Abstract 1625P
Background
Technology in healthcare has been evolving with an amplified use over the last year, due to the coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Face-to-face consultations for cancer patients were reduced and virtual clinics (VCs) in the form of telephone or video were offered in replacement. The aim of the study was to assess the experiences of VCs in cancer care amongst patients and healthcare professionals at Barts Health NHS Trust.
Methods
Patients were identified from the electronic patient system who had received cancer care at Barts Health NHS Trust from 01/09/20-15/01/21 and attended at least one VC. Clinicians actively working within cancer were invited if they had attended at least one VC. Individual semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with separate interview guides designed for each participant group. Questions related to the use of VCs in the future, accessing technology, waiting times and communicating issues, wider worries or fears. Participants rated their experiences from 1-5 (1 being low and 5 being high). Interviews were recorded with verbal consent and transcribed verbatim. Data was thematically analysed using NVivo12.
Results
A total of 36 patients and 10 clinicians participated. Themes were acceptance, time, technology, purpose of clinic, communication, equipment, benefits and choice. Participants were accepting of the VC with 80.5% of patients (n=29/36) and 90% of clinicians (n=9/10) supporting future use. Both groups agreed that VCs are not suited to everyone and the use of the VC should be individualised for the patient based on several criteria including patient preference, reason for consultation and patient characteristics. The average satisfaction rating of the VC was higher among patients (4.45/5) than clinicians (3.75/5), with many clinicians suggesting that support setting up video clinics may improve the score.
Conclusions
The study showed the promising use of VCs in the future. Recommendations were suggested to optimise the patient and clinician experience. These include implementing a patient triage system to advise which patients should have a virtual consultation, providing enhanced training and equipment to staff and ensuring the chosen method of VC provided is individualised to the patient’s needs.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.