How many MPNrs have telephone appointments with their haematologists/ nurse specialists?
Clearly they are not suitable for everyone (new diagnosis or medication, changes in symptoms etc) but in the periods of stability the use of telephone appointments has advantages for patients and doctors alike. Cuts down on travel, parking and carbon emissions as well.
Given the current concerns about Covid-9 it might be timely to review current practice.
Any thoughts or experiences to share?
I’ve just been put on teleconsultations with Haem. Nurse, every three months, and given a face to face appointment in a years time with consultant. Not sure how it will work as have my first one tomorrow. I still have to have a blood test, and go to the hospital to pick up my injections, so not sure if it will actually save me a lot of time, fuel etc. I think I was transferred to telephone appointment to save consultant time, but am a little concerned as I had only been on my new medication for 6 weeks before being transferred so was definitely not stable. Still will see how it goes tomorrow.
I agree, I to would be concerned if I had only just been put on new medication, I suggest you mention your concerns and tell you Cns you are unhappy with this. Atb,tina.🤗
Assertive patients receive higher quality care. Passive patients do not. You have the right receive the care you want in the way you want to receive it. If you are not comfortable with tele-consults until you are stable then say so. Some folks really like tele-consults but not all. It is the patient's preference that drives this decision, not the provider's. You will have to take responsibility for advocating for yourself as the system of care will not do it for you.
I’ve been on telephone consults since last June. I’ve had PV for 14 years so considered stable. I have my bloods done at the GP and am given a day that the Heam will call, always after 1:30 but he will also call my mobile if I’m ever not home. I still have to go to the hospital to pick up my Hydroxy prescription but free parking for 20 mins and I’m in and out so not a problem. I was originally on 12 week reviews but had to start methotrexate in September for RA which needed more careful monitoring, weekly blood tests, then 2 weekly, now monthly, although my heam calls me every 8 weeks. I have access to my blood results on the patient access with my GP so I keep a close eye on them and if anything worries me I call my CNS and she sorts it. I was worried at first with all the changes in my meds but it has all worked out well. My CNS said , if ever I felt I needed to see the Heam face to face to let her know and she would book me in.
It frees up the consultants for more serious cases and saves me 3 hours of my day.
Judy
I've just been put on phone appointments in New Zealand. I was given a choice if I was happy to go with that. My appointments were only once a year right from the beginning but bonus was they were very receptive to emails if I had any concern whatsoever. I
My docs hospital has an online portal with messaging that he is quite responsive to thankfully.
Hi, I have PV, recently started interferon injections. I requested a telephone appointment this time because of the corona virus , thought it was wise not to be sitting in waiting rooms. Still have to go to hospital to pick up prescription, but at least that will be quickly in and out.
I also am on phone consultations. I go to a blood clinic in a nearby town (my choice... shorter queues) a couple of days before, then the haemo nurse phones me on the arranged day with my results. I have also managed to persuade my GP to prescribe my Hydroxy so I only have to attend the hospital once a year for a full review with the haematologist. Brilliant system!
I was diagnosed'wtith ET coming up 3 years.. Ive had telephone appointments with a nurse for over a year and they are great. It saves everyone time and effort and leaves the consultant free to see patients who need to be seen.
I have been on phone consultant for one year love it.I go to the path lab on the Thursday prior to Tuesday appointment.
I pick up my px on the next day Wednesday.
Can plan my parking needs too...
Suits me fine. Team are fab. This is Fleetwood England.
I actually have experience providing occasional remote consults in my former role as a mental health provider. They can be very effective and a valuable addition to the array of methods for delivering services to patients who can benefit from this approach. Tele-medicine is a rapidly emerging practice in the USA. There are guidelines and protocols regarding tele-medicine from the AMA and at the State regulatory level. Providers who offer this service should have written procedures in place regarding the provision of tele-medicine. As a patient, you can request a copy of this protocol if you are interested in seeing it.
I would note that tele-video consultation is far superior to just talking on the phone. The technology for this is now so readily available that anyone with a Smartphone or access to the Internet can easily do it. This was my preferred modality when I was doing this.
I do think that concerns about the Corona virus are a good reason to consider this option, both for patients and providers. While it is not always appropriate, it is a great idea to offer patients options in how they receive their care.
Been on HU a year ..now on 3 monthly appts. I have to pick up medication tomorrow so am going ask for telephone appts. I'm not to worried and will be sensible just glad I'm getting it sorted tomorrow...
Hello my consultant rang this week as due to see him at hospital but told me not to come in he would consult over phone as with current situation he didn't want me there also sent courier with medication I thought this was really sensible then got to go to doc surgery for blood test which will be ok got first appointment in morning so not many people around so quite happy with that
Hi, I have ET Jak2. The hospital are still adjusting my medication as still in the early days. I’ve received a letter from the hospital that my appointment next week has changed to a telephone consultation and this will be the case for the foreseeable future. Very happy 😊 with this decision.
Hi. I usually have telephone consultations with my hospital because I am about a 6 hour round trip to them. They do like to see me regularly still but we try to schedule face to face meetings when I'll be in the area anyway which is great. I get my venesections done by my local gp and all my bloods are taken there too.
If I have any problems though, my guy is available by phone or email and is stupendously supportive so I don't really worry about not physically seeing him often as I am still being well cared for.
God bless these individuals in the NHS who truly care about our health and the best way for us to be treated.
Good to hear you've got such caring and flexible medical support.
And thank goodness for the Skye Road Bridge! 6 hours is long enough.
Appointment
1st Heamotology appointment 
