2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP06.01-015. Will Virtual Care Stand the Test of Time; One Site's Perspective on the Continuity of Virtual Care Post-Pandemic

EP06.01-015. Will Virtual Care Stand the Test of Time; One Site's Perspective on the Continuity of Virtual Care Post-Pandemic

Back to course

Pdf Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in healthcare, leading to the adoption of virtual care methods by some healthcare practitioners. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze patient appointments from March 2019 to February 2022 based on the mode of delivery at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC) ambulatory thoracic oncology clinic. The modes of delivery were categorized as "In-Person" for on-site visits and "Virtual" for appointments conducted through phone calls, Microsoft Teams, Ontario Telemedicine Network, and telehealth meetings. The study found a peak in virtual appointments at the start of the pandemic, with 65% of appointments being virtual from April 2020 to May 2020. The use of virtual appointments persisted even after the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine and fluctuations in COVID-19 cases, accounting for 36% to 50% of appointments from June 2020 to February 2022. The results suggest that virtual care may continue to be utilized beyond the pandemic, highlighting the need for innovative ways to support healthcare providers in delivering quality virtual care. However, there are risks and benefits associated with virtual care that should be carefully considered. The limitations of remote patient care, such as the inability to conduct physical assessments, should be taken into account when choosing appropriate situations for virtual care. Further research, development, and education are needed to enhance virtual care practices and support healthcare providers in this evolving healthcare landscape.

Asset Subtitle

Suheon Lee

Meta Tag

Speaker Suheon Lee

Topic Management of Lung Cancer in the Era of COVID-34

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic

healthcare changes

virtual care methods

patient appointments

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

ambulatory thoracic oncology clinic

In-Person visits

Virtual appointments

COVID-19 vaccine

remote patient care