Tele-oncology at MSK: Delivering innovative, patient-centered care.

Abstract

272 Background: MSK is deploying teleoncology solutions that improve the patient experience, quality of care, and enhance patient access. MSK’s teleoncology mission is to utilize digital technology as a mainstream channel for connected care across the cancer continuum. Methods: Teleoncology programs were established between Manhattan and four regional sites in support of Psychiatry, Genetic Counseling, and Supportive Care. MSK’s “Virtual Programs” delivered tele-education and tele-support to patients and caregivers in their home or place of work to prepare them for each stage of their care. Patient acceptability ratings were evaluated for quality of care, ease of use, interaction quality, and satisfaction and future use. Results: The four programs generated 7563 teleoncology visits. Virtual Programs served 3865 patients over 766 sessions. Fifty-eight percent (N = 2269) of patients participated in group education sessions (8.3±1.2 patients per session), while 41.3% (N = 1596) participated in support groups (3.2±0.3 patients per session). Overall, 60% of Virtual Program sessions were delivered to patients at home, and 20% to patients at work. Tele-genetics counseling was provided to 3516 patients. The majority of tele-genetics sessions occurred at regional sites (61.4%). Thirty-eight patients completed 159 telepsychiatry visits (4.2±5.8 visits/patient). In Supportive Care, 23 patients completed 38 visits (1.6±1.4 visits/patient). Patients saved 95 minutes of travel time per teleoncology visit. Acceptability ratings for teleoncology were collected from 1185 patients (15.7%). Ninety-one percent of patients were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their teleoncology experience, 95.6% with the information they received, 94.4% with the skill of the provider, and 86.3% with the ease of use of the teleoncology platform. Conclusions: Teleoncology offers an innovative means of providing cancer care to patients by decreasing the stress of travel, missed work, and caregiver requirements. Patients reported that teleoncology made care more accessible and allowed them to remain in their community with family support. For clinicians, teleoncology expanded patient outreach, and improved patient adherence.

Perceptions of Older Adult Care Among Ambulatory Oncology Nurses

“…Respondents also noted that comprehensive geriatric care be physically located on-site for easier provider and patient access, also limiting the number of specialists and follow-up appointments that impact time and transportation issues. Alternatives, such as telemedicine consultations, may be more practical in rural and smaller satellite clinics or infusion centers 21 …”

“…Alternatives, such as telemedicine consultations, may be more practical in rural and smaller satellite clinics or infusion centers. 21 Another aspect of geriatric informed care is assistance with communication regarding mortality risk in light of other comorbidities, treatment feasibility, and toxicity risk. 22 Many respondents were concerned about communication, especially advance care planning and initiation of palliative care earlier in the treatment process.…”