EXPLORING PATIENT EXPERIENCES WITH A TELEHEALTH BEHAVIOURAL SWALLOWING INTERVENTION FOR THE PRO-ACTIVE TRIAL IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER

ABSTRACT

Introduction In response to COVID-19, a rapid shift was made to deliver behavioural swallowing therapy in the PRO-ACTIVE trial via a TeleHealth (TH) approach. Patient experiences with TH were explored. Methods A theory-guided qualitative approach explored the perspective of consenting participants who received at least one TH swallowing therapy session. Patients participated in a one-time semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were analyzed for content and theme using a multi-step consensus process to build a coding framework and key messages. Results Eleven participants recounted their TH experiences and reported feeling satisfied, comfortable and confident with the session(s). Facilitating factors included previous experience with teleconferencing, access to optimal equipment, clinician skill, and caregiver assistance. TH was considered beneficial to reduce commuting time, potential exposure to COVID19, energy expenditure and also allow caregiver participation. Limitations were also identified, including lack or poor previous experience with technology, and less opportunity for personalization. Participants indicated that use of audio alone was less preferred than an audio/video platform. Conclusions Patients reported overall that TH sessions did not compromise their clinical learning experience when compared to in-person sessions. Patient feedback about TH provides an important perspective to inform best practices for care delivery.