Telemedicine and gynecologic oncology: caring for patients remotely during a global pandemic

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine uses technology to deliver medical care remotely and has been shown to provide similar patient satisfaction and care outcomes compared with in-person visits. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the gynecologic oncology patient telehealth experience. STUDY DESIGN: All patients receiving telehealth care between March 23, 2020, to May 14, 2020, from a single institution's gynecologic oncology division were offered postvisit surveys to assess satisfaction. Basic demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Patient zip code data were correlated with Community Need Index scores and visualized using heat maps. RESULTS: Of 286 telehealth visits, 112 postvisit surveys (39.2%) were collected. Survey responses demonstrated high patient satisfaction with responders agreeing that privacy was respected (97.3%), diagnosis and treatment options were adequately explained (92%), they could easily ask questions (97.3%), and they established a good rapport with their provider (96.4%). Additional benefits included reduced travel (92.9%), time (83.0%), cost (67.9%), and family interruption (57.1%). Among 11 patients receiving treatment on a clinical trial, 10 (90.9%) were able to continue on trial without disruption. Most responders (87.5%) preferred future visits to occur via telehealth or a mixture of telehealth and in-person visits. No difference in satisfaction was found among patients residing in zip codes associated with higher Community Need Index scores or increased distance from the institution. CONCLUSION: The use of telemedicine in providing gynecologic oncology care was associated with high patient satisfaction and had the benefits of reduced time, cost, travel, and interruption to family time.