From perceived acceptability to clinical utility: methodological considerations in pediatric oncology telemedicine

Telemedicine offers potential benefits in pediatric oncology, but its clinical utility requires careful evaluation beyond perceived acceptability. This letter discusses three methodological considerations arising from the study by Frielitz et al.¹ First, the interpretation of questionnaire-derived composite scores requires caution when the instrument has not undergone formal psychometric validation. Second, child self-reports and caregiver-proxy assessments should be distinguished, particularly when younger children's perspectives are underrepresented. Third, anticipated acceptability should not be equated with clinical effectiveness or safety, especially when perceptions are assessed before implementation in a specific epidemiological context. Future research should evaluate questionnaire measurement properties, analyze child and caregiver perspectives separately, and integrate patient-reported experiences with adequately powered assessments of clinical safety and outcomes. These considerations may strengthen the evidence base for individualized hybrid care models in pediatric oncology.