Changes in Technical Equipment and Patient Perspectives Navigating Towards Enhanced Digitalization in Breast Cancer Across Pre-COVID-19 and Early COVID-19 Eras

Schindler, Florian ; Wuerstlein, Rachel; Schinkoethe, Timo; Debes, Anna M.; Paysen, Caroline; Harbeck, Nadia und Eggersmann, Tanja K. (2024): Changes in Technical Equipment and Patient Perspectives Navigating Towards Enhanced Digitalization in Breast Cancer Across Pre-COVID-19 and Early COVID-19 Eras. In: Clinical Breast Cancer, Bd. 24, Nr. 8, e690-e700

Abstract

Introduction The potential benefits of eHealth support in enhancing patient care, satisfaction, and cancer outcomes are well-established; however, its integration into routine care has been gradual. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dramatically affected cancer patients, imposing multifaceted challenges that impede traditional doctor-patient interactions. Consequently, there has been a surge in the adoption of eHealth for supporting oncological therapies. This study investigates the fundamental prerequisites for transitioning to a more digitally oriented routine care, focusing on the availability of appropriate technical equipment and the cultivation of a positive mindset towards eHealth among breast cancer patients.

Patients and Methods In 2013, 2016, and 2020, breast cancer patients participated in surveys utilizing a comprehensive paper questionnaire encompassing 29 inquiries about their health status, technical equipment, and attitudes toward digital therapy support.

Results A total of 959 patients participated in the interviews. Comparative analyses between the 2013, 2016, and 2020 surveys revealed a widespread increase in internet access and device ownership across various age groups. By 2020, 3 quarters of patients were utilizing the internet for health-related topics. Notably, there has been a considerable improvement in patients' personal attitudes towards eHealth and their expectations for future digital therapy support.

Discussion Over the seven years spanned by the surveys, there has been a substantial positive shift in the attitudes of breast cancer patients towards eHealth, accompanied by a marked improvement in their technical equipment. This study reveals that the essential prerequisites for digital therapy support now appear to be prevalent among breast cancer patients.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin > Klinikum der LMU München > Klinik und Poliklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 15268209
• Sprache: Englisch