Access to Care: Using eHealth to Limit Location-Based Barriers for Patients With Cancer

Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2020 Jun 1;24(3):16-23. doi: 10.1188/20.CJON.S1.16-23.

Abstract

Background: Rural and urban communities may encounter barriers to care, which can lead to delays in timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment. eHealth interventions, such as televisits and remote patient monitoring, are being used increasingly to improve patient access to quality clinical cancer care and to support patient-provider communication.

Objectives: This article describes how eHealth can bridge gaps in patient access to cancer care and provides insight into successful eHealth program implementation.

Methods: Articles that evaluate access to care and eHealth program implementation were summarized. Two case studies illustrate eHealth as a strategy to improve care delivery and access.

Findings: Integrating eHealth into clinical practice can help to transform care delivery and improve patient access to quality cancer care by limiting barriers.

Keywords: barriers; care access; eHealth; remote patient monitoring; telehealth; televisits.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education*
  • Oncology Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Rural Population*
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration*