3131 - Patient Satisfaction and Improvement Needs in Radiation Oncology Telemedicine Consultation: A Pilot Study

Purpose/Objective(s): Telemedicine has become an essential component of modern healthcare. It can improve patient access to radiation oncology specialists, especially in underserved or remote regions. Telemedicine reduces travel burdens and costs and promotes multidisciplinary collaboration. However, given the complexity of radiation oncology, the effectiveness of telehealth for new patient consultations remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate patient satisfaction with radiation oncology telemedicine new patient consultation, focusing on factors contributing to their overall experience.

Materials/Methods: From April to November 2024, we surveyed patients' experiences with telehealth radiation oncology new patient consultations. The survey was conducted through a survey platform, including questions from the Cancer Related Care Tool, information they would like to have before and after consultation, and their visit experience. Patients were provided with information through email on radiation facilities, providers, what to expect for radiation treatment, available resources, and disease-specific education material. We evaluated how well patients felt their condition was assessed during the telehealth session and whether they felt understood by the healthcare provider. Specific areas of inquiry included whether patients felt they needed additional supplemental materials or more time during the session to address their concerns fully.

Results: A survey invitation was sent to 149 patients in our department participating in telemedicine new patient consultation, with survey responses from 38 patients representing a 25.5% response rate. Of those, 93.8% found the platform user-friendly and easy to navigate, and 93.3% felt their health concerns were understood during the consultation. The survey also revealed that more than half of the patients expressed interest in gaining further insight into their healthcare provider and the available patient resources. Furthermore, 68.9% of respondents wanted to receive more detailed information about their radiation treatment and the next steps in their treatment plan. Notably, 45% of the patients who participated in the survey resided more than 50 miles from the treatment center. The three patients who chose not to have their radiation treatment at Jefferson Center City cited convenience.

Conclusion: While some patients prefer in-person visits, our study suggests telemedicine new patient consultation for radiation oncology is a viable alternative for many. Overall, patients are highly satisfied receiving radiation oncology and new patient consultations through telehealth. While telehealth meets patient needs, there is room for improvement by providing more comprehensive information and resources to enhance their experience.