A questionnaire-based survey investigating patient and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on telemedicine and remote clinical trials in oncology

Abstract

Background With constantly ongoing cancer therapy development, clinical trial participation has emerged as an important treatment option, but geographical barriers continue to create disparities in access to participation. Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) offer the potential to improve clinical trial access, despite remaining challenges in their implementation.

Objectives We used anonymous surveys to evaluate patient and healthcare professional awareness of DCTs and their willingness to use them.

Methods Three surveys were conducted: (1) a questionnaire survey provided to cancer patients in non-urban areas regarding telemedicine and DCTs (IR051015), (2) a survey provided to patients in urban areas and healthcare professionals belonging to the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (IR051015), and (3) a web-based survey provided to physicians and trial coordinators involved in cancer genomic medicine.

Results Survey 1 revealed low overall awareness: telemedicine (15%), DCTs (10%), eConsent (4%), and D to P with D (4%) and high willingness to participate: telemedicine (73%), DCTs (64%), and eConsent (61%). In Survey 2, 84% and 71% of healthcare professionals considered online follow-up visits and D-to-P with D feasible, respectively. The respective corresponding proportions among patients were 44% and 56%. Survey 3 revealed a travel time of ≥2 hours to be the most common barrier to referral to clinical trials (56%).

Conclusions Despite patients’ willingness to participate in DCTs, preferences for face-to-face care persist. Although DCTs may improve trial access, patient-centered implementation remains warranted.