Perceptions and acceptance of telemedicine among medical oncologists before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Sahin E., Kefeli U., Cabuk D., Ozden E., Cakmak Y., Kaypak M. A., ...More

SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER, vol.29, no.12, pp.7497-7503, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00520-021-06290-x
  • Journal Name: SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.7497-7503
  • Keywords: Telemedicine, Telehealth, Teleoncology, Medical oncology, Cancer
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background As a result of technological developments in healthcare services, telemedicine is becoming widespread. We aimed to determine the effect of COVID-19 on Turkish medical oncologists' opinions of telemedicine through a survey. Methods This study was conducted using an online questionnaire linked to an invitation e-mail sent to the members of the Turkish Medical Oncology Association mailing group between May and July 2020. Results Of the 110 (73 males and 37 females) medical oncologists who answered the questionnaire, the average age was 43.9 +/- 7.29 (range: 31-64) years, and the majority of the respondents were academics. The most commonly used telemedicine method was store and forward (69.7%). Telemedicine use during clinical visits and multidisciplinary councils increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001 in both cases). Conclusion The use of telemedicine increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pandemic has led oncologists to view telemedicine more positively.