Patient Satisfaction and Safety in Telehealth Follow-Up for Breast Cancer Surveillance

Abstract

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic have necessitated telehealth follow-up (TF) for breast cancer (BC) patient surveillance. This has continued at the Austin breast unit. We sought to assess the safety of this approach and patient experience from a questionnaire.

Methods: Patients undergoing BC surveillance via TF at Austin Health over a six month period in 2023 were invited to participate. Patients who agreed completed a questionnaire regarding their experience with TF. The outcome of their clinic appointment, treatment and histology were collected. Patients post bilateral mastectomy were excluded.

Results: 71 patients consented to participate. 61 completed their questionnaires. All 61 participants were female, with an average age of 61.41 years. 42 patients underwent breast conservation surgery whilst 18 had a mastectomy. 80.33% of patients had surveillance imaging ready at TF. No patients required face-to-face review (FR) after TF.

2 patients required further imaging but had benign outcomes and did not require FR. There were no interval cancers observed. 93.44% of patients were satisfied with TF for BC surveillance. 49.18% were happy to continue whilst 34.42% would prefer FR and 14.75% were happy with either. 93.44% of patients felt their concerns were addressed. 98.36% of patients had no technical issues. 85.25% of patients would recommend TF. 96.72% of patients felt comfortable requesting for a FR if needed.

Conclusion: TF for BC surveillance appears to be safe with no interval cancers detected. There was no jump over from TF to FR. Most patients were comfortable to continue TF and felt comfortable to ask for a FR if required. Further studies with a larger patient cohort over an extended period are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings and ensure the continued safety and efficacy of TF in BC surveillance.