Telemedicine in pediatric oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study...

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major driver for the integration of telemedicine in many different medical fields, but applications in pediatric oncology in Germany remain scarce. This study evaluated the perceptions of benefits and limitations of telemedicine among pediatric oncology patients and their families during intensive cancer treatment prior to its implementation. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, between February and April 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdown, with responses from 119 participants. Factors such as travel time, time at home, COVID-19 exposure, and potential impacts on diagnostics and psychosocial support were assessed. Overall, telemedicine was viewed favorably, with advantages rated higher than disadvantages by both caregivers and patients (mean score 3.79 vs. 3.36, p < 0.01). Key benefits included reduced travel and waiting times, more time at home, and lower COVID-19 exposure, each with mean scores above 4. Reported disadvantages were the lack of on-site physical examinations, absence of blood testing, and reduced social interaction with hospital staff, other patients, and their families. These findings suggest generally positive perceptions of telemedicine in pediatric oncology care, and indicate that a hybrid model combining remote and in-person visits could potentially address diagnostic and social needs in this vulnerable patient group.