Future of Telemedicine in Radiation Oncology

Telemedicine allows providers and patients to communicate without being in the same room through video platforms or telephone. Like the increased use of telework for businesses, telemedicine exploded during the pandemic. While many workplaces and clinics have returned to some level of in-person interactions, the convenience and comfort have given telemedicine staying power. Patients can be seen from the comfort of their homes; family members can join from the same or a different location. Driving, obtaining childcare, or taking time off from work is unnecessary. Pediatric patients’ parents can pull them into the conversation at appropriate times and avoid the awkwardness of having them leave for portions of the discussion. Because virtual visits are more efficient for everyone, they can often be scheduled sooner than an in-person visit. While not every visit can be done without the patient physically with the provider, many can. This is particularly true for cancer patients, who often have several visits with multiple providers. For immunocompromised patients, there is an added benefit of avoiding exposure from travel and a hospital visit. Oncology and radiation oncology practices have widely adopted telemedicine. While legal and logistical barriers exist in some areas of the world, these are sure to be resolved to make this medicine feasible for all in the modern era.