P0225 Telemedicine: A novel approach of bringing oncology care closer to the patient

Abstract

Background In Australia, long distances have motivated oncologists to try innovations in the provision of oncology care to improve cost efficiency, access, and compliance. This study aimed to demonstrate the use of telemedicine, a novel approach of bringing oncology care to regional centres, and its applicability across Asia and Oceania. Methods A retrospective review of telemedicine clinic use was conducted for two South Australian regional sites (Whyalla and Mount Gambier) over a 12-month period. Findings Between February 2013 and January 2014, 380 patients were reviewed in oncology telemedicine clinics ( n = 152 in Whyalla, n = 228 in Mount Gambier). The average number of patients reviewed per month was 31 ( n = 12, n = 19). As oncologists grew comfortable with the consultation technique, the types of consultations conducted by telemedicine were expanded. Numbers by consultation type were: pre-chemotherapy review, n = 285 ( n = 135, n = 150); restaging, n = 39 ( n = 15, n = 24); and first consultation, n = 6 ( n = 2, n = 4). Both men and women were reviewed, age range was 24–87 years, and ethnicities included Indigenous, Australian, European, and Asian. A teleconferencing unit was used in the regional clinic and a computer-mounted camera at the oncologist’s clinic. The costs to run a telemedicine clinic will be compared to travel costs in a metropolitan-based approach. Interpretation Telemedicine allows specialists to review patients on a regular basis during chemotherapy, without the need for travel to a major metropolitan centre. Uniformity and simplicity of approach makes telemedicine user-friendly and cost effective for patients and health services. Telemedicine provides a novel technique for safe and efficient oncology care closer to the patient’s home. The technique has clear savings by minimising travel and burden on metropolitan clinic budgets. This approach can be easily adapted to most countries in Asia and Oceania.