Awareness and attitudes of healthcare professionals on the use of remote patient monitoring for patients treated with radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need to evaluate the role of remote patient monitoring (RPM) for cancer patients. Objectives: The study's objectives were to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on RPM technologies, including telephone, video conferencing, mobile applications, and wearable for patients treated with radiotherapy. Factors that may influence the awareness and attitudes of HCPs towards the use of RPM and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the current and future use of RPM was also assessed. Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional, quantitative research design. A self-designed questionnaire was disseminated to all HCPs involved in the care of patients treated with radiotherapy. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 59 out of 190 invited participants completed the questionnaire. The RPM technology that the HCPs were mostly familiar with was the telephone, followed by voice and video conferencing, wearables, and mobile applications. Face-to-face consultations remained the preferred FU method during the pandemic. However, 84.5% of the HCPs stated that they increased the number of telephone consultations considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the use of other RPM technologies increased slightly. The professional background had no impact on the awareness of RPM, but females and HCPs above the age of 40 were significantly less familiar with RPM technologies (p<0.05). Most HCPs agreed that the use of RPM is beneficial to the patient, and 68% of the participants stated that they would like the hospital to invest more in mobile applications. However, the patients' ability to use this technology was identified as the main barrier. Conclusion: Although face-to-face consultations remained the preferred method, the use of RPM technology, notably the telephone, increased during the pandemic. Overall, HCPs are still keen to use this technology after the pandemic and favour an investment in RPM.