Video linked medical oncology clinics: A novel way to improve patients’ access to medical oncology services in rural Australia

Abstract

e17573 Background: To improve the access of Mt Isa patients to medical oncologists, Townsville Cancer Centre runs weekly medical oncology clinics via videolink. Aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction, safety of chemotherapy delivery, and cost effectiveness of such technology. Methods: Between 2006 and 2008, 42 patients were seen. A questionnaire based survey was conducted by telephone to assess patient's level of satisfaction and quality of communication. Safety of chemotherapy delivery was evaluated by retrospective chart audit. Results: 25 patients completed the questionnaire. Six were new patients and the rest were for review leading to more than 90 encounters. Satisfaction: 100% of those interviewed were satisfied with the care given by the Townsville Cancer Centre. Of these 88% felt they developed a friendly relationship with the specialist. 90% felt medication could be taken without any concerns after videolink. 27% of patients interviewed felt examination was needed by the specialist, but 92% of the patients would rather see the specialist via videolink than travel to Townsville. Overall 96% felt it saved time, money and was convenient. Responses, apart from the question about the need for physical examination by the specialist, were more than 80% in agreement. Safety: 32 patients received active therapy. 60% were treated with palliative intent and the rest adjuvant. The median number of cycles was 5 (1–8). A total of 4 patients were admitted for complications- 2 for febrile neutropenia and 2 for emesis.There were no treatment related deaths. Cost effectiveness: Factors for consideration were cost of patient and specialist travel and accommodation,cost of interruption of routine clinics at specialists’ home, cost of video link apparatus and maintenance and cost of disturbance of quality of life for patients and doctors resulting from travel. Conclusions: Satisfaction with video linked clinics is high. It saves travel time for the patients and specialists and seems to be cost effective. It is safe to supervise chemotherapy administration using this technology. Therefore, this method of service delivery could be adopted by medical oncology departments to improve services to the rural and remote areas. No significant financial relationships to disclose.