A New Framework for Co-Creating Telehealth for Cancer Care with the Patient Community

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption in cancer care, revealing benefits and limitations.
• Telehealth in oncology is not universally accessible, appropriate, or preferred by all patients.
• Current opportunities exist to re-evaluate and optimize telehealth services in cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for developing patient-centered telehealth in cancer care.
• To integrate patient needs and preferences into telehealth service design and delivery.
• To define the role of patient advocates as equal partners in telehealth development.

Main Methods:

• Framework development involving key stakeholders: patients, advocates, providers, commissioners, managers, and policymakers.
• Emphasis on patient advocates' unique understanding of patient perspectives and healthcare expertise.
• Outline of advocate roles in policy formulation, guideline development, and patient navigation.

Main Results:

• A collaborative framework enabling patient advocates to partner with other stakeholders.
• Identification of necessary resources, education, and training for effective telehealth system development.
• Demonstration of how advocates can shape telehealth to be patient-centered.

Conclusions:

• Patient advocates are essential for optimizing patient-centered telehealth in cancer care.
• Integrating patient perspectives through advocates improves the appropriateness and effectiveness of telehealth services.
• A collaborative approach is key to successful telehealth implementation in oncology.