Remote consultations: experiences of UK patients with prostate cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Future Oncol. 2022 Oct 17. doi: 10.2217/fon-2022-0613. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aim: Explore UK prostate cancer patients' experiences and preferences for in-person and remote consultations. Materials & methods: In January-March 2021, patients completed a survey of consultation format preferences. Results: Of 971 patients, most preferred in-person consultations when receiving diagnosis and results (92.3% and 66.5%, respectively) and discussing first and further treatment options (92.0 and 84.0%, respectively). Fewer patients considered follow-up (40.9%) or side effect consultations (47.7%) should be in person. Patients with longer travel preferred telephone consultations for receiving test results post-treatment. Patients over 55 preferred in-person consultations for discussing first treatment. Conclusion: To optimize prostate cancer care in the wake of COVID-19, we recommend patients have the option of consultation format, although key decisions should be made in person.

PMID:36250591 | DOI:10.2217/fon-2022-0613