Telemedicine for Patients with Advanced Cancer

Abstract

Advanced cancer is a devastating disease that can cause various complications in different body systems. Patients with advanced cancer require sustained care to slow down the aggressive disease and relieve their symptoms. While high-tech medical interventions can provide support, they are often not sufficient to improve outcomes, as the death rate remains high. However, telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution to provide comprehensive and continuous care to these patients. By leveraging internet networks via digital technology, telemedicine enables patients to consult with specialists and multidisciplinary teams directly, covering all aspects of their care at the real-time fashion. Moreover, telemedicine can reduce unplanned hospital visits and readmission rates, alleviate overcrowding in hospitals, and save time and money while improving patient and caregiver satisfaction. Nonetheless, amidst the widespread adoption of telemedicine in clinical practice, all healthcare personnel must be aware of and adhere strictly to societal values, ethics, and professional etiquette.