Radiation Oncologist Perceptions and Utilization of Digital Patient Assessment Platforms

Patient engagement is increasing in the presence of digital patient assessment platforms, or physician rating websites. Despite this rapid growth, data remains insufficient regarding how these evaluations impact radiation oncologists.

The purpose of this study was to assess radiation oncologists worldwide on their awareness and noted effects of digital patient assessment platforms.

An electronic survey was delivered to 6,199 members of the American Society of Radiation Oncology. Subjects were radiation oncologists practicing throughout the world. The survey consisted of 14 questions focused on demographics, practice details, patient volume, institutional utilization of patient reviews, and perceptions of radiation oncologists on health care reviews provided by patients.

There were 447 responses from practicing radiation oncologists in total, 321 (72%) of which are in the US. Most respondents (228; 51%) either agreed or strongly agreed that patients consider online reviews when deciding which physician to visit. Of all respondents, 188 (42%) reported that their institution checks their online feedback, whereas 157 (36%) and 99 (22%) respectively reported not knowing, or to their knowledge their institution does not check their online feedback. Respondents who saw more than the average number of consults per week were significantly more likely to receive negative feedback (P = 0.005). Forty-five percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that online virtual assessment tools contribute to physician burnout. Respondents (100; 22%) who received inappropriate or misdirected feedback were significantly more likely to report that virtual reviews contribute to burnout (P = 0.001).

Radiation oncologists need to be aware that self-reported patient assessments are a data point in the quality of a physician and health care establishment. To best ensure appropriate feedback of a physician's capabilities as a doctor, leadership and employee alignment for patient experience are now more important than ever.