A Formative Mixed-Methods Study of Emotional Responsiveness in Telepalliative Care

Authors

Rebecca N. Hutchinson, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA.
Eric C. Anderson, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA.
Mollie A. Ruben, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA.
Noah Manning, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Liam John, Department of Family Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, and University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
Ava Daruvala, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Donna M. Rizzo, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
Margaret J. Eppstein, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
Robert Gramling, Department of Family Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, and University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
Paul K. Han, Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-12-2022

Journal Title

Journal of palliative medicine

Abstract

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.

Comments

Ava Daruvala- Resident

Liam John- Resident

Recommended Citation

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