December 4, 2020 – New research from Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions found that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. oncologists have adjusted patient care by embracing telemedicine and switching more patients to oral therapies to limit office visits—but personally, more oncologists may be experiencing burnout due to the loss of face-to-face interactions with patients.
These findings were released today in the eighth edition of Oncology Insights, a research-based report series analyzing the views of more than 190 U.S. oncologists via surveys conducted in September through November 2020. This issue explores how oncologists are adapting their practices and caring for patients during the pandemic – and points to changes that may continue after COVID-19.
Key findings include:
- 97% of participating oncologists said they used telemedicine during a peak stage of the pandemic, and they are generally satisfied with the experience.
- Almost 60% of participating oncologists said their telemedicine experience has been “highly positive” (10%) or “better than expected” (49%).
- About 80% of participating oncologists said they expect to continue using telemedicine with some patients after the pandemic.
- 65% of respondents said they have moved some patients from infused therapies to oral therapies to limit office visits and nearly half said the pandemic will drive greater use of oral therapies in the future.
- About 75% of participants said they are “very confident” or “confident” that their practices will return to pre-pandemic levels of success and profitability after COVID-19 wanes.
- Burnout remains a significant issue, with 50% of the participating oncologists reporting they feel symptoms. Oncologists cited loss of face-to-face patient interaction as the leading cause.