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Patient Attitudes Toward Telemedicine in Head and Neck Oncology
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery ; 167(1 Supplement):P13, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2064501
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Despite dramatic expansion of telehealth visits across health disciplines during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about attitudes toward telehealth offerings among patients affected by head and neck neoplasms. We investigate patient responses regarding their desire for telemedicine, personal attitudes, and barriers in availing telemedicine visits for head and neck oncology-related care. Method(s) Retrospective analyses of patient surveys prospectively administered between August and October 2021 to adult patients at a tertiary care head and neck oncology clinic. Level of interest in telemedicine appointments was the assessed primary outcome. Covariates including demographics, place of residence, primary neoplastic condition, speech/communication barriers, access to internet-enabled devices or reliable internet, personal preferences, and qualitative self-reporting of attitudes toward telemedicine were assessed for association with interest in telemedicine appointments. Result(s) Of 633 survey responses, 50.6% were male. More than 70% of surveyed patients were older than 56 years. Overall, 49.7% demonstrated interest in telehealth visits. Limitations in access to technology (17.7% [112 of 633 respondents]) and lack of reliable internet connection (13.74% [87 of 633 respondents]) were considered key barriers. Only 6% patients expressed concerns about missing key elements of care or quality of care delivered through telemedicine visits. Conclusion(s) Limited access to technology platforms and unreliable internet were key concerns for 1 in 2 patients considering telemedicine appointments for head and neck oncologic care. Understanding the needs and attitudes of specific patient populations may be important for organizations pivoting to telemedicine platforms for improving health care access. Key interventions to enhance participation in telemedicine- based care delivery could include identifying rural connectivity hubs and ensuring availability of connected devices through grant or device loan programs, and employing userfriendly technology platforms.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Year: 2022 Document Type: Article