Background Post-resection colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance includes annual face-to-face consultations, which can be replaced with teleconsultations. However, patients’ acceptability of teleconsultations is relatively unknown. This study examines factors associated with patients’ intention to adopt teleconsultations for CRC surveillance.

Methods 87 patients aged 65 years and above undergoing CRC surveillance completed a questionnaire predicting behavioural intention (BI) using performance expectancy, effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), social influence, enhanced care, privacy and discomfort, care personnel concerns, satisfaction, increased accessibility (IA) and kit as substitute (AS). These were derived from the UTAUT and SUTAQ frameworks.

Results Scores on all subscales were categorised into ‘high’ and ‘low’. 48 patients (55.7%) had high BI. Chi-square analyses revealed associations between BI and most predictors (except AS). Multivariate logistic regression suggested that patients expecting higher healthcare accessibility (IA), sufficient technical help (FC), lower effort expense (EE) and with monthly income more than S$6000 were likely to have higher BI.

Conclusions Intention to use teleconsultations for CRC surveillance is relatively low and should be encouraged. Healthcare institutions can first address issues regarding EE, IA, and FC. For example, resources can be (re)allocated for smooth operations (e.g., ensuring patients are quickly directed to relevant healthcare professionals) or sufficient technical support. Teleconsultation platforms can be refined for simple, intuitive use for patients.