Video telehealth to manage menopausal symptoms after cancer: a prospective study of clinicians and patient satisfaction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate clinician and patient satisfaction with a novel video conferencing telehealth (VCT) service and barriers to use.

Methods: A prospective observational study (2018-2020) of a statewide VCT service using healthdirect was performed. Participants were clinicians and patients from the Menopausal Symptoms After Cancer service. Patients were cancer survivors aged 20 to 70 years referred to the Menopausal Symptoms After Cancer service to manage early menopause/menopausal symptoms or women at high inherited risk of cancer due to pathogenic gene variants, such as BRCA1/2 between September 2018 and May 2020. Data were analyzed descriptively. The main outcome measures for clinicians were clinician satisfaction and ease of use, duration of consultation, patient rapport and standard of care, and future intention to use VCT. Outcome measures for patients were reasons for choosing telehealth, preferred devices, ease of use, perceived benefits and standard of care, and future intention to use VCT.

Results: Data were available from 109 complete clinician surveys. Overall satisfaction was high (93%), but 32% reported technical difficulties and 42% found VCT distracting. Most reported that standard of care (91%), consultation duration (93%), and patient rapport (73%) were unaffected and 97% would use VCT again for patients not requiring examination. From 35 complete patient surveys, saving travel time and cost were the main reasons for choosing VCT (57%) and for convenience (31%). Most found the platform easy to use (83%) and were comfortable with the technology (83%) without technical difficulties (89%). All found the platform easier and less time consuming than in-person appointments. Most believed that the standard of care received was equivalent to an in-person consultation (94%), were satisfied with the consultation (97%), and would choose VCT again (97%).

Conclusions: Clinician and patient satisfaction with VCT was high and clinical standards were maintained. However, technical difficulties and distractions were common for clinicians despite training.