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The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) Telehealth Project was developed to gain insights from participants regarding telehealth experience in oncology.
A diverse group of 29 participants, which included cancer patients or survivors, were recruited to participate in six focus groups, conducted in May and June 2020. A total of 31 providers also participated by providing feedback in August 2020 regarding areas of agreement or disagreement with patient responses.
Responding providers reported feedback about their personal telehealth experiences, in which the majority suggested presenting patients the choice of telehealth visits or in-person visits.
Of the responding providers, approximately 50% offered a few telehealth visits before the pandemic, and all suggested to provide telehealth visits following the pandemic. They overwhelmingly noted that video-based telehealth visits are more effective than phone-based visits, despite technology challenges.
Of all factors presented to continue telehealth visits, the most important enabling factors include maintaining reimbursement equivalent to in-person visits, interstate practice, and prescribing controlled substances.
