Recommendations
Models of care
What teleoncology models of care are available to health services in Australia and overseas?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() Teleoncology models of care require adequate governance and resources for implementation into clinical practice. |
![]() When commencing teleoncology consultations, it is recommended to start with simple cases with a view to managing more complex cases in the future. This will allow the practitioner to become more familiar and comfortable with using videoconferencing for clinical consultations. |
![]() |
![]() Most communication techniques used in face to face consultations are applicable to teleoncology. |
![]() |
Clinical Question:What models of care for teleoncology are available to nursing services?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() An audit of the environment where chemotherapy is to be administered should be performed to identify risks and hazards and formally document what a facility has or needs to have to meet legislative requirements and best practice standards. The audit should also ascertain if control measures are in place to enable protection of workers, patients, visitors and the environment from undue exposure to hazardous chemicals. In addition to training related to the safe administration of chemotherapy, nursing staff in rural and remote areas who will be administering chemotherapy must have completed their annual mandatory training (such as basic life support) and education at an appropriate level. Members of the multidisciplinary team at the provider and recipient sites should be included during all phases of development and implementation of local chemotherapy models to ensure quality and safety. |
What models of care for teleoncology are available to allied health services?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
B |
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() |
The care pathway
Is teleoncology as effective as standard oncology care for the screening of cancer?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
Is teleoncology as effective as standard oncology care for the diagnosis of cancer?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
![]() |
D |
Clinical question:Is teleoncology as effective as standard oncology care for the treatment of cancer?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() |
Clinical question:Is teleoncology as effective as standard oncology care for the palliative care of cancer patients?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
![]() |
C |
Safety, privacy and legal issues
How is the privacy of cancer patients protected when using teleoncology?
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() It is advisable that organisations identify and implement steps in addition to current policies and procedures to ensure patient privacy during video-consultations. This could include:
|
Are there any legal issues for health professionals to consider when using teleoncology?
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() Asking for consent, communication with patients and members of the multidisciplinary team, documentation and plans for continuity of care will avoid most medico-legal problems. |
![]() |
Is teleoncology safe for cancer patients and health professionals compared with standard oncology care?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() New centres embarking on remote chemotherapy supervision models could adopt a staged approach to the selection of medications administered at rural sites based on experience,confidence and service capabilities. |
Satisfaction and cost
Are cancer patients and health professionals satisfied with teleoncology compared with standard oncology care?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
C |
Practice point(s) |
---|
![]() Appropriate resources, both human and material should be allocated for the implementation of this form of care provision. Additionally, adequate training and support on the use of this technology must be provided prior to commencement of a teleoncology service. |
How cost-effective is it for health services to use teleoncology compared with standard oncology care?
Recommendation | Grade |
---|---|
![]() |
B |
Social links