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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Solid Tumor | Research

Clinical outcomes in patients with solid tumors living in rural and urban areas followed via telemedicine: experience in a highly complex latin american hospital

Authors: Juan Guillermo Restrepo, Juliana Alarcón, Andrés Hernández, Saveria Sangiovanni, Sofía González, Kelly Gallego, Evelyn E. Peña-Zárate, Laura Libreros-Peña, María Fernanda Escobar

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Difficulties in cancer services access increase the burden of disease and mortality in rural areas, and telehealth can be a useful tool to address these inequalities.

Objective

We aimed to describe the outcomes of patients in rural and urban areas with solid tumors managed by oncologists through telemedicine.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with solid tumors from March to December 2020. A total of 1270 subjects with solid tumors were included, 704 living in urban areas and 566 in rural areas.

Results

The most frequent tumors were breast (51.8%) and prostate (12.4%). The trend of telemedicine care was similar for both populations; in-person care was more frequent in the urban population. There were no differences in referral to the emergency room, need for hospitalization, and mortality for both groups.

Conclusion

Telemedicine is a care modality that reduces barriers in the care of patients with solid tumors, evidencing similar outcomes regardless of living in rural or urban areas.
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Metadata
Title
Clinical outcomes in patients with solid tumors living in rural and urban areas followed via telemedicine: experience in a highly complex latin american hospital
Authors
Juan Guillermo Restrepo
Juliana Alarcón
Andrés Hernández
Saveria Sangiovanni
Sofía González
Kelly Gallego
Evelyn E. Peña-Zárate
Laura Libreros-Peña
María Fernanda Escobar
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-023-10717-5

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