In the study, cancer patients report symptoms in real time

The seemingly endless blockade of COVID-19 has one potential advantage. It is the convenience of online telemedicine visits to healthcare providers.

There is no list of waiting rooms, parking hassles and costs, other people’s exposure to bacteria, and things to keep in mind. We enjoyed what it would be like to talk to a healthcare provider from home.

The digital future isn’t too far away. Digital systems are already helping to handle patients.

Real-time connectivity in patient care

researcher The University of North Carolina at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center wanted to know if outpatients who reported their symptoms to the medical team in real time would benefit from near-immediate contact. Patients with metastatic or advanced cancer used a web-based or telephone-based digital reporting system.

Included 52 community-based oncology practices in the United States Protect Survey. Half of the practice used digital systems.

Researchers used electronic patient report results, or an online questionnaire called ePRO. They only had to use a digital system to answer questions about physical symptoms, mental health, and financial status on a five-point scale of severity.

When someone reports a severe or worsening condition, he or she receives an email with details on how to manage the condition. At the same time, the nurse received an alert for real-time intervention in the patient.

Patients and healthcare providers as a whole have found this system to be overwhelmingly useful. Results found:

Of the 496 patients surveyed in 26 clinics, 95% said digital systems were easy to understand.

–93% said the system is easy to use.

Of the 57 nurses surveyed, 79% said the report helped clinically document the treatment of patients.

-75% of nurses said the report would help care for their patients.

Of the 39 cancer doctors surveyed, 91% found the report useful.

Electronic systems are not without problems. In particular, patients reported selected information that had limited value:

-16% of nurses surveyed said reports rarely or never improve discussions with patients.

-14% of nurses did not see any improvement in the quality of care.

–34.5% of nurses felt they were warned of many symptoms.

-93% of nurses wanted to be alerted about severe symptoms.

-29.4% of the physicians surveyed rarely applied the information to plan conversations with patients.

“Patients’ enthusiasm for connecting to care teams through an electronic real-time approach is clearly high, and providers recognize this value, but we know it’s not perfect. Our findings. Pave the way for determining the best way to do it. Integrate patient-reported results into oncology practices, “Principal Investigator Ethan Bash, MD, said in a press release.

Why virtual care is important

The COVID-19 pandemic has led hospitals to invest in telemedicine and virtual care. patient You need to see a doctor, but you don’t need unnecessary visits.

Article by American Association of Retired PersonsAARP) Discussed what patients can get from virtual care:

Telemedicine uses online booking to reduce patient waiting time and travel time. Be sure to be prepared and not be late for your appointment date.

High-tech gadgets allow doctors and nurses to check patients in real time without physical presence. This will give you an idea of ​​what is happening to people with chronic illnesses. If something goes wrong, they can act immediately.

However, in the case of a cough or mild fever, the patient can first be reported online. They no longer have to leave home to get treatment right away. The consulting doctor can advise you on what the next step should be.

Also, if the patient has internet services and a smartphone, they can be used to schedule prescription replenishment.

Overall, healthcare digital systems may work in your favor. You can talk to your doctor with just a few taps, without the hassle of visiting. However, keep in mind that telemedicine does not replace the benefits of regular direct doctor visits.