Background and Aims: Access to health services and quality of life are important factors for long-term cancer survivorship. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer care globally. In response to the pandemic, reconfiguration of services and adoption of telehealth have been essential for continuation of services, while also offering an alternative approach to cancer care and support. This study explores the role of telehealth in providing health and supportive services to Australian rural/regional cancer patients during COVID-19 and their attitudes on the quality of these services to inform future practice.
Methods: Rural/regional cancer patients and survivors (n=66) completed an online survey regarding the transition and delivery of health and support services via telehealth during COVID-19. Data was collected as part of a bi-annual survey on client satisfaction at a rural/regional community cancer wellness center in Australia.
Results: Participants included 71% females with 48% younger (under 64 years), and 52% older cancer patients and survivors (65 years and over), with a mix of cancer presentations. Younger participants were significantly (p<.05) more likely to use allied health services via video/telehealth during COVID-19 compared to their older counterparts. The preferred format for nursing health services in the future was face-to-face (59% for younger and 42% for older participants) telehealth (10% for both groups), and mixed (31% for younger and 48% for older participants). Although not statistically significant (p>.05), it is interesting that the older cohort had a greater preference for a mixed modality of face-to-face and telehealth in meeting their future health service needs.
Conclusions: Telehealth has benefits for the delivery of health and supportive services to rural/regional cancer patients. Nurses can play a key role in assessing the support needs of cancer survivors and facilitate strategies to ensure that survivors have the skills necessary to access telehealth support.