The Use of Telehealth to Provide Continuity of Cancer Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Advantages, Disparities, and Implications to Promote Health Equity
Victoria K. Marshall, Melody Chavez, Tina M. Mason, Dinorah Martinez Tyson
Abstract
Perceptions of oncology health care providers use of telehealth to provide care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling (N = 30) was conducted. Four themes emerged: 1) telehealth provided continuity of cancer care and used to decrease the risk of COVID-19 exposure; 2) advantages brought about convenience and inclusion of family caregivers; 3) telehealth revealed geographic, aging, and racial/ethnic disparities and digital illiteracy; and 4) rapid implementation was challenging. Telehealth provides a number of opportunities to support care for vulnerable cancer patients during this health crisis; however, disparities must be addressed.