Researchers of a recent study investigated the effectiveness of delivering palliative care via video compared to in-person visits for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The research included 1,250 patients and found that both groups showed similar improvements in quality of life after six months, including better appetite, reduced pain, and improved psychological symptoms. Additionally, patients reported similar satisfaction with care, whether delivered via video or in-person. Caregiver participation was slightly lower in the telehealth group, but video consultations offered patients more flexibility, potentially increasing autonomy.
The study highlights the potential of telehealth to address barriers to accessing palliative care, such as time, travel, and cost, especially for underserved populations. The authors emphasized that telemedicine could help overcome the shortage of palliative care specialists, who are insufficient to meet demand. They also noted that the convenience of virtual care could improve access to palliative services, particularly for older patients or those with mobility challenges. As telehealth support for patients with cancer gains bipartisan political backing, the study’s findings could influence policy decisions and Medicare’s coverage of telehealth services.
Reference: Cavallo J. How Telehealth Is Broadening Access to Early Palliative Care and Improving Outcomes for Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer. The ASCO Post. Published February 25, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://ascopost.com/issues/february-25-2025/how-telehealth-is-broadening-access-to-early-palliative-care-and-improving-outcomes-for-patients-with-advanced-lung-cancer/
