Controlled pilot study of the use of video-consultation for psychological support of cancer patients during home-based care

Introduction > This controlled pilot study aimed to assess the use of video-consultation to realize psychological clinical consultations in oncology during home-based core. The use of video-consultation for psychological support of cancer patients hod never been evaluated in the perspective of an implementation in health services. Methods > Two groups have completed the anxiety-state inventory and the working alliance inventory before and after a clinical consultation using video or face-to-face. Satisfaction levels of each group were compared in order to determine if a video tool could be used in oncology during home-based care. Results > The therapeutic alliance and the relief of state-anxiety were not influenced by the method used for the clinical consultation: the two groups showed similar evolution on both variables. Satisfaction levels were not different between the two groups, which demonstrate the possibility of using video-consultation among this population. Discussion > Despite the limits of this study, video-consultation could be used in oncology during home-based care as it does not deteriorate the relationship with the therapist, the decrease of negative emotions such as anxiety, and patients satisfaction. Moreover, the therapeutic alliance of the youngest patients seems to possibly get reinforced by the use of video-consultation.