CN5 - Video consultations with older patients in the oncology nursing outpatient clinic

Background

Weekly 10-15 older patients with intestinal cancer are physical assessed by a nurse in order to determine whether the patient is able to receive the second chemotherapy. Many patients are vulnerable and have long geographical distances to the hospital and physically demanding transport time. Family are challenged to be present due to work, other family obligations and geographical distances. The purpose was to investigate how patients, family and nurses experience video consultations as a substitute for physical attendance, in order to understand if it is feasible to assess clinically via screen and to understand barriers and facilitators.

Methods

This design was a mixed methods study. Video consultations were implemented in the spring 2019. Patients who had participated in at least one video consultation were asked to fill out questionnaires with socio-economically data about time saved for transport and kilometers saved. Descriptive statistics was used. Qualitative data was collected by semi structured interviews with patients and family caregivers and one focus group interviews with oncology nurses. Analysis of qualitative data was according to content analysis.

Results

85/119 patients (71%) responded to the questionnaire. Mean age 66 years (SD 7.8) Most patients were male 59(69.4%). In average patients saved to drive 153 kilometers, range 2-450 km, driving in their own car or public transport, and in average 1-2 hours saved for transport. 15 patients and family caregivers participated in the interviews and 6 nurses in the focus group. Patients experienced freedom and more energy prior to chemotherapy. The consultations took place in a quieter environment, which provided energy for the patient. Family caregivers found it easier to participate in video consultations than physical attendance. The nurses’ experienced a need to learn how to provide nursing by screen and the clinical assessment was challenged by technical problems.

Conclusions

Older cancer patients experienced freedom and felt more comfortable using video consultations, and family involvement increased. Socioeconomically, video consultation is a success but testing the patient's equipment, technical skills and nursing skills is important in order to make an optimal clinical assessment.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The author.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.