Telehealth Palliative Care Provides the Same Benefits as In-person Care

A recent study found that video-based telehealth palliative care produced results similar to in-person palliative care for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and their caregivers. The study, presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June, found that quality-of-life scores were virtually the same for telehealth and in-person palliative care.

Barriers Impacting Access to Palliative Care

According to Lindsey Ulin, a palliative care fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who was not involved in the study, palliative care is focused on providing supportive care to people living with cancer and other serious illnesses. Palliative care physicians help manage symptoms and side effects like pain, fatigue and nausea.

According to a 2019 analysis in Quality of Life Research, patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and family members or friends who care for them often face physical, emotional and financial challenges that may impact their mental health and overall quality of life. And a 2024 article in American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book argued that early integration of palliative care alongside cancer treatment can improve patients’ quality of life.

However, both Greer and Ulin say many barriers limit access to this care for advanced-stage patients and their caregivers. Common roadblocks include hospitals and clinics not offering palliative care, the misconception that palliative care is only for people at the end of life, transportation issues and the cost of care.

“The hope is that telehealth palliative care reduces these burdens for the patient and the caregiver,” Greer says.

Telehealth Palliative Care Study Shows Promising Results

Greer’s study involved 1,250 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and their caregivers. His research team randomly assigned participants to telehealth or in-person early palliative care across 22 cancer centers in the United States.

Participants attended palliative care appointments every four weeks throughout their cancer treatment. At the week 24 assessments, quality-of-life scores were similar for telehealth (99.67) and in-person palliative care (97.67) based on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L).

Researchers found there wasn’t a significant difference in patient-reported symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, between the groups. “These are fairly standard measures when looking at the effects of palliative care,” Greer says. “We look at these because we’ve found that palliative care clinicians can help patients improve their quality of life, as well as their symptoms of anxiety.”

One difference that study data revealed was less caregiver involvement (36.6%) in virtual palliative care than in-person care (49.7%). “We had hypothesized that, given how convenient telehealth is, it would be easier for caregivers to participate,” Greer says. “We realized that telehealth gives patients more autonomy to decide when to have a caregiver present. But with in-person care, the patient often needs a loved one to help them get to the clinic.”

“In palliative care, we think about the person living with cancer and their caregiver together as a unit,” Ulin says. “Palliative care is an extra layer of support, helping caregivers cope, communicate with other providers, understand a cancer diagnosis and treatment options, and provide resources.”

See more
https://www.cancertodaymag.org/cancer-talk/telehealth-palliative-care-provides-the-same-benefits-as-in-person-care/

Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Timely Information and Exercise in Underserved Communities

In today’s rapidly evolving world, having the right information at the right moment can determine success or failure, health or illness. As professionals, we recognize the critical impact of timely information, especially in health and wellness. It’s imperative to leverage this knowledge and take decisive action, particularly to support underserved communities.

Access to Healthcare: An Ongoing Challenge

Despite technological advancements, timely access to healthcare information remains a significant challenge in America. Disparities in healthcare access lead to varying health outcomes across different populations. Underserved communities often face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to receive prompt and adequate healthcare.

The consequences are evident: delays in health screenings, diagnostics, and treatments exacerbate conditions that could be manageable or preventable. This results in higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension among marginalized groups. The American Heart Association reports that African Americans are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. These delays perpetuate cycles of poor health and reduced quality of life.

Exercise is Medicine: A Call to Action

The CDC’s extensive research underscores the benefits of regular physical activity. Our task is to ensure that underserved communities can access and utilize this powerful tool. The focus is on making fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and community leaders must disseminate accurate and actionable information about exercise, empowering individuals to make healthier choices. It’s about promoting physical activity and breaking down barriers to make fitness accessible to all.

A Successful Example: HEALTHEFIT DWF in Covington, GA

HEALTHEFIT DWF in Covington, GA, exemplifies how integrating Exercise is Medicine (EIM) and Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) can revolutionize healthcare delivery in underserved communities. As a trusted advisor from its inception, I have seen firsthand how their innovative Medical Fitness Therapy program significantly enhances patient care.

Patients at HEALTHEFIT DWF benefit from real-time updates and personalized recommendations delivered via advanced digital platforms. This seamless integration of technology into healthcare management allows for easier chronic condition management and better adherence to treatment plans.

