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Telehealth Cancer Care Consultations During COVID
This study aimed to understand people with cancer and carers' experiences with telehealth for cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions.
A qualitative study of the experiences of Australians affected by cancer.
Victoria White, Alice Bastable, Ilana Solo, Seleena Sherwell, Sangeetha Thomas, Rob Blum, Javier Torres, Natalie Maxwell-Davis, Kathy Alexander & Amanda Piper
While telehealth has benefits, its potential to reduce the quality of interactions with clinicians made it less attractive for cancer patients. Patient-centred guidelines that ensure patient choice, quality communication, and alignment with appointment purpose may help to increase telehealth's utility for people affected by cancer.
Abstract
Background: In response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was rapidly rolled out in health services across Australia including those delivering cancer care. This study aimed to understand people with cancer and carers' experiences with telehealth for cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions.
Method: Semi-structured interviews conducted with people with cancer and carers via telephone or online video link between December 2020 and May 2021. Participants were recruited through cancer networks and social media. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken.