1208 - Patient-Centered Visualization in Telehealth: A Digital Innovation to Improve Understanding, Satisfaction and Quality of Care

Purpose/Objective(s): Telehealth expanded rapidly after COVID-19 and is widely accepted in radiation oncology. However, platform variability, technical challenges, and limited visual support during complex discussions may reduce visit quality. To address these limitations and the need for enhanced digital communication tools, we conducted a prospective, IRB-approved, anonymous quality-improvement study evaluating an interactive visual communication aid during virtual consultations to assess feasibility and impact on patient satisfaction, disease and treatment understanding.

Materials/Methods: Adult patients with thoracic malignancies were screened for eligibility and enrolled during virtual consultations. The interactive tool included graphics illustrating tumor location, disease staging, treatment options, anticipated short- and long-term side effects, and the expected follow-up timeline. After consultation, patients completed an anonymous survey consisting of 7 multiple-choice questions assessing the tool’s usability, impact on understanding of diagnosis and treatment, and the type of device used to view the digital aid. All survey questions were optional with the option to decline to answer.

Results: 32 patients participated across two providers; mean survey time was 3:30. Disease Understanding: 31 responded, with 30 reporting the visual aid improved their comprehension. Regarding treatment options, 96.67% of patients indicated that the tool enhanced their understanding. Additionally 100% reported the visual aid improved their understanding their medical situation. Among the 30 who answered, 100% stated they would review the information again if it were made available after the consultation. 30 of 31 respondents said they would recommend the visual tool to other patients, and 29 of 30 reported that it improved their virtual consultation experience. The device type used for viewing the aid included phones, tablets, and computers. Results are visualized in Table 1.

Conclusion: Use of an interactive visual communication tool significantly enhanced patient understanding and the virtual consultation experience. High patient acceptance across multiple providers and devices supports its feasibility and broad applicability. By addressing a key gap in telehealth—limited visual support for complex medical information—the tool improves clarity and engagement during virtual visits, reinforcing its value as a patient-centered educational resource. Integrating structured visual aids into telehealth workflows may offer a practical strategy to strengthen communication in radiation oncology. Further evaluation in additional clinical settings is warranted.