The success of HEALTHEFIT DWF is built on several key elements, including:

  • Integration of Cutting-Edge Technologies – HEALTHEFIT DWF uses advanced digital health solutions for continuous patient monitoring. These platforms collect and analyze data on vital signs, physical activity, and other health indicators, enabling prompt responses to emerging health issues.
  • Personalized Health Plans – Patients receive tailored health plans with specific exercise regimens, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications, continuously updated based on real-time data and progress to meet their unique health needs and goals.
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement – Digital platforms have improved patient engagement by providing access to health data and facilitating easy communication with healthcare providers. This transparency fosters ownership and active participation in treatment plans.
  • Community Outreach and Education – HEALTHEFIT DWF emphasizes community outreach and education through regular workshops and seminars on exercise and healthy living, empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards better health.
  • Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals – The success of HEALTHEFIT DWF stems from collaboration between fitness professionals and healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses both medical and fitness needs, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
  • Measurable Health Outcomes – HEALTHEFIT DWF’s approach has led to measurable improvements in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Timely health information and personalized care plans have resulted in better health outcomes and quality of life.

Conclusion: Information and Exercise as Catalysts for Change

The challenges in healthcare access underscore the transformative power of timely information and the promotion of exercise as medicine. Whether delivering health advice or emphasizing the benefits of physical activity, receiving the right information at the right time is crucial for individual and collective well-being.

The example of HEALTHEFIT DWF in Covington, GA, illustrates how integrating EIM and RTM can revolutionize healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities. Their proactive approach, leveraging cutting-edge technology and personalized care, has led to significant health improvements for their patients. This model provides valuable insights and a blueprint for future healthcare initiatives aiming to bridge the gap in healthcare access and outcomes.

As we reflect on our progress and future goals, let us commit to ensuring that everyone has access to the information they need for a healthy and fulfilling life. By prioritizing timely and equitable access to healthcare information—especially regarding exercise as medicine and RTM—we can advance toward a healthier and more just society.

This is our call to duty. Let’s remain vigilant in our pursuit of timely information and accessible exercise opportunities, understanding that these are not just conveniences but fundamental rights that can unlock freedom, health, and opportunity for all.

References:

  • American Heart Association. “African Americans & Cardiovascular Diseases.” Retrieved from heart.org.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Physical Activity and Health.” Retrieved from cdc.gov.

David Rachal III, MBA, EIM-C, MFP-C, is a Medical Fitness Practitioner with decades of experience in chronic disease management and preventive solutions. David is dedicated to integrating digital health solutions into traditional healthcare practices to enhance patient outcomes and promote a healthier lifestyle. He has been instrumental in the start-up phases of DWF Wellness in Covington, GA, and continues to serve as a trusted advisor.

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Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Timely Information and Exercise in Underserved Communities

Quality Questions:When you are diagnosed with cancer, how can you be sure you’re getting appropriate care?

IN APRIL 2020, truck driver John Lex was waiting to load up his tractor trailer at a Walmart distribution center in LaGrange, Georgia, when he felt a severe, sharp pain in his lower abdomen. The self-proclaimed “stubborn guy” figured if he went home to lie down, he would feel better. However, by the time he arrived home in Monroe, Georgia, the pain had amped up to “an eight out of 10.” He asked his wife to drive him to the local hospital’s emergency room.

Doctors there thought his pain might be appendicitis, but a CT scan revealed something unexpected: a mass in his colon. “The doctor told me that they believed it was cancerous, but he wouldn’t know for sure until they got in there,” says Lex, now 56, who had immediate surgery to remove the mass and have his colon resected. He would need to wait for results from the biopsy to get confirmation, but “[the doctor] was pretty confident that it was cancer,” Lex says

Three days after surgery, on April 25, 2020, these suspicions were confirmed. Lex’s tumor was malignant—with 19 positive lymph nodes. He had stage IIIC colon cancer. He was referred to a medical oncologist at Piedmont Walton Hospital in Monroe—the same hospital where he had his surgery. He completed a six-month course of chemotherapy with FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin), but in January 2021, the scans showed that the tumors were back in his colon, as well as the lining of his abdominal cavity.

