Review of Cancer Treatment in Remote Areas
Author Information
Author(s): Campbell N C, Ritchie L D, Cassidy J, Little J
Primary Institution: Departments of General Practice and Primary Care and Medicine and Therapeutics, Foresterhill Health Centre, Aberdeen, UK
Hypothesis
Can alternative methods of delivering cancer care improve access and effectiveness in remote and rural areas?
Conclusion
The review suggests that outreach and tele-oncology programs may improve access to cancer care for patients in remote areas, but more robust studies are needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Fifteen papers reported evaluations of oncology outreach programmes, tele-oncology programmes, and rural hospital initiatives.
- All studies were small and only two were controlled.
- There were indications that shared outreach care was safe and could improve access to specialist care.
- Tele-oncology may be an acceptable adjunct for consultations.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to help people in faraway places get better cancer treatment. It found some ways might work, but we need to check more carefully.
Methodology
The study reviewed published evidence from various databases and manual searches, focusing on oncology outreach and tele-oncology programs.
Potential Biases
The small size and lack of control in most studies may introduce bias in the findings.
Limitations
Most studies reviewed were small and only two were controlled, leading to suggestive rather than conclusive evidence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website