Teleconsultation Perceptions of Medical and Radiation Oncologists in the COVID-19 and Post–COVID-19 Era: A National Survey in the Philippines

Abstract

PURPOSE The study reports on the current perception of medical and radiation oncologists regarding teleconsultation in the Philippines. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption of telemedicine was not widespread. With movement restrictions imposed during the pandemic, physicians were compelled to use telemedicine. It is uncertain whether physicians will still adopt its use in practice in the post–COVID-19 era. This study gives insight into the possible adaptation of this mode of consultation in the future, especially in areas with limited health care resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a national survey among medical oncologists and radiation oncologists in the Philippines. A 43-item online survey was developed, validated, and administered to the oncologists. The demographics and data from categorical questions were reported as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS A total of 142 responses were gathered from 82 medical oncologists and 60 radiation oncologists. There was agreement among participants that, during the pandemic, teleconsultation could be used for the first visit, diagnostic workup request, treatment explanation, follow-up care, and chronic disease management. There was disagreement whether cancer diagnosis disclosure and cancer prognosis revelation could be performed via teleconsultation, and there was agreement that emergency consultation and physical examination would warrant a face-to-face consultation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, 78.7% intend to continue using teleconsultation except for emergency consultations, first visits, physical examination, diagnosis disclosure, and cancer prognosis revelation. CONCLUSION Teleconsultation was perceived by oncologists as an acceptable method of providing cancer care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncologists also intend to use teleconsultation in the post–COVID-19 era in certain aspects of patient care.