At that time, his oncologist suggested another chemotherapy combination and referred Lex to a colleague at Atlanta-based Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, which is less than 30 miles away from Lex’s home, for a second opinion. Winship Cancer Institute has earned the National Cancer Institute’s highest honor—a comprehensive cancer center designation—which signifies significant research infrastructure along with the capacity to provide high-quality treatments to patients. The oncologist at Winship confirmed the treatment plan. Lex continued to be treated by his original oncologist, satisfied that he was receiving appropriate care.

Treatment Close to Home

Like an estimated 80% to 85% of people with cancer in the U.S., Lex sought treatment at a community cancer center. Community cancer centers typically provide care through oncology practices or networks, offering treatment at local hospitals instead of specialty cancer centers. They are not usually a part of large academic teaching hospitals and don’t have NCI designations.

“Community hospitals are those institutions that are designed to take care of patients. They’re not necessarily teaching and they’re not necessarily doing research. That’s not to say that they never do,” says Thomas Tucker, the senior director for cancer surveillance and associate director of the Kentucky Cancer Registry at the Markey Cancer Center Prevention and Control Program at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Tucker has published research on Markey Cancer Center’s efforts to form an alliance with community cancer hospitals to help provide more standardized cancer care throughout Kentucky.

The decision to receive care in a community cancer center is often influenced by geography, given that many people in the U.S. do not live near large academic teaching hospitals or one of the 71 NCI-designated cancer centers spread across 36 states and the District of Columbia. “The number one criterion that’s going to affect where a cancer patient gets treated is going to be their location,” says Rose Gerber, a breast cancer survivor who is the director of patient advocacy and education at the Community Oncology Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for the preservation of oncology private practices that offer patients high-quality, affordable cancer care close to home. Gerber notes referrals often come from a patient’s primary care doctor who is familiar with local oncologists. In addition, a patient’s and doctor’s familiarity with the local health system and the convenience of not traveling far for what are usually multiple treatments often provide reassurance to patients, Gerber says

Experience Matters

Other variables, including a person’s cancer type, stage, the pathology and genetic makeup of the tumor, and any previous treatments, can all factor into people’s decisions about where they go for their care. When analyzing choices, oncologist Diane Reidy-Lagunes suggests that patients start by asking questions to gain an understanding of the doctor’s experience with the patient’s stage and type of cancer.

“There are definitely some questions that you want to ask the oncologist when you’re meeting them … particularly for instances of rare diseases,” says Reidy-Lagunes, who is the associate deputy physician-in-chief of the Regional Care Network at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She suggests asking, “Is this a disease that you’re often taking care of? Have you only seen one in your lifetime or do you see five in clinic daily?”

Patients can also look up a physician’s specialties online before the office visit, says Nancy Keating, a primary care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a researcher in the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School in Boston, who studies factors that influence the delivery of high-quality care for people with cancer. “The more specialized training someone has, the better, especially when complex care is needed,” she says, using the example of a surgeon who specializes in a certain kind of cancer. “If you are a colorectal surgeon, you’ve done a fellowship, and you only do colorectal surgery. In addition, you are continually getting exposed to new cases daily and that’s all you do.”

With more experience comes greater proficiency. Research indicates that people with cancer who undergo complex procedures at high-volume surgical centers have better outcomes compared to low-volume centers, including for lung, esophageal and pancreatic cancer. For example, one study published in the April 2017 Annals of Surgery suggests patients with esophageal cancer who traveled to high-volume surgical centers had significantly better five-year survival rates, with 39.8% of patients living five years or longer compared to 20.6% who sought treatment at low-volume surgical centers. Another study published Nov. 1, 2021, in Cancer, compared outcomes at high-volume and low-volume radiation centers for a number of cancers and found patients receiving adjuvant radiation had significantly improved survival at very high-volume facilities when compared to low-volume facilities. Patients who received radiation alone for prostate, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, and head and neck cancer without surgery or other treatments also had increased survival, according to the study.

Lindsay Longo, an IT services director who lives in Tampa, Florida, was diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin lymphoma in November 2020 after going to an emergency room with escalating symptoms from COVID-19. While she was there, doctors performed a CT scan and discovered a large mass in her left lung, a rare presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma. She had a lung biopsy on Nov. 25, 2020, and five days later was diagnosed with cancer.

Longo ultimately decided to get her treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center, an NCI-designated cancer center in Tampa. The 39-year-old was impressed with the depth of experience that Moffitt provided, including swift coordination of care. “I didn’t feel like [the hospital where I was diagnosed] was moving fast enough for me, so I decided on Moffitt for its credibility and the top ranking. For me, it was a no-brainer,” she says.

On Dec. 31, 2020, Longo began treatment, receiving eight rounds of ABVD (Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) administered every two weeks. At the end of treatment, a scan revealed one spot on a lymph node. At that point, a tumor board, consisting of a multidisciplinary team of physicians at Moffitt, reviewed her case and suggested she have four more rounds of chemotherapy. On July 27, 2020, her scans were clear.

Access to Clinical Trials

While the standard-of-care treatments offered in cancer centers and community hospitals already have proven efficacy, some patients may also be interested in experimental treatments and clinical trials, says Gerber, who was diagnosed with stage II HER2-positive breast cancer in 2003.

Gerber had a lumpectomy followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy and radiation at Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology, an oncology practice affiliated with Backus Hospital in Norwich, Connecticut. Her physicians also offered her an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that tested the use of a targeted medication called Herceptin (trastuzumab) to reduce the chance of her cancer returning.

“[HER2-positive breast cancer] at the time was one of the deadliest diagnoses with a very poor prognosis,” she says. Gerber realizes now how fortunate she was to take part in a ground-breaking clinical trial. Today, she credits her survival and good health to being a part of the Herceptin clinical trial, and the drug is now the standard of care for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Gerber notes that many community cancer centers offer clinical trials—and the idea that this type of research is only offered at larger research or academic hospitals is a misconception.

Having access to a range of treatment options—both the standard of care and experimental drugs—is especially important for patients who have advanced cancer, says Heidi Nelson, medical director of the American College of Surgeons, Cancer Programs, which is responsible for the Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation program for hospitals. The accreditation means facilities have demonstrated that they provide a range of services, either on-site or through referrals to other facilities, including diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, systemic therapy, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, nutrition and access to clinical research.

Collaboration between medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses and social workers provides a good measure for quality care, Nelson says. “With an appropriate team of specialists, each professional sees a different part of the patients’ needs and the cancer details. The full picture comes together when all the professionals come together around each patient to make sure nothing is left out of the care plan,” she says.

That type of collaboration can also extend across hospital systems—including between NCI-designated cancer centers and community hospitals. One example of this type of collaboration is with the NCI-designated University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, in Lexington, which started an affiliate program in 2006 that now includes 21 community hospitals. One of the requirements for facilities taking part in the alliance is achieving and maintaining CoC accreditation, as a means to increase quality of care in cancer hospitals across the state. A study of 13 hospitals in the network published in the February 2021 Annals of Surgical Oncology showed this collaboration increased the hospitals’ ability to meet quality measures three years after they joined the network compared to three years prior. In addition, the number of hospitals that received CoC accreditation increased from three to 12.

“This is an opportunity for the medium- and small-sized hospitals to have access to resources for facing issues or problems they may not have seen before,” says Tucker, who notes that academic and research hospitals don’t have the capacity to treat every cancer patient. “The smart thing [to do] is to help community hospitals develop that capacity. Many of them are quite good at it [already],” he says.

For patients like Lex, having the ability to tap into expertise at both his local cancer center and a larger cancer center provided extra reassurance. This collaboration included having a multidisciplinary team review his case at the hospital to determine the best course of care. “Knowing that it’s not just [my oncologist] that’s looking at my records, that it’s all the doctors that she works with really eased my mind,” he says.

In May 2021, Lex went back to Winship for another second opinion after a PET scan showed one of his three tumors was growing. Genetic testing in early 2021 showed his tumors tested positive for BRAF mutations, which made Lex eligible for a combination of targeted therapies, Erbitux (cetuximab) and Braftovi (encorafenib). Since starting treatment, his tumors have appeared to be less active in the PET scans, which could be an indication that treatment is working. In addition, one tumor has gotten smaller in size. He hopes the targeted therapy will keep his tumors at bay. “We’re hoping that maybe the treatment will knock it out completely,” says Lex. “I am so happy I got the second opinion. It just eases your mind because I have two great doctors looking over me.”

Quality Questions

Depression Is Often Overlooked in Cancer Patients

When Carly Flumer was a teenager, she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. She saw a psychiatrist and a therapist regularly, and got medication and counseling. She managed her mental health well for over a decade. But in January 2017, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes by the time it was diagnosed.

