[Telemedicine for prostate cancer during long-term radiotherapy follow-up: An opportunity for digital innovation in oncology].
Cancer Radiother 2021;
25:45-50. [PMID:
33402288 DOI:
10.1016/j.canrad.2020.06.038]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
The annual follow-up in radiotherapy for prostate cancer consists of an oral interview with a radiation oncologist. The present study aimed at surveying the target population on their knowledge and perceptions of telemedicine.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study was conducted at the Lucien Neuwirth Cancer Institute (France) that included patients with prostate cancer undergoing treatment or in follow-up, during spring 2019 (n=158). A specific questionnaire was designed for the study. Patient's self-evaluation of satisfaction and enthusiasm was assessed through visual analog scale (VAS) (0/10 to 10/10).
RESULTS
One hundred and fifty-eight patients completed the survey. The vast majority of the population commonly used phone for communication and 56% of patients owned internet connexion. Around 56% of patients declared telemedicine knowledge without having ever experienced telemedicine. If 60.8% of patients would not be against telemedicine with a median enthusiasm VAS of 6/10, patients' opinions were divergent: 48.7% of patients would like to keep a classical follow-up and 48.7% of patients would envision to alternate classical consultation with telemedicine.
CONCLUSION
This feasibility study with an aged cohort showed that telemedicine is a valuable option for long-term radiotherapy follow-up, even if therapeutic education and information will be necessary to supervise this novel approach.
Collapse