gms | German Medical Science

Background and status of (inter)national research: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of telemedicine services, such as video consultation, have gained importance. Particularly for vulnerable groups, such as oncology patients, for whom infection with Sars-Cov-2 can be associated with increased risks, video consultation offers a low-risk alternative. However, relatively little is known about how the patient-doctor-interaction changes as a result of video consultation and potential disadvantages of online consulting. Thorough knowledge about the pros and cons of video consultations is particularly important in oncological settings where consultations require effective conversations between doctors and patients. Despite its rising importance, there have been few studies systematically comparing video consultations with face-to-face consultations thus far.

Research question and objective: The aim of this study was to analyze how the doctor-patient interaction, shared decision-making, and verbal/non-verbal communication patterns differ between video consultations and face-to-face consultations. In addition, we aimed to identify potential barriers to the uptake of video consultations.

Method or hypothesis: A mixed-methods study of N = 64 oncology patients (n = 32 men with prostate cancer; n = 32 women with genetically increased risk for breast cancer) will be conducted in two study centers. Patients will self-select to different consultation formats (video vs. face-to-face). All consultations will be video-recorded and evaluated by independent observers regarding shared decision making using MAPPIN'Obsdyad. Verbal and nonverbal communication will be analyzed with iMotions Facial Expression Analysis software.

Discussion: Based on our results, we want to provide initial insight into how video and face-to-face consultations differ with respect to the doctor-patient interaction, shared decision-making and communication in an oncology patient population. Future studies may examine whether these results can be replicated in other patient samples.

Practical implications: Consensual guidelines for physicians and patients will be developed to increase the general acceptance and to enable nationwide uptake of video consultations with high quality standards in the future.

Appeal for practice (science and/or care) in one sentence: Our findings contribute much needed insights into quantitative and qualitative differences between video and face-to-face consultations as a basis to providing high-quality medical care on a day-to-day basis but also in times of a crisis.

Funding: Einzelförderung (BMG, DRV, BMBF, DFG, etc)