Remote supervision of chemotherapy under the Townsville teleoncology model: what are the perspectives of its users?
Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background: The Townsville Teleoncology model provides videoconferencing (VC) services to patients in rural and remote areas of North Queensland to improve access to specialist cancer care. As part of this model, we are now delivering low risk chemotherapy at three rural sites using VC supervised by chemotherapy competent nurses in Townsville. The objective is to create a safe and sustainable model for the provision of chemotherapy to rural patients. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of the service providers to identify the strengths and limitations of this model. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with twenty participants, including eight nurses, nine doctors (4 medical oncologists, 4 senior medial officers and one intern), two rural pharmacists and one administrative officer across all 4 sites. Data was analysed adopting a phenomenological approach. Results: All participants reported high levels of patient satisfaction due to cost and travel time savings by providing chemotherapy at their local hospitals. Education was provided to nurses at rural sites to become chemotherapy aware. Safe practice was maintained with delivery and handling of chemotherapy and no adverse events were reported. Limitations identified were the absence of practical training for rural nurses, administrative issues with bookings of consultations and lack of a clear process for the identification and recruitment of suitable patients. Conclusions: The model has been successful in the safe provision of low risk chemotherapy to rural cancer patients via VC. Some minor changes are required to improve and expand the model.
Journal
Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology
Publication Name
N/A
Volume
10
ISBN/ISSN
1743-7563
Edition
N/A
Issue
Supplement 6
Pages Count
1
Location
N/A
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1111/ajco.12250