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Iranian Journal of Breast Diseases
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Research code: 91335
1- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Breast Disease Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Medical Informatics Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Iranian National Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran & Department of Artificial Intelligence, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,smatashi@yahoo.com
2- Breast Disease Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran & Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Medical Informatics Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Iranian National Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran & Department of Artificial Intelligence, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (16 Views)
Introduction: Teleoncology may support breast cancer care, but implementation requires coordination beyond the virtual consultation. This study explored specialists’ perspectives on infrastructure, governance, service adoption, digital access, and clinical challenges in implementing teleoncology, as well as proposed requirements and strategies, in a specialist breast cancer center in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: This exploratory qualitative study involved eight clinical and digital-health specialists recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted at Motamed Cancer Institute from September 2025 to February 2026. Data were analyzed predominantly using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes were developed: infrastructure, governance, and health-system integration; adoption and service institutionalization; digital equity and access; and clinical boundaries and continuity of the therapeutic relationship. Challenges included unreliable connectivity, fragmented prescribing and insurance processes, unclear responsibility and reimbursement, workload, unequal digital capabilities, and limitations of remote examination. Proposed strategies included provider credentialing, data protection, system integration, multichannel access, training, support, and triage for in-person assessment.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a phased, integrated hybrid care pathway as an interpretation of specialists’ perspectives; this pathway has not been evaluated. Future pilots should assess care completion, effective access, clinical safety, workload, and user experience.
Methods: This exploratory qualitative study involved eight clinical and digital-health specialists recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted at Motamed Cancer Institute from September 2025 to February 2026. Data were analyzed predominantly using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes were developed: infrastructure, governance, and health-system integration; adoption and service institutionalization; digital equity and access; and clinical boundaries and continuity of the therapeutic relationship. Challenges included unreliable connectivity, fragmented prescribing and insurance processes, unclear responsibility and reimbursement, workload, unequal digital capabilities, and limitations of remote examination. Proposed strategies included provider credentialing, data protection, system integration, multichannel access, training, support, and triage for in-person assessment.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a phased, integrated hybrid care pathway as an interpretation of specialists’ perspectives; this pathway has not been evaluated. Future pilots should assess care completion, effective access, clinical safety, workload, and user experience.
Keywords: Breast Neoplasms, Telemedicine, Telehealth, Digital Health, Qualitative Research, Healthcare Disparities
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