2281 - Patients and Physicians' Satisfaction with Telemedicine (TM) in Cancer Care and Factors that Correlate with a Positive Patient’s Experience

Background

TM is a useful tool that improves access to medical care for rural residents. However, factors that correlate with a positive TM experience are not well known. The study aims to determine TM experience in cancer patients and physicians, and to explore clinical and socio-economic factors (CSF) that are associated with a positive TM experience in patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study cancer patients on active treatment and physicians in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada completed a paper-based comprised of 32 items or an electronic survey of 18 items, respectively. Six point likert score was used. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess correlation between self-reported CSF and a positive TM experience. We present here preliminary results.

Results

Overall 25 physicians and 165 patients responded to the survey over a period of three months. Among physicians 69% were in practice for ≥10 yrs with M:F of 1.7:1. 94% were confident in their TM assessment, 58% felt that TM improve clinical efficiency, and 74% felt that doctor-patient rapport was unimpaired with TM. Of 165 patients with median age of 67 years (IQR 59-75) and M:F of 1.06:1, 60% were ≥65 yrs, 70% were married, and 82% had a dependent family member. 94% were born in Canada, 77% were Caucasian, 29% were working and 35% had annual income of < 40K. 67% had solid tumor, 46% reported having a curable cancer, 31% had surgery, 27% had radiation, and 62% had chemotherapy. 61% used TM first time. 90% felt that their needs were met, 91% felt that TM improved their quality of care, and 91% had a good experience. Overall, 83% patients vs. 45% physicians preferred TM to in-person clinic visit (P = 0.005). Only univariate analysis only age ≥65 was strongly associated with a positive TM experience, odd ratio 4.1 (1.2-13.8), p = 0.02. No other CSF including marital status, income, working status, dependent family member, and cancer type were significantly correlated with a positive TM experience.

Conclusions

This study supports a higher rate of positive TM experience in cancer patients and physicians. However, high preference of TM was noted among patient compared with physicians. Among various variables examined only older age was associated with a positive TM experience.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Shahid Ahmed.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.