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NCCS Telehealth Project
Project Background
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.
Project Executive Summary
A summary of the feedback from cancer patients and survivors, including the themes from focus groups, pros and cons for telehealth visits, barriers to telehealth, and planning for the future of telehealth visits.
For Patients: Tip Sheet for Telehealth Visits (English and Spanish)
A resource for cancer patients and survivors providing advice for scheduling a telehealth visit, completing a technology check, preparing for the telehealth visit, ending the visit and identifying next steps, and providing feedback about the telehealth visit.
For Providers: Cancer Patient Insights Telehealth Recommendations
A resource for oncology clinicians including top-line insights from cancer patients and survivors about their use of telehealth, patient views on the types of visits that are acceptable for telehealth, patient feedback, and recommendations for clinicians.
Focus group participants reported a variety of pros and cons to telehealth visits, some of which are contradictory and reflect divergence of viewpoints. These pros and cons can help plan for post-pandemic telehealth services.
PROS
Safety during the pandemic, especially for immunocompromised individuals
Convenience and lower costs associated with travel and time away from work and family
Reduced barriers for patients with mobility limitations or cognitive deficits
Ability to record visits and include family/caregivers
Patients may be more comfortable and less anxious at home
Providers seem to have more time, fewer distractions
CONS
Technology barriers and anxiety using technology
Both patient and provider learning curves
Privacy concerns
Reduced feelings of connection and emotional support and increased isolation
Limited access to the cancer care team
Providers seem to have less time, more distractions
Provider Feedback
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.
This project was completed in collaboration with Pfizer Oncology.
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Harmar Brereton, MD
Founder
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute
“Perhaps one of the most impactful collaborations in Dr. Brereton’s extraordinary career remains his early work and long friendship with Ellen Stovall. Through him, and in turn through the thousands of lives he has touched, Ellen’s work continues, and her mission lives on.”
—Karen M. Saunders
President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute