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Lee J, Mc Carthy O, Ryan S, Kiely F. Video consultations in community palliative care - patient satisfaction: mixed methods study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1212-e1216. [PMID: 36418034 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-003757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Community palliative care (CPC) has traditionally been delivered face to face in the home or in the outpatient clinic setting. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the introduction of video consultation (VC) as a modality of CPC service provision. Evidence supports the feasibility of VC in CPC. There is a paucity of evidence regarding patient satisfaction with key components of the palliative care consultation when delivered virtually. METHODS Mixed quantitative and qualitative study. The formulated telephone questionnaire evaluated satisfaction with VC in three domains: comfort with use of technology, communication using video technology and components of the palliative care consultation. Results were analysed descriptively with thematic analysis of free text additional information. RESULTS The majority (93%) of patients were satisfied with VC. All patients felt able to communicate what they wanted to say. The majority felt comfortable asking questions (90%) and a minority (16%) were dissatisfied that they could not be physically examined. Patients were satisfied with discussing physical symptoms (90%) and medications (90%). Areas which were not discussed or had less favourable feedback included exploration of spirituality and faith. Themes identified included: flexibility and convenience offered by VC, relationship and rapport building in the context of VC and technological challenges posed by VC. CONCLUSIONS Patients were satisfied with VC as a mechanism of CPC provision. Satisfaction, although generally high, varied across key components of the consultation demonstrating the strengths and limitations of this modality at present. This provides clinicians with valuable information to guide future research and service development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lee
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland
| | - Orfhlaith Mc Carthy
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Ryan
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fiona Kiely
- Palliative Medicine, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Cork, Ireland
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2
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Mazaheri M. Cultivating rapport in telehealth: insights from palliative care. Evid Based Nurs 2023:ebnurs-2023-103788. [PMID: 37907270 DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2023-103788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monir Mazaheri
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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English W, Robinson J, Gott M. Health professionals' experiences of rapport during telehealth encounters in community palliative care: An interpretive description study. Palliat Med 2023:2692163231172243. [PMID: 37129344 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231172243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the reported importance of rapport, there are knowledge gaps in the ways rapport is developed and experienced by health professionals during telehealth calls in palliative care. AIM To gain an understanding about developing rapport during telehealth calls by exploring the experiences of health professionals in community palliative care. DESIGN A qualitative Interpretive Description study was conducted with semi-structured interviews and focus groups between November 2020 and May 2021. Data was audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Reflexive thematic analysis. A COREQ checklist was completed. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Thirty-one palliative care professionals who had participated in telehealth calls were recruited from four hospice locations in Aotearoa, New Zealand. RESULTS There were two themes identified: (1) 'Getting on together', which included how rapport shows up in telehealth, with examples of calls with rapport and without rapport, and (2) 'Rapport is a soft skill', which identified health professionals using body language and listening in specific ways in telehealth, while being aware of the privacy of calls, and lack of training concerns. CONCLUSION Based on health professionals experiences of rapport it was determined that rapport is vitally important in telehealth calls, as it is in-person interactions. Rapport is a soft skill that can potentially be learned, practiced and mastery developed, although rapport in each interaction is not guaranteed. Patient and family experiences of rapport in the palliative telehealth area warrants further research and there is some urgency for health professional training in telehealth interpersonal skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy English
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Robinson
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Steindal SA, Nes AAG, Godskesen TE, Holmen H, Winger A, Österlind J, Dihle A, Klarare A. Advantages and Challenges of Using Telehealth for Home-Based Palliative Care: Systematic Mixed Studies Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43684. [PMID: 36912876 PMCID: PMC10131904 DOI: 10.2196/43684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to the increasing number of people with palliative care needs and the current shortage of health care professionals (HCPs), providing quality palliative care has become challenging. Telehealth could enable patients to spend as much time as possible at home. However, no previous systematic mixed studies reviews have synthesized evidence on patients' experiences of the advantages and challenges of telehealth in home-based palliative care. OBJECTIVE In this systematic mixed studies review, we aimed to critically appraise and synthesize the findings from studies that investigated patients' use of telehealth in home-based palliative care, focusing on the advantages and challenges experienced by patients. METHODS This is a systematic mixed studies review with a convergent design. The review is reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods; studies that investigated the experience of using telehealth with follow-up from HCPs of home-based patients aged ≥18; studies published between January 2010 and June 2022; and studies published in Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, English, Portuguese, or Spanish in peer-reviewed journals. Five pairs of authors independently assessed eligibility of the studies, appraised methodological quality, and extracted data. The data were synthesized using thematic synthesis. RESULTS This systematic mixed studies review included 41 reports from 40 studies. The following 4 analytical themes were synthesized: potential for a support system and self-governance at home; visibility supports interpersonal relationships and a joint understanding of care needs; optimized information flow facilitates tailoring of remote caring practices; and technology, relationships, and complexity as perpetual obstacles in telehealth. CONCLUSIONS The advantages of telehealth were that patients experience a potential support system that could enable them to remain at home, and the visual features of telehealth enable them to build interpersonal relationships with HCPs over time. Self-reporting provides HCPs with information about symptoms and circumstances that facilitates tailoring care to specific patients. Challenges with the use of telehealth were related to barriers to technology use and inflexible reporting of complex and fluctuating symptoms and circumstances using electronic questionnaires. Few studies have included the self-reporting of existential or spiritual concerns, emotions, and well-being. Some patients perceived telehealth as intrusive and a threat to their privacy at home. To optimize the advantages and minimize the challenges with the use of telehealth in home-based palliative care, future research should include users in the design and development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simen A Steindal
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Nursing, Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Tove E Godskesen
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Heidi Holmen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Winger
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jane Österlind
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alfhild Dihle
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Klarare
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Healthcare Services and e-Health, Department for Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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5
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Abstract
Palliative care (PC), which improves the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, can be offered in multiple settings, such as the hospital, community, and home. The trend toward delivering PC at home has been recently accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has created challenges for patients with serious illnesses who have been proven to be susceptible to serious COVID-19 illnesses. This review of the literature presents research studies on home PC (HPC) during the pandemic. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched. Twelve research/case studies were found to be relevant. These articles gathered information either through qualitative (surveys/interviews) methods or medical records. Most qualitative articles focused on perceived challenges and opportunities from HPC professionals' perspectives. Adopting telehealth was frequently discussed as a key tool to adjust to the pandemic. In general, HPC professionals and patients had a positive attitude toward telehealth, and this attitude was much more pronounced among professionals than patients. Among HPC professionals, some reports indicated that their burnout rates reduced, and job satisfaction increased during the pandemic. Regarding clinical and cost outcomes, there is a gap in the literature on HPC during the pandemic. In conclusion, despite challenges, it seems that the pandemic has gifted some long-term opportunities for promoting HPC in combination with telehealth. COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic, and we should be prepared for the next one by updating policies and building concrete infrastructure for HPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mojtahedi
- Department of Healthcare
Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jay J Shen
- Department of Healthcare
Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA,Jay J Shen, PhD, Department of Healthcare
Administration and Policy School of Public Health University of Nevada, Las
Vegas, NV 89119, USA.
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6
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Chua IS, Olmsted M, Plotke R, Turk Y, Trotter C, Rinaldi S, Kamdar M, Jackson VA, Gallagher-Medeiros ER, El-Jawahri A, Temel JS, Greer JA. Video and In-Person Palliative Care Delivery Challenges before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:577-587. [PMID: 35985551 PMCID: PMC9383956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care (PC) clinicians faced many challenges delivering outpatient care during the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES We described trends for in-person and video visit PC delivery challenges before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. METHODS We performed a secondary data analysis of patient characteristics and PC clinician surveys from a multisite randomized controlled trial at 20 academic cancer centers. Patients newly diagnosed with advanced lung cancer (N = 653) were randomly assigned to receive either early in-person or telehealth PC and had at least monthly PC clinician visits. PC clinicians completed surveys documenting PC delivery challenges after each encounter. We categorized patients into 3 subgroups according to their PC visit dates relative to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.-pre-COVID-19 (all visits before March 1, 2020), pre/post-COVID-19 (≥1 visit before and after March 1, 2020), and post-COVID-19 (all visits after March 1, 2020). We performed Pearson's chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to examine associations. RESULTS We analyzed 2329 surveys for video visits and 2176 surveys for in-person visits. For video visits, the pre-COVID-19 subgroup (25.8% [46/178]) had the most technical difficulties followed by the pre/post-COVID-19 subgroup (17.2% [307/1784]) and then the post-COVID-19 subgroup (11.4% [42/367]) (P = 0.0001). For in-person visits, challenges related to absent patients' family members occurred most often in the post-COVID-19 subgroup (6.2% [16/259]) followed by the pre/post-COVID-19 subgroup (3.6% [50/1374]) and then the pre-COVID-19 subgroup (2.2% [12/543]) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Technical difficulties related to PC video visits improved, whereas in-person visit challenges related to absent patients' family members worsened during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac S Chua
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine (I.S.C.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (I.S.C.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Molly Olmsted
- University of Massachusetts Medical School (M.O.), Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel Plotke
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yael Turk
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chardria Trotter
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simone Rinaldi
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mihir Kamdar
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vicki A Jackson
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily R Gallagher-Medeiros
- Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer S Temel
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph A Greer
- Harvard Medical School (I.S.C., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital (R.P., Y.T., C.T., S.R., M.K., V.A.J., E.R.G.M., A.E.J., J.S.T., J.A.G.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Lundereng ED, Nes AAG, Holmen H, Winger A, Thygesen H, Jøranson N, Borge CR, Dajani O, Mariussen KL, Steindal SA. Health Care Professionals’ Experiences and Perspectives on Using Telehealth for Home-based Palliative Care: A Scoping Review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e43429. [PMID: 36989024 PMCID: PMC10131609 DOI: 10.2196/43429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth seems feasible for use in home-based palliative care (HBPC). It may improve access to health care professionals (HCPs) at patients' homes, reduce hospital admissions, enhance patients' feelings of security and safety, and increase the time spent at home for patients in HBPC. HBPC requires the involvement of various HCPs such as nurses, physicians, allied health professionals, dietitians, psychologists, religious counselors, and social workers. Acceptance of the use of technology among HCPs is essential for the successful delivery of telehealth in practice. No scoping review has mapped the experiences and perspectives of HCPs regarding the use of telehealth in HBPC. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to systematically map published studies on HCPs' experiences and perspectives on the use of telehealth in HBPC. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using the methodology of Arksey and O'Malley. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. A systematic search was performed in AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for studies published in peer-reviewed journals between January 1, 2000, and August 23, 2022. The reference lists of the included papers were hand searched to identify additional studies. The inclusion criteria were (1) studies using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods; (2) studies including HCPs using telehealth with patients in HBPC; (3) studies on HCPs' experiences and perspectives on the use of telehealth in HBPC; (4) studies published between January 1, 2000, and August 23, 2022; and (5) studies published in English, Portuguese, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, or Spanish. Pairs of authors independently included studies and extracted data. The first 2 stages of thematic synthesis were used to thematically organize the data. RESULTS This scoping review included 29 papers from 28 studies. Four descriptive themes were identified: (1) easy to use but technological issues undermine confidence, (2) adds value but personal and organizational barriers challenge adoption, (3) potential to provide useful and meaningful patient-reported data, and (4) mutual trust as a prerequisite for interpersonal relationships. CONCLUSIONS Telehealth in HBPC seems to be easy to use and may improve the coordination of care, time efficiency, clinical assessments, and help build and enhance personal and professional relationships. However, the introduction of technology in HBPC is complex, as it may not align well with the overall aim of palliative care from HCPs' point of view. Further, changes in practice and requirements for HCPs may reduce motivation for the use of telehealth in HBPC. HCPs consider themselves to have central roles in implementing telehealth, and a lack of acceptance and motivation is a key barrier to telehealth adoption. Policy makers and telehealth developers should be aware of this potential barrier when developing or implementing new technology for use in HBPC. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/33305.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias David Lundereng
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Heidi Holmen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- The Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Winger
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Thygesen
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Jøranson
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Råheim Borge
- Research Department, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Dajani
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Simen A Steindal
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Pasanen L, Le Gautier R, Wong A, Wawryk O, Collins A, Schwetlik S, Philip J. Telehealth in outpatient delivery of palliative care: A qualitative study of patient and physician views. Palliat Support Care 2022; 21:1-8. [PMID: 35818898 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the funded use of telehealth in Australia to support telehealth delivery to all patients in any setting. Increasing the use and experience of telehealth brings to light unique insights into the advantages and challenges of this new model of healthcare delivery This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experiences of both palliative care physicians and patients setting, including their views on its future role in healthcare. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted across three metropolitan tertiary palliative care centers in Victoria, Australia between November 2020 and March 2021. Purposive sampling identified 23 participants (12 physicians and 11 patients). Semi-structured interviews focused on the last telehealth consultation, thoughts and impressions of telehealth, and the possibility of telehealth remaining in palliative care. A thematic approach was adopted to code and analyze the data. RESULTS Telehealth transformed the ways physicians and patients in this study perceived and engaged with outpatient palliative care across the entire continuum of care. Four key themes were identified: (1) access to care; (2) delivery of care; (3) engagement with care; and (4) the future. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS This study provides novel data bringing together the perspective of patients and physicians, which confirms the utility of telehealth in palliative care. Its convenience enables more frequent review, enables reviews to occur in response to lower levels of concern, and adds toward enhancing the continuity of care across and between settings. Moving forward, support seemed strongest for a hybrid model of telehealth and face-to-face consultations guided by key parameters relating to the level of anticipated complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeanne Pasanen
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Roslyn Le Gautier
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aaron Wong
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivia Wawryk
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Schwetlik
- North Adelaide Palliative Service, Modbury Hospital, Modbury, South Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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9
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Caraceni A, Pellegrini C, Shkodra M, Zecca E, Bracchi P, Lo Dico S, Caputo M, Zappata S, Zito E, Brunelli C. Telemedicine for outpatient palliative care during COVID-19 pandemics: a longitudinal study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2022:bmjspcare-2022-003585. [PMID: 35710705 PMCID: PMC9240442 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2022-003585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine (TM) emerged as an important mean to reduce risks of transmission, yet delivering the necessary care to patients. Our aim was to evaluate feasibility, characteristics and satisfaction for a TM service based on phone/video consultations for patients with cancer attending an outpatient palliative care clinic during COVID-19 pandemics. Methods A longitudinal observational study was conducted from April to December 2020. Consecutive patients were screened for video consultations feasibility. Either patients or their caregivers received video/phone consultations registering reason and intervention performed. Those contacted at least twice were eligible for experience of care assessment. Results Video consultations were feasible in 282 of 572 screened patients (49%, 95% CI 45% to 52%); 112 patients among the 572 had at least two phone/video consultations and 12 of them had one or more video consultations. Consultations were carried out with patients (56%), caregivers (30%) or both (14%). 63% of the consultations were requested by the patients/caregivers. Reasons for consultation included uncontrolled (66%) or new symptom onset (20%), therapy clarifications (37%) and updates on diagnostic tests (28%). Most interventions were therapy modifications (70%) and appointments’ rescheduling (51%). 49 patients and 19 caregivers were interviewed, reporting good care experience (average of 1–5 satisfaction score of 3.9 and 4.2, respectively). The majority (83% and 84%) declared they would use TM after the pandemics. Conclusions Although feasibility is still limited for some patients, TM can be a satisfactory alternative to in-person visits for palliative care patients in need of limiting access to the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Caraceni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pellegrini
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Morena Shkodra
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ernesto Zecca
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Bracchi
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Lo Dico
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Caputo
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Simonetta Zappata
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Zito
- Information and communication technology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Brunelli
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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10
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Telehealth cancer care consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of the experiences of Australians affected by cancer. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6659-6668. [PMID: 35503140 PMCID: PMC9062284 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07021-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was rapidly rolled out in health services across Australia including those delivering cancer care. This study aimed to understand people with cancer and carers' experiences with telehealth for cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. METHOD Semi-structured interviews conducted with people with cancer and carers via telephone or online video link between December 2020 and May 2021. Participants were recruited through cancer networks and social media. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken. RESULTS Twenty-three patients and 5 carers were interviewed. Telephone-based appointments were most common. Responses to telehealth were influenced by existing relationships with doctors, treatment/cancer stage and type of appointment. Four themes were derived: (i) benefits, (ii) quality of care concerns, (iii) involving carers, and (iv) optimising use of telehealth. Benefits included efficiency and reduced travel. Quality of care concerns identified subthemes: transactional feel to appointments; difficulties for rapport; suitability for appointment type and adequacy for monitoring. Both patients and carers noted a lack of opportunity for carers to participate in telephone-based appointments. Aligning appointment mode (i.e. telehealth or in person) with appointment purpose and ensuring telehealth was the patient's choice were seen as essential for its ongoing use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS While telehealth has benefits, its potential to reduce the quality of interactions with clinicians made it less attractive for cancer patients. Patient-centred guidelines that ensure patient choice, quality communication, and alignment with appointment purpose may help to increase telehealth's utility for people affected by cancer.
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Elma A, Cook D, Howard M, Takaoka A, Hoad N, Swinton M, Clarke F, Rudkowski J, Boyle A, Dennis B, Vegas DB, Vanstone M. Use of Video Technology in End-of-Life Care for Hospitalized Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Crit Care 2022; 31:240-248. [PMID: 35118491 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection control protocols, including visitor restrictions, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the ability to provide compassionate, family-centered care to patients dying in the hospital. In response, clinicians used videoconferencing technology to facilitate conversations between patients and their families. OBJECTIVES To understand clinicians' perspectives on using videoconferencing technology to adapt to pandemic policies when caring for dying patients. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 45 clinicians who provided end-of-life care to patients in 3 acute care units at an academically affiliated urban hospital in Canada during the first wave of the pandemic (March 2020-July 2020). A 3-step approach to conventional content analysis was used to code interview transcripts and construct overarching themes. RESULTS Clinicians used videoconferencing technology to try to bridge gaps in end-of-life care by facilitating connections with family. Many benefits ensued, but there were also some drawbacks. Despite the opportunity for connection offered by virtual visits, participants noted concerns about equitable access to videoconferencing technology and authenticity of technology-assisted interactions. Participants also offered recommendations for future use of videoconferencing technology both during and beyond the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Clinician experiences can be used to inform policies and practices for using videoconferencing technology to provide high-quality end-of-life care in the future, including during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiana Elma
- Asiana Elma is a research assistant, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah Cook
- Deborah Cook is a distinguished university professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, and a physician, Critical Care Program, St Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- Michelle Howard is an associate professor, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University
| | - Alyson Takaoka
- Alyson Takaoka was a research assistant, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University
| | - Neala Hoad
- Neala Hoad is a registered nurse, Critical Care Program, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
| | - Marilyn Swinton
- Marilyn Swinton is a research coordinator, School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University
| | - France Clarke
- France Clarke is a critical care research coordinator, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University and a respiratory therapist, Critical Care Program, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
| | - Jill Rudkowski
- Jill Rudkowski is an associate professor, Division of Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, and head of service, Intensive Care Unit and Medical Step-Down Unit, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
| | - Anne Boyle
- Anne Boyle is an associate clinical professor, Department of Family Medicine and a physician, Division of Palliative Care, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
| | - Brittany Dennis
- Brittany Dennis is an internal medicine resident, Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University
| | - Daniel Brandt Vegas
- Daniel Brandt Vegas is an associate professor, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University
| | - Meredith Vanstone
- Meredith Van-stone is an associate professor, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University
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12
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Lee SM, Main NB. Telepalliative care during the pandemic: Lessons for the future. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2022; 51:180-182. [PMID: 35373241 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2021455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- See Muah Lee
- Department of Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore
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13
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Philip J, Wawryk O, Pasanen L, Wong A, Schwetlik S, Collins A. Telehealth in outpatient delivery of palliative care: a prospective survey evaluation by patients and clinicians. Intern Med J 2022; 52:1144-1153. [PMID: 35189018 PMCID: PMC9540442 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background In Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic new funding models were introduced to support telehealth consultations, resulting in their widescale adoption in palliative care service delivery. Clarity around the clinical circumstances and patient populations that might be most appropriate for telehealth models was required. Aims To evaluate patient and physician satisfaction, acceptability and utility of outpatient palliative care provision through telehealth. Methods This is a multi‐site prospective, cross‐sectional, observational study conducted during a time of significant public health restrictions. A survey was used to collect matched patient‐ and physician‐reported perceptions of palliative care telehealth consultations across three metropolitan hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Results There were 127 matched patient–physician data of telehealth consultations and a further 812 physician‐only assessments. Telehealth was generally acceptable and satisfactory, with patients providing greater positive scores than clinicians. Telehealth incorporating both audio and video were more acceptable and satisfactory, particularly with the presence of a carer, and during routine reviews. Physicians were less satisfied using telehealth when there was increasing symptom complexity across all domains (pain, psychological, and other symptoms). Conclusions Telehealth has high utility in palliative care practice. A future hybrid model of care comprising both face‐to‐face and telehealth consultations seems favoured by patients and physicians but must be accompanied by targeted support for specific patient groups to ensure equitable healthcare access. Further evaluation of telehealth during a time of fewer public health emergency measures and lower community anxiety is required to fully understand its ongoing role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne.,Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville
| | - Olivia Wawryk
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne
| | - Leeanne Pasanen
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
| | - Aaron Wong
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.,Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville
| | - Stephanie Schwetlik
- North Adelaide Palliative Service, Modbury Hospital, Modbury, South Australia
| | - Anna Collins
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne
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McFarlane P, Halley A, Kano Y, Wade N, Wilson S, Droney J. End-of-Life Experiences for Cancer Patients Dying in Hospital with COVID-19. J Patient Exp 2022; 9:23743735221074171. [PMID: 35111899 PMCID: PMC8801342 DOI: 10.1177/23743735221074171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a wealth of research regarding COVID-19, little evidence exists about cancer patients' specific needs and experiences at end-of-life. This study retrospectively describes the care of 34 hospitalised cancer patients dying with COVID-19. The palliative care needs of patients were described. The main domains of end-of-life care service provision were evaluated including treatment of pain and other symptoms, communication and decision making at end-of-life and level of involvement of the palliative care team. Physical symptoms were managed with relatively low doses of end-of-life medications. High levels of patient and family anxiety, however, highlight the complexity of death from a stigmatised disease. Prompt acknowledgement of the vulnerability of advanced cancer patients with COVID-19 can facilitate proactive symptom management, anticipatory communication and enhance family support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yukie Kano
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation
Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicola Wade
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation
Trust, London, UK
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15
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Mok KMN, Zhu X, Ng XH, Neo HSS. Telemedicine for palliative care: Current and future challenges. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2021; 50:862-864. [PMID: 34877592 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2021284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kah Mun Natalie Mok
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
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