Virtual cancer care project could pave way for better patient care in rural, remote communities

“The idea is that we’re trying to help patients manage better at home… We provide lots of information to patients before they have their treatment but it’s hard to remember about your handout on nausea two months before you actually experience it so providing that information at the point when they need it is really useful.”

There are no current plans for expansion as the project is just in its infant stage. However, a similar system courtesy Carrier Sekani Family Services currently has where a rotation of 12 doctors visit patients in their home communities and are supplemented with virtual care. It is a similar idea that started in 2012.

“A patient can be in an office in a First Nations community with a nurse there and the doctor can, from their office, can actually see in peoples’ mouth or throat, or hear their heartbeat,” explained Marlaena Mann, Executive Director of Communications and Data Governance with Carrier Sekani Family Services. “When you think about Elders or parents with young children who may not have the resources or willingness to brave winter road conditions to get out of remote communities and get into urban centres, it really makes life easier for them.”

Mann said their program has resulted in a higher level of care especially for elders and young children and anticipates similar results once the cancer treatment program expands to our region.

by Matt Fetinko

Virtual cancer care project could pave way for better patient care in rural, remote communities

What's Trending