Cross-sectoral video consultations in cancer care: perspectives of cancer patients, oncologists and general practitioners

Abstract

Purpose Multidisciplinary video consultations are one method of improving coherence and coordination of care in cancer patients, but knowledge of user perspectives is lacking. Continuity of care is expected to have a significant impact on the quality of cancer care. Enhanced task clarification and shared responsibility between the patient, oncologist and general practitioner through video consultations might provide enhanced continuity in cancer care. Method We used descriptive survey data from patients and doctors in the intervention group based on a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the user perspectives and fidelity of the intervention. Results Patients expressed that they were able to present their concerns in 95% of the consultations, and believed it was beneficial to have both their doctors present in 84%. The general practitioner and oncologist found that tripartite video consultation would lead to better coordination of care in almost 90% of the consultations. However, the benefits of handling social issues and comorbidity were sparser. Consultations were not accomplished in 11% due to technical problems and sound and video quality were non-satisfactory in 20%. Conclusion Overall, multidisciplinary video consultations between cancer patient, general practitioner and oncologist were feasible in daily clinics. Initial barriers to address were technical issues and seamless planning. Patients reported high satisfaction, patient centredness and clarity of roles. General practitioners and oncologists were overall positive regarding role clarification and continuity, although less pronounced than patients. Trial registration www.clincialtrials.gov, NCT02716168.

Cross-sectoral video consultation in cancer care: GPs’ evaluation of a randomised controlled trial

“…The Partnership intervention makes a difference at the physician level and supports our theories of the mechanisms of this shared care program (22). Assuming reliable IT solutions were available, we conclude that with relatively limited effort, the sharing of 15 minutes through video across sectors as part of a routine communication can help GPs in providing better care for cancer patients (28). The Covid-19 pandemic may have increased the willingness to participate in video consultations dramatically.…”

“…Before performing the between-group analysis, we chose six of the 29 items as outcomes. The selection was based on the process evaluations of the PSP (26,28), the overall distribution of items with an observed floor and ceiling effect for some items, and comments from the survey (data not shown).…”

“…The high OR for direct contact indicates that the GPs recall the video consultations and found it useful, as indicated in the process evaluation of the trial (28). During process evaluations, we have shown that the consultations succeeded in being patientcentred, could be managed within daily clinical routines and improve the coordination of care as perceived by both patients, oncologist, and GPs (26,28). In line with a review about shared care models stating that involving GPs and improving communication between sectors can benefit cancer care, this study indicates enhanced GPs involvement and, furthermore, that the GPs were satisfied with the distribution of tasks(10).…”

CureCancer Digital Platform In The Routine Clinical Oncology Practice Facilitates Patients’ Self-Data Recording, Communicating With Health Care Professionals, Treatment Adherence And “Distancing Interventions” During Covid-19 And Reduces Costs. A Feasibility And Satisfaction Study*.

“…Almost half of our patients (44.7%) received supportive care. With appropriate supportive care, patients under active treatment successfully participated in another digital health solution [15]. Although disease, users and treatment characteristics, reported in the present study, were relatively aligned with those in the literature, the level of agreement between disease and treatment characteristics, recorded in the Hospital les and those self-reported by our patients is not known and this could be the goal of a next study.…”

“…Physicians were satis ed and commented on the improved communication with patients and colleagues, enhancing their clinical practice. Cross-sectoral video consultations to enhance continuity of cancer care received positive comments by oncologists, general practitioners and patients in another study [15].…”