[Telemedicine in Palliative Care: Digital Communication in a Relationship-Based Speciality - Does It Make Sense?]

Perceptions and needs of an outpatient palliative care team regarding digital care conferences in palliative care: a mixed-method online survey

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine in palliative care (PC) is increasingly being used, especially in outpatient settings with large geographic distances. Its proven benefits include improved communication, coordination quality and time savings. However, the effect on symptom control is less evident. Whether these benefits apply to the Swiss setting and the needs of healthcare professionals (HCPs) is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the perceptions and needs of healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians) regarding telemedicine (generally and specifically for care conferences) in a Swiss outpatient palliative care network.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-method online survey with purposefully sampled healthcare professionals from an outpatient palliative care team as baseline data during the planning phase of a quality improvement project (digital care conferences).

FINDINGS/RESULTS

Of the 251 HCPs approached, 66 responded, including nurses (n = 37) and physicians (n = 29), with an overall response rate of 26.6%. These were distributed into two groups: general palliative care HCPs (n = 48, return rate 21.3%) and specialised palliative care HCPs (n = 18, return rate 69.2%). Generally, telemedicine was perceived as useful. Potential easy access to other HCPs and hence improved communication and coordination were perceived as advantages. Barriers included a lack of acceptance and physical contact, unsolved questions about potential data breaches and technical obstacles. Regarding digital care conferences, the perceived acceptance and feasibility were good; preferred participants were the specialised palliative care HCPs (nurses and physicians), primary physicians and home care nurses, as well as the leadership of a nurse. The needs of the HCPs were as follows: (a) clear and efficient planning, (b) usability and security and (c) visual contact with the patient.

CONCLUSION

Digital care conferences are perceived as a feasible and useful tool by healthcare professionals in a local palliative care network in Switzerland. A pilot phase will be the next step towards systematic integration of this telemedicine modality into outpatient palliative care.

[Digital Palliative Care]

Digital Palliative Care Abstract. Palliative care is becoming more and more digital. This article illuminates how digital approaches can help identify patients who qualify for palliative care offers and who wish to make use of them. Digital approaches can be used to monitor patients through apps and wearables, but digital methods are also becoming more important in psychosocial and spiritual support. One case demonstrates the therapeutic use of virtual reality. Work organization is digital, and teaching has also become digital during the corona crisis. In spite of all the advantages, however, the potential risks of digitization must also be considered.