Psycho‐oncologists’ experiences with video consultations during the Covid‐19 pandemic and implications for the future—a multi‐methods study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveDuring the Covid‐19 pandemic, there has been a substantial uptake of telemental health interventions. Consequently, the objective of this study was to assess psycho‐oncologists’ attitudes toward and experiences with video consultations (VC) since the beginning of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Additionally, we sought to investigate psycho‐oncologists’ perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of VC and its' potential implementation beyond the pandemic.MethodsWe used a multi‐methods study design. First, semi‐structured interviews with psycho‐oncologists (N = 6) were conducted to inform the development of a cross‐sectional online survey, which represented the quantitative part of our study. We invited psycho‐oncologists, working in different settings, from all over Germany to participate.ResultsData of N = 217 participants (88% female, 49% over 10 years work experience) of the online survey was analyzed. Psycho‐oncologists’ acceptance toward VC was average to high. In their daily practice, they preferred in‐person consultations. Improved access to care and enhanced flexibility were seen as main advantages. The most significant disadvantages included technical issues, privacy concerns at home, loss of non‐verbal cues and absence of physical presence for emotional support. Nevertheless, on average, psycho‐oncologists wanted to continue seeing approximately 25% of their patients via VC in the future.ConclusionsGiven the average to high acceptance of VC among psycho‐oncologists and their desire to continue using VC flexibly even after the pandemic, it may be beneficial to implement VC into future psycho‐oncology services. Still, future research should focus on the patients' perspective and the effectiveness of VC in psycho‐oncology services.