The role of telehealth in oncology care: A qualitative analysis of patient and clinician perspectives

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rapid expansion and adoption at scale of telehealth, where previously reserved in use to remote communities. This afforded a novel opportunity to study the impact of telehealth delivery on oncology care. Our study aimed to qualitatively explore current physician and patient perspectives on the utility of telehealth in oncology care. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews of seven physicians and eleven patients, recruited from an oncology department in an Australian tertiary teaching hospital, were conducted. Two authors independently coded the transcripts and emerging themes were identified and refined in an iterative process of thematic analysis. Results: Telehealth offered broadened possibilities by allowing continuity of care in the pandemic and enabling patients and physicians to discover novel advantages. It also brought to the fore often overlooked elements of in-person care unavailable on telehealth. These included the information communicated physically through formal and informal physical examination, the collaboration between patient and physician in shaping outcomes and building rapport, and the confidence in decisions made and physician performance. While patients and physicians envisioned the continuation of telehealth post-pandemic, logistical steps are necessary to address these challenges. Conclusion: This study highlights the unprecedented opportunities that telehealth presents in widening access and diversifying oncology care. However, it also demonstrates that telehealth, particularly in a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, cannot always reach equivalence in quality of care. Further research is required to identify when and for whom telehealth is most acceptable, to maximise its potential benefits in a potential hybrid model of care.