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Review
. 2022 Oct:43:101071.
doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2022.101071. Epub 2022 Sep 28.

Patient perspectives of telemedicine in gynecologic oncology during COVID

Christina Nestlerode  1 , James Pavelka  1 , Jack Basil  1 , Kevin Schuler  1 , Angela N Fellner  1 , Mostafa Ghaderian  1 , Robert Neff  1
Affiliations
Review

Patient perspectives of telemedicine in gynecologic oncology during COVID

Christina Nestlerode et al. Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: Healthcare rapidly expanded the use of telemedicine during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Research regarding telemedicine benefits and patient perspectives during COVID are limited. The aim of this study was to determine how the pandemic impacted patient perspectives and value of telemedicine in gynecologic oncology.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to patients presenting for an appointment to the gynecologic oncology ambulatory clinic. The survey assessed patient demographics, frequency of technology use, and preferences of telemedicine use in their care. Descriptive statistics were generated and Pearson's chi square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis.

Results: 116 patients completed the survey. Respondent age range was 20-70 years old. Most respondents (80 %) had a cancer diagnosis. Nearly all (91 %) patients had access to online medical records via an online portal. Increased use of technology was not associated with agreeing to a telemedicine visit. Only 36 % stated they would feel comfortable with a telemedicine visit with a gynecologic oncologist. Patients were more willing to agree to video rather than telephone visits (41.8 % vs 24.5 %). The pandemic did not affect patient comfort level with telemedicine.

Conclusions: Despite increased use and overall favorable impression, patients were not more eager to participate in telemedicine during the pandemic. Patients are open to incorporating telemedicine more often in follow up settings.

Keywords: COVID; Pandemic; Patient preferences; Telehealth; Telemedicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Results of technology use as a part of daily routine.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Result of forms of telemedicine and comfort level.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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