What Are the Challenges and Facilitators for Implementing a 24-Hour Telephone Cancer Service in Qatar? A Literature Review

Telemed J E Health. 2019 Aug;25(8):678-685. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0148. Epub 2018 Aug 13.

Abstract

Objective:To identify the challenges and facilitators for implementing a 24-h telephone cancer service.Data sources:English language articles were retrieved from Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Ovid Nursing electronic databases published from 2000 to 2015.Study Design:The authors performed an integrative literature review. The qualitative and quantitative articles were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. All mixed-methods articles were evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thematic analyses were used to synthesize the findings from the included articles.Findings:The literature of this review highlights the complexity of the decisions that accompany the consideration of implementing a teleoncology in Qatar. The literature review detailed challenges and facilitators for implementing 24-h call service for cancer patients. These were grouped as human, technology, documentary tools, and organizational domains. The core concept that integrates each of these domains is communication.Conclusions:If the telephone triage is to be implemented in National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), more research is needed about the characteristics of cancer patients in Qatar. A more robust understanding of this population will inform decisions about the utility of developing a teleoncology service at NCCCR.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence / standards
  • Clinical Protocols / standards
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Patient-Centered Care / organization & administration
  • Qatar
  • Qualitative Research
  • Telephone*
  • Triage / organization & administration*
  • Triage / standards