Abstract 2281
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.
Resources from the same session
5107 - Tolerability of PCV in Low Grade Glioma: a Real World Experience
Presenter: Razia Aslam
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
6171 - Molecular EGFR/PD-L1 profile of glioblastoma: Hints for therapeutic strategies
Presenter: Wojciech Szopa
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4418 - Role of Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) in neurosurgery, potential imaging tool for maximizing gross total resection (GTR) rate of CNS tumours.
Presenter: Shweta Wadhwa
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4791 - Tumor related impairments of neurocognitive functions in patients with brain metastases
Presenter: Lei Wen
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5372 - Is radiation therapy influencing Alzheimer’s in Brain and Head and Neck Cancers?
Presenter: Anas Saad
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
2329 - Mature Treatment Results of 120 Cases of Acoustic Neuroma Treated with Cyberknife at a single institution.
Presenter: Shawn Malone
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
3207 - A phase II/III trial of high-dose, intermittent sunitinib in patients with recurrent glioblastoma: the STELLAR study
Presenter: Cyrillo Brahm
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
3589 - CNS penetration and Preliminary Efficacy of Sacutizumab Govitecan in Breast Brain Metastasis and Glioblastoma: A Surgical Study
Presenter: Andrew Brenner
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
1969 - Wedge resection with omission of lymph node dissection as an optional treatment strategy in octogenarians or older with early stage non-small cell lung cancers
Presenter: Takahiro Mimae
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5116 - Characterization of lung tumorspheres reveals cancer stem-like cells potential targets and prognostic markers in non-small cell lung cancer
Presenter: Alejandro Herreros Pomares
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract