The Impact of Telehealth on Treatment Decision-Making in Prostate Cancer.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2025

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Telehealth utilization has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show patient satisfaction with telehealth in managing prostate cancer (CaP); however, data are limited on how telehealth affects treatment decision-making. This study investigates whether appointment type-telehealth vs in person-influences CaP treatment selection, specifically active surveillance (AS) vs definitive therapy.

METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of CaP treatment selected by patients at a National Cancer Institute-designated multidisciplinary genitourinary oncology center between March 18, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Telehealth and in-person visits were compared using χ

RESULTS: Nine hundred sixty-eight CaP patient visits were evaluated-290 telehealth and 678 in person. In unadjusted analysis, telehealth patients were more likely to be White (68.6% vs 57.1%,

CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth provides an opportunity to expand access to multidisciplinary CaP care. We demonstrate that appointment type did not significantly affect decision-making for initial treatment of low and low-intermediate risk CaP. Telehealth patients overall were more likely to select AS, likely due to baseline differences and factors unaccounted for by this study (eg, comorbidities and socioeconomics). It is important for physicians using telehealth to consider any associated implications.

Volume

12

Issue

5

First Page

578

Last Page

585

ISSN

2352-0787

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

40305009

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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