Telemedicine for head and neck cancer surveillance in the COVID-19 era: Promise and pitfalls.
Head Neck
; 43(6): 1872-1880, 2021 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1116767
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to increased telemedicine visits. This study examines current preferences and barriers for telemedicine among patients with head and neck cancer.METHODS:
Single institution retrospective analysis of 64 patients scheduling visits with the head and neck surgical oncology clinic at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected detailing patient preferences and barriers regarding telemedicine appointments. Patients electing to participate in telemedicine were compared to those preferring in-person appointments.RESULTS:
Most patients (68%) were not interested in telemedicine. Preference for in-person examination was the most common reason for rejecting telemedicine, followed by discomfort with or limited access to technology. Patients elected telemedicine visits to avoid infection and for convenience.CONCLUSIONS:
When given a choice, patients with head and neck cancer preferred in-person visits over telemedicine. Although telemedicine may improve health care access, patient preferences, technology-related barriers, and limitations regarding cancer surveillance must be addressed moving forward.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Telemedicine
/
COVID-19
/
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Type of study:
Observational study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Head Neck
Journal subject:
Neoplasms
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Hed.26659
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