Can telehealth offer care delivery alternatives for oncology patients?

Lessons for Oncology From the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Among patients receiving radiation, most were satisfied with virtual postradiation visits, and nearly 90% of patients in 1 study preferred to keep telehealth as part of their care 40,41 . Numerous studies reported positive patient perceptions of virtual visits, and patients frequently highlighted reduced travel time and increased convenience as the biggest positives 2,26,41–47 . One study estimated that virtual visits saved 20,000 miles of travel, more than 200 miles per patient 42 .…”

“…Most studies evaluating oncology providers’ opinions of virtual care focus on perceptions of virtual visits. Recent studies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic show that most oncologists have a favorable opinion of virtual visits 2,25,68,69 . An ASCO survey conducted in late 2020 found that 92% of providers would like to continue telehealth as part of their practice, and 64% of providers felt the quality of care with virtual visits was similar to in-person visits 70 .…”

“…40,41 Numerous studies reported positive patient perceptions of virtual visits, and patients frequently highlighted reduced travel time and increased convenience as the biggest positives. 2,26,[41][42][43][44][45][46][47] One study estimated that virtual visits saved 20,000 miles of travel, more than 200 miles per patient. 42 At our institution, we also found that virtual visits can increase opportunities for family members to join for appointments, particularly when they live far away.…”

“…Recent studies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic show that most oncologists have a favorable opinion of virtual visits. 2 , 25 , 68 , 69 An ASCO survey conducted in late 2020 found that 92% of providers would like to continue telehealth as part of their practice, and 64% of providers felt the quality of care with virtual visits was similar to in-person visits. 70 However, some providers did report challenges with internet connection and equipment issues.…”

“…H ealth care providers have used technology to connect with patients for nearly 100 years, and the use of telemedicine steadily expanded in recent years, primarily focused on expanding access to care in rural areas. [1][2][3] Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to expand telehealth were limited by reimbursement policies. For example, Medicare covered telemedicine only for patients in rural areas and required patients to be at a medical facility for visits.…”