Barriers and enablers to implementing telehealth consultations in psycho‐oncology

OBJECTIVE: In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, use of telehealth to deliver care was recommended across the Australian health system. This study aims to explore the barriers and enablers to delivery of psycho‐oncology services via telehealth and attitudes to use of telehealth in psycho‐oncology. METHODS: Twenty‐one psycho‐oncology clinicians participated in semi‐structured telephone interviews. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified which described the overall experience of delivering psycho‐oncology services via telehealth: (1) Context Matters‐for whom is telehealth effective, when is it less effective; (2) Therapy content and telehealth implementation; (3) Recommendations for Sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: These insights into the barriers and enablers to delivering psycho‐oncology services via telehealth inform future research and clinical practice. While there is support for the continued use of telehealth in psycho‐oncology, there are significant improvements needed to ensure effective implementation and continued benefit.