Extending Oncology Clinical Services to Rural Areas of Texas Via Teleoncology.

Abstract

This pilot study will compare the effectiveness and reliability of remote oncologic clinical evaluations conducted via a telemedicine application with the traditional method of onsite evaluations in a private practice setting in rural East Texas. Patient and physician satisfaction with the clinical consultations and their perceptions of the telemedicine application will be assessed using a questionnaire administered at the conclusion of the clinical meetings. Initial results indicate high patient and physician satisfaction scores as well as high reliability and adequacy of the equipment and technology being used. Both patients and physicians are highly satisfied with the quality of teleoncology examinations and express openness to this method of delivering care.