Telehealth Adaptation for Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundThe study objectives were to transition in-person colorectal cancer multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) to a telehealth MDC (tele-MDC) format and to assess early outcomes. MethodsA colorectal tele-MDC was devised, in which patients used remote-access technology while supervised by a clinician. The team consisted of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. Outcomes were assessed with patient and provider surveys, using a 5-point Likert scale (higher = more favorable). ResultsA total of 18 patients participated in the tele-MDC. Surveyed patients (n=18) and physicians (n=19) were satisfied with the quality of care (mean Likert = 4.93, 4.53, respectively), and low standard deviations (range 0-1.03) across all questions reflected homogeneity in satisfaction with the metrics surveyed. ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrates that a functional colorectal cancer tele-MDC is a feasible alternative to inperson MDC during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with the potential for a high degree of patient and physician satisfaction.

Telehealth Use Following COVID-19 Within Patient-Sharing Physician Networks at a Rural Comprehensive Cancer Center: Cross-sectional Analysis

“…Telehealth in cancer care delivery, or tele-oncology, refers to the delivery of clinical oncology services through audio and video communication platforms to remote patients including chemotherapy monitoring, pain and symptom management, and palliative care [ 6 ]. In addition to the benefit of reducing infection risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer and treating physicians have reported general satisfaction with telehealth use in cancer care delivery [ 7 - 10 ]. However, challenges associated with telehealth remain, such as patient access to technology, quality of communication, establishing rapport between a physician and a new patient, and reimbursement policies [ 11 - 13 ].…”

Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumor Survivor and Caregiver Experiences with Multidisciplinary Telehealth

“…Initial studies suggest telehealth in oncology patients is convenient, may improve access to speci c services such as medication renewals and/or adjustments, specialty consultations and education or counselling services [18,19], whereas other studies have suggested challenges with clinical effectiveness of telehealth, especially with respect to evaluation of new medical concerns and di culty building provider-patient rapport [18,20,21]. The ideal strategy to effectively engage and deliver telehealth supportive care services remains unknown, although there is some data to suggest telehealth may serve as an effective adjunct in the care of cancer survivors [19,[22][23][24]. Through an anonymous survey, we assessed the telehealth experiences of pediatric CNS tumor survivors and caregivers in our multidisciplinary program.…”