UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Clinicians in the Allogeneic Blood and Stem Cell Program (ABSCP) of the University Health Network (Princess Margaret Site) in Toronto, Canada, sought to determine whether recent advances in videoconferencing could be successfully embedded into the post transplant care pathway in order to facilitate the complex symptom management of remotely located patients.

Methods: The ABSCP introduced Telehealth into their ambulatory clinic as a pilot project in early 2005. Patients were selected based upon complexity of symptoms, therapeutic plan and geographical remoteness. Their progress was monitored via videoconferencing for up to 12 months with a goal of improving symptom management through partnered supportive care in their home communities.

Results: Telehealth has contributed to the following positive outcomes.

1.Improved assessment of patients' health status and improved tailoring of clinical intervention through more frequent appointments. 2.Enhanced monitoring capability through state-of-the-art technology, such as high-resolution cameras and digital stethoscopes. 3.Improved access to care for patients in their distant communities – thereby reducing financial costs, commuting time, and a sense of rural isolation. 4.Increased patient satisfaction with improved treatment compliance. 5.Increase clinician satisfaction through partnered supportive care.

The ABSCP team has successfully integrated Telehealth into its clinical practice as a viable option for complex symptom management and enhanced treatment compliance within a geographical remote patient population. Clinical outcomes, cost benefit analysis, rural partnership in care, ongoing research and planned program expansion will be discussed.