Use of telehealth for psychosocial oncology: A mixed methods study about barriers to and opportunities with Latino patients from Latin America, Spain, and the United States Journal Article

   


Authors: Ruda-Santolaria, L.; Bergerot, C.; Hernandez, J.; Pena, C.; Montana, M. F.; Galindo-Vazquez, O.; Torres-Blasco, N.; Castro-Figueroa, E.; Esenarro, L.; Sanchez-Ramirez, J. C.; Estapé, T.; Gany, F.; Costas-Muniz, R.
Article Title: Use of telehealth for psychosocial oncology: A mixed methods study about barriers to and opportunities with Latino patients from Latin America, Spain, and the United States
Abstract: Objectives: Telehealth for mental healthcare expanded rapidly with the COVID-19 pandemic's onset; however, global access disparities emerged. Telehealth challenges and opportunities for Latino cancer patients from different geographical regions must be explored. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (March-July 2021) of mental health providers, serving Latino cancer patients in Latin America, United States, and Spain, contained close-ended questions related to the use of telehealth during the pandemic and open-ended questions on recommending/not recommending telehealth. Results: In a sample of 148 providers from 21 countries, 60.5% reported that at least some of their patients had difficulties with Internet speed and connectivity and lacked knowledge about using electronic devices (43.2%) or the Internet (45.4%). Lacking privacy at home (66.0%) and childcare (26.0%) were reported patient challenges. Internet connectivity or speed were issues for providers (43.2%) themselves. Improving patient reach was a reported telehealth benefit (64.2%). Geographical access (43.2%) and physical limitations (35.8%) were considerations in offering telehealth. Considerations for not recommending telehealth were patient age (24.3%) and lacking technological knowledge (29.1%). Conclusions: Telehealth for mental healthcare may improve patient access issues caused by geographical and transportation conditions and patient functionality. Findings provide insight into telehealth benefits and challenges in Latino patient populations. Future studies should examine patient access and use by region. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Keywords: controlled study; united states; cancer patient; health care utilization; quantitative analysis; psycho-oncology; psychosocial care; cross-sectional study; cross-sectional studies; minority health; south and central america; health care access; child care; hispanic; latin america; qualitative analysis; health care disparity; global health; mental health care; spain; geographic distribution; online system; health care survey; privacy; telemedicine; demographics; healthcare disparities; pandemic; latinos; telehealth; humans; human; male; female; article; internet access; psychosocial services; ehealth literacy; multimethod study; pandemics; coronavirus disease 2019; covid-19; hispanic or latino; global heath; mental health providers; mental health care personnel
Journal Title: Psycho-Oncology
Volume: 32
Issue: 8
ISSN: 1057-9249
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons  
Date Published: 2023-08-01
Start Page: 1289
End Page: 1297
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6182
PUBMED: 37370195
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC11289857
DOI/URL:

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85163570293&doi=10.1002%2fpon.6182&partnerID=40&md5=6955720728f72d8017629a4eb5b87427
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PubMed record and PDF. Corresponding MSK author is Rosario Costas‐Muniz -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Francesca Mara Gany
    225 Gany
  2. Rosario Costas Muniz
    103 Costas Muniz
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