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. 2022 Mar-Apr;28(2):125-133.
doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000579.

Lessons for Oncology From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Operationalizing and Scaling Virtual Cancer Care in Health Systems

Thomas J Roberts, Inga T Lennes

Lessons for Oncology From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Operationalizing and Scaling Virtual Cancer Care in Health Systems

Thomas J Roberts et al. Cancer J. 2022 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

After several decades of slow expansion, the use of virtual care in oncology rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from cancer centers across the country show that most patients and providers were satisfied with components of virtual care, and virtual care may be able to improve access to care. However, the rapid implementation of programs during the pandemic worsened disparities in access to virtual care. Health systems must develop strategies to monitor quality, support patients and providers, promote health equity, and overcome regulatory challenges to successfully deliver care in hybrid systems that combine in-person and virtual care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest and Sources of Funding: T.J.R. is on the board of a privately traded company (Biocon Biologics Ltd.) that is not relevant to the topic of this article. For I.T.L., none were declared. No funding to report.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Components of virtual care used before appointments, during appointments, and between appointments.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Overall visits by visit type within the Mass General Brigham health care system from October 2019 through September 2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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