quality of life, and a question regarding strategies used to manage daily participation. Women significantly improved their daily participation in meaningful activities in the COPM, most ACS activity domains, self-reported executive functioning, and health-related-quality-of-life. Qualitative findings revealed three main themes: (1) daily life under the threats of breast cancer and COVID-19, (2) women's own strategies to overcome challenges, and (3) contribution of the MaP-BC. Providing telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic is feasible and successful in improving women's daily participation after breast cancer.
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Chênes C, Albert H, Kao K, Ray N. Use of Physical Accessibility Modelling in Diagnostic Network Optimization: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010103. [PMID: 35054270 PMCID: PMC8774366 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic networks are complex systems that include both laboratory-tested and community-based diagnostics, as well as a specimen referral system that links health tiers. Since diagnostics are the first step before accessing appropriate care, diagnostic network optimization (DNO) is crucial to improving the overall healthcare system. The aim of our review was to understand whether the field of DNO, and especially route optimization, has benefited from the recent advances in geospatial modeling, and notably physical accessibility modeling, that have been used in numerous health systems assessment and strengthening studies. All publications published in English between the journal’s inception and 12 August 2021 that dealt with DNO, geographical accessibility and optimization, were systematically searched for in Web of Science and PubMed, this search was complemented by a snowball search. Studies from any country were considered. Seven relevant publications were selected and charted, with a variety of geospatial approaches used for optimization. This paucity of publications calls for exploring the linkage of DNO procedures with realistic accessibility modeling framework. The potential benefits could be notably better-informed travel times of either the specimens or population, better estimates of the demand for diagnostics through realistic population catchments, and innovative ways of considering disease epidemiology to inform DNO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Chênes
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | | | | | - Nicolas Ray
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
- GeoHealth Group, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-22-379-07-84
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Chang P, Zheng J. Updates in Cancer Rehabilitation Telehealth. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2022; 10:332-338. [PMID: 36408472 PMCID: PMC9643960 DOI: 10.1007/s40141-022-00372-5] [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: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To describe the various uses of telehealth as it applies to cancer rehabilitation and to review recent findings since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Findings Telehealth has numerous applications in cancer rehabilitation including physiatry services, skilled therapies, exercise interventions, symptom management, and support groups. Numerous studies have shown that regular physician and skilled therapy services can be provided through telehealth platforms, though certain clinical situations may require in-person visits. Telehealth exercise-based interventions are feasible, safe, and can improve quality of life. Telehealth also may be an effective tool in symtom management and as a medium for support groups. Summary Telemedicine and telehealth platforms are effective tools in the field of cancer rehabilitation that not only provide increased safety and convenience for a burdened patient population but may also hold the potential to elevate beyond the current standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chang
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 250 N. Robertson Blvd, Suite 403, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA 90211 USA
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Almog T, Gilboa Y. Remote Delivery of Service: A Survey of Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions. Rehabil Process Outcome 2022; 11:11795727221117503. [PMID: 36091866 PMCID: PMC9452793 DOI: 10.1177/11795727221117503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telehealth has been declared an accepted method of occupational therapy (OT) service delivery and has been shown to be effective. However, studies done before the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) show that most occupational therapists didn’t use it. Aim: The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the perceptions of occupational therapists regarding remote delivery of service following the COVID-19 outbreak. Material and methods: An online survey, including 11-item five-point Likert scale, and 2 open-ended questions were distributed to occupational therapists. Results: Responses were received from 245 Israeli occupational therapists. The majority of the participants (60%) strongly agreed that remote delivery allows an ecological and effective intervention, while 76% strongly agreed that an ideal treatment is one that would combine telehealth with in-person intervention. Qualitative findings indicated that the most significant advantage was providing care in the natural environment and improving accessibility to the service. The most salient barriers were limitations of the therapeutic relationship and threats on clinical reasoning. Conclusion: The study results highlight the complexity of telehealth. Findings indicate that overall occupational therapists perceive remote care as an effective and legitimate service delivery method that cannot be used as an alternative to in-person treatment. These findings can help in developing intervention programs for remote treatment, and their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tehila Almog
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yafit Gilboa
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Bayard S, Fasano G, Gillot T, Bratton B, Ibala R, Taylor Fortson K, Newman L. Breast Cancer Disparities and the Digital Divide. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022; 14:205-212. [PMID: 36467667 PMCID: PMC9703401 DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00468-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and minority groups suffer from high breast cancer mortality, a disparity caused by decreased access to specialty care, lower treatment adherence, co-morbidities, and genetic predisposition for biologically aggressive breast tumor subtypes. Telehealth has the potential to mitigate breast cancer disparities by increasing access to specialty care and health information. However, unequal access to high-speed/broadband internet service and telehealth itself magnifies breast cancer disparities in vulnerable populations. This review evaluates the impact of the digital divide on breast cancer outcomes, as well as strategies for leveraging telehealth to reduce breast cancer disparities. Recent Findings There is a paucity of research specific to employing telehealth to address breast cancer disparities. Previous studies provide examples of telehealth utilization for increasing screening mammography, in addition to improving access to breast cancer care, including breast cancer specialist, nurse navigators, and clinical trials. Telehealth can also be used as an approach to risk reduction, with strategies to support weight management and genetic testing. Summary Eliminating the digital divide holds enormous potential for mitigating breast cancer disparities through an intentional focus on improving access to telehealth. With increased accessibility, resource allocation, and improved digital infrastructure, telehealth can be used to address disparities in early detection, quality of breast cancer care, treatment adherence, and risk assessment. Further research is essential to elucidate best practices in breast cancer telehealth approaches in underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Bayard
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Genevieve Fasano
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Tamika Gillot
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Brenden Bratton
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Reine Ibala
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Katherine Taylor Fortson
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Lisa Newman
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68Th Street, New York-PresbyterianNew York, NY 10065 USA
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McGrowder DA, Miller FG, Vaz K, Anderson Cross M, Anderson-Jackson L, Bryan S, Latore L, Thompson R, Lowe D, McFarlane SR, Dilworth L. The Utilization and Benefits of Telehealth Services by Health Care Professionals Managing Breast Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1401. [PMID: 34683081 PMCID: PMC8535379 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telehealth is the delivery of many health care services and technologies to individuals at different geographical areas and is categorized as asynchronously or synchronously. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruptions in health care delivery to breast cancer (BCa) patients and there is increasing demand for telehealth services. Globally, telehealth has become an essential means of communication between patient and health care provider. The application of telehealth to the treatment of BCa patients is evolving and increasingly research has demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness in improving clinical, psychological and social outcomes. Two areas of telehealth that have significantly grown in the past decade and particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are telerehabilitation and teleoncology. These two technological systems provide opportunities at every stage of the cancer care continuum for BCa patients. We conducted a literature review that examined the use of telehealth services via its various modes of delivery among BCa patients particularly in areas of screening, diagnosis, treatment modalities, as well as satisfaction among patients and health care professionals. The advantages of telehealth models of service and delivery challenges to patients in remote areas are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan A. McGrowder
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Fabian G. Miller
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Mico University College, 1A Marescaux Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica;
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Kurt Vaz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Melisa Anderson Cross
- School of Allied Health and Wellness, College of Health Sciences, University of Technology, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Lennox Anderson-Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Sophia Bryan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Lyndon Latore
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Rory Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Dwight Lowe
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Shelly R. McFarlane
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Lowell Dilworth
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica; (K.V.); (L.A.-J.); (L.L.); (R.T.); (D.L.); (L.D.)
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