Updates in Cancer Rehabilitation Telehealth

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewTo describe the various uses of telehealth as it applies to cancer rehabilitation and to review recent findings since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.Recent Findings Telehealth has numerous applications in cancer rehabilitation including physiatry services, skilled therapies, exercise interventions, symptom management, and support groups. Numerous studies have shown that regular physician and skilled therapy services can be provided through telehealth platforms, though certain clinical situations may require in-person visits. Telehealth exercise-based interventions are feasible, safe, and can improve quality of life. Telehealth also may be an effective tool in symtom management and as a medium for support groups. Summary Telemedicine and telehealth platforms are effective tools in the field of cancer rehabilitation that not only provide increased safety and convenience for a burdened patient population but may also hold the potential to elevate beyond the current standard of care.

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation: are we ready?

“… 76 Mobile technologies, besides, enable a more objective evaluation of patients. There is a wide literature background supporting the implementation of telehealth in cancer patients, 9 , 77–80 but a few papers specifically addressed the issue of tele-rehabilitation in all phases of the cancer continuum. 81–84 A remote pre-habilitation programme (including physiotherapy, dietetics, psychological support, and patient blood values management) has been tested by Gonella et al .…”

“…New technologies will soon overcome the current limitations of a virtual visit and a virtual monitoring process. 9 , 10 …”

Telemedicine in Care of Sarcoma Patients beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities

“…The optimization of telerehabilitation services through Internet-based models increases access and allows the rehabilitation therapist or clinician to tailor treatment in a personalized manner, resulting in enhanced adherence and outcome [75]. Rehabilitation services for cancer survivors include a great spectrum of simple consultations, physical therapy, symptom management, psychotherapy, as well as occupational and speech therapy, aiming at lessening the burden of cancer while maintaining a good health-related QoL [76]. Before the pandemic, telehealth was employed in the delivery of rehabilitation services mostly in the form of providing emotional support, symptom management and physical therapy.…”

“…It has been reported by Samson-Daly et al and Melon et al that telehealth is useful in young patients with cancer, as this population experiences more severe physiological distress and has fewer coping mechanisms [16,86,87]. However, regarding the implementation of telehealth in psychological support, there are certain problems needed to be addressed, pertaining to the unique characteristics of ma-lignancies under therapy [76]. For example, sarcomas as unique entities require a more detailed approach that is tailored to the patient's individualized needs [28].…”