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
5553 - Cytokine genetic variations and worse quality of life among family caregivers of head and neck cancer patients in palliative care
Presenter: Daniel Pequeno
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4321 - Health-related quality of life of advanced melanoma survivors treated with CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibition: a matched cohort study
Presenter: Annelies Boekhout
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
779 - Capecitabine vs Cisplatin along with concurrent radiotherapy in the treatment of inoperable lower esophageal cancers focusing on TWISTT score and QOL
Presenter: Goutham Anugu
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5914 - Cancer, Mental Health and End Life Simulation (CAMhELS): A novel effectiveness evaluation.
Presenter: Asanga Fernando
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
2597 - Cancer patients’ expectations and understanding about their disease
Presenter: Mónica Pinho
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5187 - Impact of patients’ death on oncologists and coping strategies: An online survey
Presenter: Soumaya Labidi
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4579 - Clinical benefit from late lines of therapy offered to patients treated in a tertiary referral centre
Presenter: Andrea Sbrana
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5058 - Preparedness for caregiving in caregivers of cancer patients
Presenter: Hatice Yakar
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5917 - Oncologic Emergency Medicine in the real world: A survey and proposal for improvement
Presenter: Carintia Dorta Pérez
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4077 - The Reality of Critical Cancer Patients in a Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit
Presenter: Tiago Filipe Da Cruz Tomas
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract