A qualitative study of patients' attitudes towards telemedicine for gynecologic cancer care

Abstract

IntroductionWomen with gynecologic cancers may face geographic barriers to standard-of-care consultation with a gynecologic oncologist. While telemedicine may help overcome these geographic barriers, there are no qualitative data exploring gynecologic cancer patients' attitudes towards telemedicine for cancer care. Patients with gynecologic malignancies may have preferences distinct from general oncology populations due to the sensitive nature of the diseases and anatomy involved. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients with gynecologic cancers to identify perceived advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine use for gynecologic cancer care. Past experience with telemedicine was elicited as were suggestions for cancer care encounters most compatible with telemedicine. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for emergent themes. ResultsAll patients interviewed were open to the use of telemedicine. Emergent themes regarding advantages of telemedicine included convenience, cost savings, reduced travel, avoidance of infectious disease, and availability of care for those too unwell for in-person visits. Themes regarding disadvantages of telemedical care included technical difficulties, perceived need for examination or testing, and potential compromise of therapeutic relationship. Patients were particularly concerned that difficulty in establishing a therapeutic relationship would compromise initial consultations with gynecologic oncologists via telemedicine. ConclusionPatients with gynecologic cancer are open to use of telemedicine for their care. Particular attention should be paid to overcoming patients' hesitancy to have initial visits with gynecologic oncologists, as these consultations have the greatest potential to improve access to high-quality gynecologic cancer care.