How Telehealth Bridges Gaps in Global Cancer Care
Telehealth programs like GAIN-S are revolutionizing cancer care by providing accessible, personalized support to older adults in remote areas, improving their quality of life and health outcomes.
Recent research highlights the significant benefits of telehealth in enhancing cancer care for older adults worldwide. The study focuses on a program called Geriatric Assessment-Guided Intervention-Supportive Care (GAIN-S), which delivers personalized supportive care services remotely. These services include tailored fitness programs, nutritional guidance, psychiatric support, and psychosocial assistance, making comprehensive care accessible without the need for patients to travel long distances.
Conducted as a randomized clinical trial in Brazil with 77 adults aged 65 and older undergoing treatment for metastatic solid tumors, the study found notable improvements in patients' daily functioning, mood, understanding of their illness, and overall quality of life after three months of participating in the telehealth-based program.
A key aspect of GAIN-S was its ability to reach patients in remote or underserved areas, while care providers were mainly based in urban settings. The integration of tools like WhatsApp facilitated appointment scheduling and consent processes, ensuring secure and efficient communication. According to senior author William Dale, MD, Ph.D., this approach eliminates the need for patients to undertake lengthy travels, thereby promoting equity in access regardless of geographic and resource limitations.
Lead author Cristiane Decat Bergerot emphasized that implementing supportive geriatric care early in the cancer treatment journey enhances patient experiences and outcomes. The study illustrates how telehealth can be a vital resource for countries with substantial geographical disparities and limited healthcare infrastructure.
This research underscores the potential for digital health solutions to transform cancer care delivery, bringing specialized services to traditionally underserved populations and supporting the global effort to provide equitable healthcare. The adoption of telehealth strategies like GAIN-S demonstrates that innovative use of technology can bridge critical gaps in healthcare access and quality worldwide.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Corticosteroids Do Not Outperform Placebo in Bacterial Keratitis Treatment
A recent study finds that corticosteroids do not provide additional benefits over placebo in treating bacterial keratitis, questioning their routine use in management.
New Study Confirms Medicaid Expansion Saves Lives in Low-Income Populations
A large-scale study finds Medicaid expansion has significantly decreased mortality among low-income adults, saving thousands of lives since 2010. The research highlights the importance of healthcare policy in improving survival rates.
Research Indicates Shorter Blood Thinner Duration Post-Myocardial Infarction May Be as Effective as Longer Treatment
New research from the ESC Congress 2025 suggests that a three-month course of dual antiplatelet therapy may be as effective as traditional longer treatment for myocardial infarction patients, with potential safety benefits.
