Examples of studies on telemedicine and BC during the pandemic
| Author, Year | Country | Study type | Population size | Tool | Goal | Main results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelle et al. [29], 2020 | Italy | Monocenter experience | 79 Patients | Voice calls, messaging Apps | F/U of discharged patients after mastectomy | No COVID-19 infections No early or late surgical complications |
| Sharp and Masud [31], 2021 | UK | Case report | 1 Patient, post-operative | Emails, voice calls, photographs | COVID-19 monitoring, drain removal, wound care | Uneventful full recovery |
| Yildiz and Oksuzoglu [32], 2020 | Turkey | Cross-sectional, descriptive | 270 BC patients (total 421 patients) | Voice calls, video calls, messaging Apps | F/U | Postpone unnecessary in-person visits Referral to testing without physical visit |
| Merz et al. [33], 2021 | Italy | Prospective survey | 137 Patients | Voice calls E-TFU | F/U | Decrease unnecessary exposure, satisfaction of most patients |
| Ndumele and Park [34], 2021 | US | Electronic search | N/A | Emails, voice calls | Enrollment in clinical trials | Possibility of electronic consent, prescriptions, F/U |
F/U: follow-up; N/A: not available