Tele-clinics in palliative care during the COVID-19 outbreak Tertiary care cancer center experience

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of tele-clinics on palliative care patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study (chart review) carried out from March 17, 2020, to September 16, 2020, included all patients who were booked into the palliative care clinic. Patients were assessed by the palliative nurse specialist for COVID-19 symptoms using the acute respiratory illness screening form and Edmonton Symptoms Assessment System, also identifies the needs of the patient. Data were analyzed to investigate the effect of tele-clinics on the patients regarding ER visits and admission. Results: A total of 167 individuals were analyzed and the results showed that 234 of 447 visits were virtual, supporting the increasing value of telemedicine. The number of virtual patients' visits dropped slightly at the beginning of the pandemic (46.4% in March to 39.8% in July). Subsequently, it increased steadily to 72.2% in September. The choice of virtual/non-virtual visits for individuals with cancer diagnosis significantly depends on other factors. Code status, palliative patients or follow-up service, and the frequency of oncology center visits, admissions, or ER visits were crucial in explaining the means of receiving treatment. Conclusion: Virtual visits in palliative care are efficient means of decreasing the threat of COVID-19 contagion. It is recommended to increase the palliative care patients' awareness of tele-clinics and their positive outcomes, particularly during the pandemic.