It is unknown whether telemedicine-delivered palliative care (tele-PC) supports emotionally responsive patient-clinician interactions. We conducted a mixed-methods formative study at two academic medical centers in rural U.S. states to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and emotional responsiveness of tele-PC. We assessed clinicians' emotional responsiveness through questionnaires, qualitative interviews, and video coding. We completed 11 tele-PC consultations. Mean age was 71 years, 30% did not complete high school, 55% experienced at least moderate financial insecurity, and 2/3 rated their overall health poorly. All patients rated tele-PC as equal to, or better than, in-person PC at providing emotional support. There was a tendency toward higher positive and lower negative emotions following the consultation. Video coding identified 114 instances of patients expressing emotions, and clinicians detected and responded to 98% of these events. Tele-PC appears to support emotionally responsive patient-clinician interactions. A mixed-methods approach to evaluating tele-PC yields useful, complementary insights.
Article
A Formative Mixed-Methods Study of Emotional Responsiveness in Telepalliative Care
Journal of palliative medicine
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-12-2022
Abstract
Citation Information
Hutchinson RN, Anderson EC, Ruben MA, et al. A Formative Mixed-Methods Study of Emotional Responsiveness in Telepalliative Care [published online ahead of print, 2022 Apr 12]. J Palliat Med. 2022;10.1089/jpm.2021.0589. doi:10.1089/jpm.2021.0589
Ava Daruvala- Resident
Liam John- Resident