Understanding patients' views and willingness toward the use of telehealth in a cancer genetics service in Asia.

摘要: Telehealth is a growing field, its pertinence magnified by COVID-19 causing the accelerated digitalization of world. Given significant global demand to provide telehealth services, it important explore patient receptiveness toward this alternative service model, particularly from regions where has yet be implemented. We conducted cross-sectional study understand views and willingness patients use for cancer genetic counseling. A survey was completed 160 National Cancer Centre Singapore, descriptive statistics were used analyze data. The found that 95.6% (n = 153/160) participants did not have prior experience. Most willing or neutral having counseling phone (n = 114/160, 71.3%) video (n = 106/160, 66.3%). However, majority prefer in-person appointments first (n = 127/160, 79.4%) follow-up (n = 97/160, 60.6%) visits over telehealth. Majority agreed phone/video consultation would meet most their needs but voiced concerns regarding privacy sharing information (n = 79/160, 49.4% phone; n = 74/160, 46.3% video) whether emotional could met (n = 61/160, 38.1%). Participants' age, employment status, income, mode transportation appointment, special arrangements made attend appointment associated with receptivity (p ≤ .05 all). This adds diversity existing literature demonstrates Asia are generally accepting in genetics service. will help increasing consultations post-pandemic new norm. Furthermore, also services underserved populations requiring urgent testing timely manner. Further studies needed cost-effectiveness fair billing methods, as well acceptability post-COVID times.