Examples of studies on telemedicine and BC during the pandemic

Author, YearCountryStudy typePopulation sizeToolGoalMain results
Pelle et al. [29], 2020ItalyMonocenter experience79 PatientsVoice calls, messaging AppsF/U of discharged patients after mastectomy

No COVID-19 infections

No early or late surgical complications

Sharp and Masud [31], 2021UKCase report1 Patient, post-operativeEmails, voice calls, photographsCOVID-19 monitoring, drain removal, wound careUneventful full recovery
Yildiz and Oksuzoglu [32], 2020TurkeyCross-sectional, descriptive270 BC patients (total 421 patients)Voice calls, video calls, messaging AppsF/U

Postpone unnecessary in-person visits

Referral to testing without physical visit

Merz et al. [33], 2021ItalyProspective survey137 PatientsVoice calls E-TFUF/UDecrease unnecessary exposure, satisfaction of most patients
Ndumele and Park [34], 2021USElectronic searchN/AEmails, voice callsEnrollment in clinical trialsPossibility of electronic consent, prescriptions, F/U

F/U: follow-up; N/A: not available