Perception of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Survivors of Gynecologic Cancer

Oncologist. 2022 Jun 8;27(6):512-515. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac041.

Abstract

Our objective was to assess gynecologic cancer survivor preferences for telehealth cancer care. Gynecologic cancer survivors participating in a prospective cohort study were invited to complete a cross-sectional survey regarding their experience with and preferences for telehealth. Of 188 participants, 48.9% had undergone a telehealth visit since March 2020, and 53.7% reported a preference for exclusively in-person visits for their cancer care and surveillance. Furthermore, 80.5% of participants were satisfied with the telehealth care they received and 54.8% would recommend telehealth services to patients with similar conditions. Most participants thought a physical examination was critical to detecting recurrence, and concern that their provider may miss something during telehealth visits was greater among those who preferred in-person visits. With many gynecologic cancer survivors preferring in-person care, building a future care model that includes telehealth elements will require adaptations, careful evaluation of patient concerns, as well as patient education on telehealth.

Keywords: cancer care delivery; cancer survivorship; gynecologic cancer; telehealth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / epidemiology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Perception
  • Prospective Studies
  • Survivors
  • Telemedicine*