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Showing content from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30582017/ below:

Telehealth in radiation oncology at the Townsville Cancer Centre: Service evaluation and patient satisfaction

doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2018.11.005. eCollection 2019 Feb. Telehealth in radiation oncology at the Townsville Cancer Centre: Service evaluation and patient satisfaction

Affiliations

¹ Townsville Hospital and Health Service, PO Box 670, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia.
² James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.

PMID: 30582017
PMCID: PMC6293044
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2018.11.005

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Telehealth in radiation oncology at the Townsville Cancer Centre: Service evaluation and patient satisfaction

Elizabeth Hamilton et al. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol. 2018.

doi: 10.1016/j.ctro.2018.11.005. eCollection 2019 Feb. Affiliations

¹ Townsville Hospital and Health Service, PO Box 670, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia.
² James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.

PMID: 30582017
PMCID: PMC6293044
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2018.11.005

Item in Clipboard

Abstract

Purpose: Telehealth (TH) in Radiation Oncology at Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) was implemented in July 2011 to provide cancer care closer to home to the regional and rural population. The aim of this study was to describe the service use and patient satisfaction.

Materials and methods: A retrospective audit of records was conducted for patients treated at TCC between July 2011 and December 2015. Data included patient demographics, diagnosis and treatment. Results of a patient satisfaction survey were summarised through descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 1530 TH consultations were provided to 833 patients. 311 patient charts were audited (615 TH, 650 in-person, 151 phone consultations). Median distance from TCC to satellites was 327.3 km (21.6 to 1130.1). 71% were male and median age was 65 (23-94 years). Cancer diagnoses included prostate (32%), breast (12%) and head and neck (10%). 60% of patients underwent radiation therapy for curative intent, 22% palliative and 18% did not undergo treatment. 106 patients participated in the satisfaction survey (231 patients invited, response rate of 46%), with the overall positive response mainly attributed to advantages in travel and time savings. 54.7% of patients selected TH as their preference for future consultations, 34.9% indicated a mix of TH and in-person consultations, and only 1 patient (0.9%) indicating in-person only.

Conclusion: TH enables the delivery of radiation oncology consultations to rural and regional patients, with an overall high level of patient satisfaction. Patients welcomed the model for benefits of travel and time savings. Future directions include engaging with specialist, rural medical staff and patients to maximize access.

Keywords: Patient care; Patient satisfaction; Radiation oncology; Telemedicine.

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Figures
Fig. 1

Number of appointments by type…

Fig. 1

Number of appointments by type and year for overall Radiation Oncology Service at…

Fig. 1

Number of appointments by type and year for overall Radiation Oncology Service at the Townsville Hospital.

Fig. 2

Response to Likert Scale Question…

Fig. 2

Response to Likert Scale Question from patient satisfaction survey (n = 106). Audio:…

Fig. 2

Response to Likert Scale Question from patient satisfaction survey (n = 106). Audio: “I could hear the Doctor clearly”; Explanation: “I could hear the doctor clearly ”; Present: “I felt it reassuring to have a nurse or local doctor with me for my consultation”; Privacy: “I felt my privacy and confidentiality were respected; Questions: “I felt I could ask questions and seek clarification openly and easily with”; I found it easy to establish rapport with my oncologist (Rapport); I felt my diagnosis and treatment options could be adequately explained (Explanation).