That’s when things got complicated again.

Flumer, then 27, underwent surgery to remove her thyroid. She also received intensive radiation. To all observers, she got a clean bill of health — at least with regard to her cancer. But, she says, her mental health had suffered.

“People absolutely do not understand the panic a cancer diagnosis can cause,” Flumer says. “My depression and anxiety got worse when I got diagnosed. I also have had more suicidal thoughts because of the cancer,” she says. “The side effects of treatment are real. So is the stress of waiting to see if the cancer comes back again.”

The importance of social support for cancer patients on the path to treatment.

A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for individuals to the point that it makes them feel anxious along with fear and a diminished sense of control over life.

Coping with the physical, emotional and psychological challenges of cancer can be incredibly difficult, which is why social support plays a key role in the journey to treatment for cancer patients. Social support encompasses a wide range of resources, including emotional, informational, tangible and practical support, and can come from a variety of sources, including family, friends, healthcare providers, support groups and communities.

Emotional support is the fundamental component of social support for cancer patients, as coping with cancer can cause immense emotional distress, such as fear, grief, anger and anxiety.

Where do we want to go? Can knowledge from inclusion with one another be the solution to alleviate psychological distress?

Having a support system can provide cancer patients with a safe space to express their feelings, be heard and receive understanding through empathy. Emotional support can help relieve the psychological burden of cancer, reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. Studies have shown that cancer patients who receive emotional support from loved ones or participate in support groups experience lower levels of anxiety and depression and have improved quality of life.

Valid information: knowing where we are going.

Informational support is another critical aspect of social support for cancer patients. Understanding the complexities of cancer, treatment options and the healthcare system in general can be an important knowledge tool in order for the patient to know where they are going and what they need to “build” psychologically to cope with the difficult stage of treatment.

Also, access to accurate and reliable information can empower cancer patients to make informed decisions about their treatment plans, manage side effects and engage in self-care practices. Healthcare providers, cancer support organisations and authoritative online resources can provide valuable informational support to patients and their caregivers, enabling them to better cope with the challenges of cancer.

Lean on me.

Social support can take many different forms. One of these is tangible support, which includes help with practical tasks, making it essential for cancer patients. Cancer treatments can be physically demanding and exhausting. Support such as transport to appointments, meal preparation and household chores can significantly ease the burden on patients and their carers, allowing them to focus on their treatment and recovery. Friends, family and community organizations can provide essential support that helps patients manage their daily activities and maintain a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.

I change you the moment you change me.

Social support also plays a critical role in improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients. Research has shown that patients with strong social support systems tend to have better adherence and commitment to treatment plans, better physical recovery and a reduced risk of complications. Social support can also have a positive impact on cancer patients’ immune systems, reduce inflammation and enhance overall physiological function, contributing to better treatment outcomes. In addition, social support can provide cancer patients with a sense of hope, motivation and purpose, which can enhance resilience and coping skills, ultimately improving their ability to manage the challenges of cancer.

We are together and we are moving forward.

In addition to the emotional, informational, tangible and treatment-related benefits, social support can also create a sense of community for cancer patients. Joining support groups, connecting with others who have similar experiences and participating in cancer-related events can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. Social support can also enhance a sense of inclusion and normalisation as patients realise that they are not alone in their journey and can draw strength from others who have successfully gone through similar challenges (“I went through this stage too and now I am here for you”). Building social connections and meaningful relationships can provide cancer patients with a sense of purpose, social engagement and improved overall wellbeing.

It is important to note that social support is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may vary according to individual preferences, cultural norms and personal circumstances (closed and open social). Some patients may prefer more private forms of support, while others may find comfort in larger support groups. The type and amount of social support required may also change during the cancer course and it is important that patients’ choices and boundaries are respected.

In closing, I would say that sometimes, if possible, it is good to let go, not to be afraid of what we have to say (let us judge and be judged under the umbrella of a healthy process) and let the environment decide what stays and goes from a discussion about the concern raised in each case. This leads us to the choice of the most appropriate behaviour.

Inclusion brings feedback and then eventual revision.

**Please note that it is always recommended to consult multiple sources and to consult health professionals for individualized medical advice.**

For useful information – resources: