Open AccessThe risks associated with the widespread use of telemedicine in oncology: Four cases and review of the literature
Author(s) -
Panet François,
TétreaultLanglois Marianne,
Morin Vincent,
Sultanem Khalil,
Melnychuk David,
Panasci Lawrence
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
cancer reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 5
ISSN - 2573-8348
DOI - 10.1002/cnr2.1531
Subject(s) - medicine , telemedicine , pandemic , limiting , covid-19 , complication , risk of infection , intensive care medicine , cancer , gynecologic oncology , medical emergency , general surgery , disease , health care , mechanical engineering , biology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , engineering , economics , genetics , economic growth
Background COVID‐19 changed the way we practice oncology in multiple ways. Because most cancer patients are comorbid or immunocompromised, we are trying as much as possible to reduce their risk of infection. Marginal just 2 years ago, telemedicine quickly became preeminent with the pandemic to reduce hospital exposure. However, using only virtual visits in oncology patients risk delaying cancer diagnosis or the identification of a complication. Case series We present here four cases where a serious medical problem evident on physical exam was overlooked during a virtual visit. Two of our patients experienced a delay in cancer diagnosis thus putting them at risk of local or distant spread. The two others were established oncology patients where a serious medical complication was missed on a virtual visit. Conclusions Now more than a year into the pandemic, telemedicine has clearly been a useful tool by limiting unnecessary hospital visits. Yet, as our cases illustrate, its use in oncology without clear boundary can undermine the quality of care. Now that effective vaccines are reducing the transmission and the severity of infection, most oncology patients can be evaluated by a real‐time visit.