ASCO Releases Standards for Telehealth in Oncology
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released standards and guidance for oncology clinicians who are utilizing telehealth for their patients in an article published in JCO Oncology Practice (2021;OP2100438. doi:10.1200/OP.21.00438).
A systematic review of literature on telehealth in oncology was conducted, examining the use of technologies and telecommunications systems, and other electronic methods of care delivery and information-sharing with patients.
Opinions from the ASCO Telehealth Expert Panel and public comments were incorporated into the development of telehealth standards and guidance.
The ASCO Telehealth Expert Panel endorsed previously published general guidance resources on telehealth. Following these endorsements, 2 clinical practice guidelines, 12 systematic reviews, and 6 primary studies specific to oncology were identified and included in developing the telehealth standards.
“Standards and guidance are provided for which patients in oncology can be seen via telehealth, establishment of the doctor-physician relationship, role of allied health professionals, role of advanced practice providers, multidisciplinary cancer conferences, and teletrials in oncology,” wrote Robin T Zon, MD, Michiana Hematology Oncology, Mishawaka, IN, and colleagues.
The standards can be accessed on the ASCO website.—Marta Rybczynski
