Drivers and barriers of patients’ acceptance of video consultation in cancer care

Abstract

Background Due to digitization in the medical sector, many healthcare interactions are switched to online services. This study assessed the acceptance of video consultations (VCs) in cancer care, and determined drivers and barriers of acceptance. Methods A cross-sectional online-based survey study was conducted in Germany from February 2022 to February 2023. Recruitment took place at oncology outpatient clinics, general practitioners, oncology practices and via cancer-related social media channels. Inclusion criteria were a cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment and internet access. Sociodemographic, medical data, eHealth-related data were acquired via an online assessment. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was used to determine the acceptance of VC and its predictors. Results Of N = 350 cancer patients, 56.0% ( n = 196) reported high acceptance of VC, 28.0% ( n = 98) stated moderate acceptance and 16.0% ( n = 56) indicated low acceptance. Factors influencing acceptance were younger age (β = –.28, p < .001), female gender (β = .35, p = .005), stage of disease (β = .11, p = .032), high digital confidence (β = .14, p = .010), low internet anxiety (β = –.21, p = .001), high digital overload (β = –.12, p = .022), high eHealth literacy (β = .14, p = .028), personal trust (β = –.25, p < .001), internet use (β = .17, p = .002), and the UTAUT predictors: performance expectancy (β = .24, p < .001), effort expectancy (β = .26, p < .001), and social influence (β = .34, p < .001). Conclusions Patients’ acceptance of VC in cancer care is high. Drivers and barriers to acceptance identified should be considered for personalized applications. Considering the growing demand for cancer care establishing digital healthcare solutions is justified.