Patients'/Caregivers' perspectives on telemedicine service for advanced cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory survey

Abstract

Introduction: Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) has usurped human peace and mobility. The confinement of the population and the rising epidemic has disrupted the routine care for non-COVID-19 patients. Telehealth is a growing field, and its application in palliative care is seen as a solution to serve the population in this difficult crisis. Methodology: A exploratory survey was designed to assess the changes in the hospital-based practice of palliative care in the COVID-19 pandemic and patient/caregiver's perception about the provision of telehealth services to palliative care patients of a tertiary care cancer hospital of eastern India. Results: There was a dramatic reduction in the outpatient clinic footfalls by 51% with teleconsultation. Although there was no change in the number of emergency visits, the inpatient admissions reduced by 44%. Nearly 82% of patient/caregivers gave a positive feedback about telemedicine care provided by the department and mentioned that the service provided them with support and connectedness. Almost 64% of the patients and caregivers reported that the service helped allay the fear and reassured them that there was a someone to support them. As high as 76% of the participants felt that they would prefer teleconsultation in future and were ready to pay for teleconsultations if charges were to be applied in the future. Conclusion: Telemedicine is an important tool and an essential service to care for palliative care patients in the community especially when the patient and health-care professionals are separated by a pandemic or natural disaster.

The experience of Australian general practice patients at high risk of poor health outcomes with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

“…Our study found that the telehealth model appears to have mitigated many of the adverse consequences of Covid-19, providing access to routine services. These findings are supported by other studies showing patient and caregivers satisfaction and the role of telehealth in facilitating continued access to care [ 19 , 20 ].…”

The Experience of Australian General Practice Patients at High Risk of Poor Health Outcomes with Telehealth during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

“…Our study found that the telehealth model appears to have mitigated many of the adverse consequences of Covid-19, providing access to routine services. These ndings are supported by other studies showing patient and caregivers satisfaction and the role of telehealth in facilitating continued access to care [19,20].…”

Patient’s experience of telemedicine during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care centre in North India: a telephonic survey

“…Another survey conducted in a palliative care center demonstrated that 54% (n=27) of the participants rated the tele-consultation "satisfying". 7 A randomized control study reported patients who seek telemedicine avoided taking leave from work. 8 According to another study telemedicine reduces cost and saves time.…”

“…Binary multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to find the sociodemographic predictors of attitude towards tele consultation. Dependent variable was level of satisfaction and it was categorized as favorable (19-25) and unfavorable (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18) considering the mean score of the participants. Favorable attitude score was coded as 1 and unfavorable score as 0.…”