Abstract 569P
Background
AYAOs are cancer patients aged 16-39. They face age-specific challenges while dealing with the stressors and logistics of cancer and treatment. Cancer care continues into survivorship and it is concerning that non-compliance rates can reach 40% as there are long-term complications requiring surveillance. This review aims to understand the framework of teleconsultation as a potential platform in cancer care to alleviate stressors and improve compliance.
Methods
A scoping review was performed based on the Askey and O'Malley's framework. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE) were searched for articles in English between 1 January 2013 to 16 May 2024 using keywords related to AYAO, cancer and telehealth. Online oncologist teleconsultations were included while allied supportive therapeutic interventions were not. Non-AYAO studies were excluded. The relevant studies were screened and extracted by 2 independent reviewers.
Results
The literature search yielded 20905 references excluding duplicates. 11 met criteria for final extraction. Studies were largely observational(n=10). AYAOs had a greater uptake of telehealth compared to older adults. Studies exploring stakeholders’ perspectives and attitudes(n=8) showed positive physician responses but mixed AYAO ones. Benefits included convenience, flexibility, improved access and decreased infectious exposure. Concerns raised included no physical examination, reduced rapport and technical difficulties. The quality of anecdotal evidence was inconsistent with variable elaboration and justification. There was no significant difference when comparing survivorship studies(n=4) with those that included survivors and those on active treatment(n=4). Other confounders such as physician familiarity, cancer and treatment type, treatment responses and complications were not explored.
Conclusions
While teleconsultation has potential benefits and is well-received among AYAOs, overall data is scarce. There is a paucity of data comparing attitudes between AYAO survivors and those on active treatment. Further studies stratified by patient profile are needed to elucidate concerns, outcomes and feasibility of teleconsults to establish a reliable telehealth protocol.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
E.Y.L. Poon (NCCS).
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.