J Emerg Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Empathy Unmasked: Patient Perception of Physician Empathy in an Oncologic Emergency Setting. A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Personal Protective Equipment Wear versus Unmasked Video Communication.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine emerged as an important option that supports and facilitates clinical practice, however, its usefulness in emergency settings that treat patients with cancer is unclear. ⋯ Cancer patients presenting to the emergency department perceive empathy and compassion equally when approached by physicians virtually without PPE or in person while wearing PPE. Virtual services for specific aspects of clinical practice during emergency department visits in an oncology setting can be implemented to ensure safer interactions between patients and physicians without compromising the physician-patient relationship.