ASPO Abstracts
A thematic analysis of stakeholders' insights on the delivery of cancer-related care via telehealth
Category: COVID-19 and Cancer
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Study Purpose: In July 2020, through a Request for Information (RFI), the National Cancer Institute
solicited feedback from external stakeholders on the scientific gaps and research needs related to
delivery of cancer-related care via telehealth (NOT-CA-20-080). Herein, we provide results of a
thematic analysis of the RFI responses.
Methods: A codebook was developed through an iterative process, including an initial summative
review of the RFI responses, followed by piloting of the codebook with the first 10 responses, and
continuous refinement of themes throughout the analysis of the full set of RFI submissions. Responses
were coded for: telehealth and cancer research opportunities; specific strategies or methods for
telehealth implementation; and additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic, patient/provider
interaction, and where the opportunities or strategies fell along the cancer continuum, among other
variables.
Results: NCI received 46 responses to the RFI. Most responses (65%) were from individuals at an
academic institution, health care system, or research network; followed by 15% from patients or a
patient advocacy group. Three major themes emerged from the stakeholders' RFI responses: (1)
ensuring equitable access to telehealth services, including addressing barriers and facilitators to care;
(2) determining what types of cancer care visits can be transitioned to telehealth; and (3) developing
processes for data collection and measurement of cancer-related outcomes for telehealth-delivered
care. Treatment and survivorship were the most discussed phases of the cancer continuum in the
context of telehealth. Two-thirds of responses mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rapid
growth of telehealth and implications for care post-COVID-19. Respondents also suggested that there
may be opportunities for telehealth to enhance patient access to and engagement in clinical trials and
to facilitate remote patient monitoring by providers.
Conclusions: Conducting a thorough assessment of stakeholders' input on the delivery of cancer-
related care via telehealth may be useful to the broader scientific and clinical community as well as
inform planning efforts designed to identify promising opportunities and set priorities for research in this
area.
Keywords: telehealth, cancer care, stakeholder engagement, COVID-19