Dr Landau led the Telehealth initiative at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute which became a proven necessity for our patient population not only at the peak of the pandemic but to this very day.
Envisioning a future where expert-level healthcare is accessible to individuals regardless of their location, the concept of telehealth has emerged as a transformative solution. In the realm of oncology, a field where approximately 80% of care is administered outside regions with access to academic institutions, the necessity for expert care in remote areas remains paramount. Telehealth stands as a pivotal tool capable of bridging this geographical divide.
While telehealth was gaining momentum prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, its significance was magnified during the global crisis, evolving into a prominent avenue for delivering medical care. The versatility of telehealth integration is manifest in various facets, a few of which are illustrated below:
Second Opinions:
Advocating for patients to seek second opinions is a common practice, fostering confidence in treatment plans or elucidating alternate perspectives. For patients situated far from medical centers, telehealth emerges as an invaluable means to connect with esteemed experts, regardless of geographical constraints.
Symptom Management:
The proactive monitoring of patients during therapy is vital to nip potential issues in the bud. Timely intervention can prevent minor concerns from escalating into major complications. Telehealth becomes a solution for patients undergoing treatment, affording them rest while negating the challenges of physical visits to physicians’ offices.
Family Involvement:
Recognizing the enduring impact of family engagement on oncology outcomes, it’s imperative to involve families in patient care. However, logistical barriers arise when families reside out of state or struggle to attend appointments. Telehealth provides a platform for patients, families, and healthcare providers to collaboratively participate in the care process.
Streamlined Appointments:
Traditional in-person doctor visits entail a series of logistical hurdles, including commuting, parking, crowded waiting rooms, and extended check-out procedures. The convenience of conducting appointments from the comfort of one’s home or workplace eradicates much of the associated complexity.
Internally collected data underscores the remarkable adoption rate of telehealth. Impressively, 80% of patients who experience a telehealth visit choose to sustain this mode of healthcare delivery for their future medical needs.
By harnessing the potential of telehealth, healthcare providers are revolutionizing the way medical services are rendered. This shift not only enhances accessibility but also empowers patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to collaborate seamlessly across distances, ushering in a new era of patient-centered care.
About the author
Meet Dr. Daniel Landau, an accomplished and board-certified hematologist/oncologist whose remarkable journey has spanned prestigious institutions such as the Orlando Health Cancer Institute and the Medical University of South Carolina. With a distinct focus on genitourinary oncology and hematology, Dr. Landau has consistently led the way in addressing both benign and malignant conditions, showcasing his unwavering commitment to patient care.
Embrace the opportunity to engage with Dr. Landau’s expertise, and feel empowered to explore the vast expanse of oncology with renewed curiosity and understanding on “Ask MedOnCMD“