Five Interesting Articles on Telemedicine in Oncology

The Role of Telemedicine in Providing Thoracic Oncology Care to Remote Areas of British Columbia. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28664469 Summary: The Interior Health Thoracic Surgical Group (IHTSG) serves an area of British Columbia totaling 807,538 km2 an, yet only a population of 1.01 million. Remote patient consults from surgeons saved patients multi-hour journeys and expenses associated with receiving care. More than 40% of IHTSG patients are seen via the telemedicine model. However, the article did not mention clinical outcomes associated with this form of care.

The assessment of telemedicine to support outpatient palliative care in advanced cancer Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25159308 Summary: 12 Brazilian patients with advanced cancer who normally received palliative care from friends and family were assessed via video conferencing by a remote oncology team. Assessments were performed in the interim between the patients’ outpatient clinic visits. Telemedicine conferencing lowered mean distress symptom scores reported by patients and gave patients the opportunity to die at home, if they wished. However, technology complications often occurred during videoconferencing.

caREMOTE: the design of a cancer reporting and monitoring telemedicine system for domestic care Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22255012 Summary: A team designed a telemedicine system which aims to monitor health-related quality of life in cancer patients between clinic visits. The system incorporates both patient surveys and home health technologies to monitor outcomes such as sleep quality, pain, and blood pressure. caREMOTE is built on Google App Engine, allowing patients to use their own Google accounts for care while also storing all protected health information on a secure database powered by Google Big Table.

CHESS improves cancer caregivers' burden and mood: results of an eHealth RCT Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24245838 Summary: Caregivers often experience significant emotional distress while caring for a loved one with cancer. CHESS is a web-based system providing support, coaching, and information for lung cancer caregivers. The system also connects caregivers with others in their situation, creating a support group. After 24 months of bimonthly use, ANOVA analyses found significant reductions of burden (p = 0.021) and negative mood (p = 0.006) in cancer caregivers.

Completing the Bucket List: Leveraging Telemedicine in Oncologic Palliative Care to Support Legacy-Making and Dignity Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29474937 Summary: A case study followed a married patient diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, receiving oral targeted anticancer therapy along with palliative care. The patient made it clear to the healthcare team that he wanted to experience several locations across the United States, which would complicate his oncologic care. The team decided to perform telemedicine sessions while the patient traveled. In one visit, the patient video-conferenced with his providers while on a mountain vista. The patient consistently expressed happiness that he could receive care during travel and complete several life goals.