Comparing implementation of Telemedicine compliance and feasibility among oncology patients across countries during the COVID 19 pandemic.
e13622 Background: COVID19 pandemic expedited the use of telemedicine across nations. Oncology patients as at risk population especially needed the use of telemedicine to continue patient care. Evaluating patients' compliance and satisfaction with telemedicine is needed and might vary across nations and cultures. Experience from telemedicine during COVID might help shape oncology care in the future. Methods: A questionnaire that was locally validated in the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Oncology Division was distributed internationally using the BELONG.life digital health platform, a free and anonymous application (app) for cancer pts and caregivers. Results were compared between US pts replied through the app and Israeli patients. Results: The questionnaire was distributed to 232 Israeli patients and to 362 BELONG users in the US. The compliance was 74% and 35% pts respectively. Majority of users in Israel were male (54%) versus female in the US (77%). In the US 75% were Caucasian. More Israeli patients had a family member present in the call then in the corresponding US group (47% vs 64%). Both Israeli and US pts felt satisfied with the meeting and reported the willingness to continue with the same approach in the future regardless of the pandemic situation (84.9%, 63%, respectively). 95.9% of Israeli patients were attended by their regular doctor as opposed to 71% in the US. Call time duration was prolonging to 30-60 min and willingness to repeat the calls dropped to 47% when performed with a different doctor. In the US 76% of patients reported the telemedicine call saved them precious time. Conclusions: Patients' response to telemedicine meetings across countries was positive with oncology care visits being maintained successfully despite the ongoing COID19 pandemic. Most patients regardless of country of origin showed willingness to continue with telemedicine however maintaining the care with the patient's regular physician is important for the continued use of telemedicine in reducing visits time and improving the pts interaction and satisfaction. Clinical trial information: 0227-20.