A satellite cancer clinic at North Bay Regional Health Centre in Ontario, Canada, has started a telemedicine program.
Previously, radiation oncologists from Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario, would travel to the satellite cancer clinic for in-person appointments. With this new program, patients at the cancer clinic will be able to connect with these Sudbury-based radiation oncologists through the Ontario Telemedicine Network, which leverages technology for video conferencing and sharing vital signs.
Although some patients may need to travel to Sudbury for appointments, should their care plan require in-person physician visits, North Bay Regional Health Centre said the majority of patients will be able to receive their consultation and follow-up appointments through the telemedicine program.
North Bay Regional Health Centre said that this transition was not a budget decision; rather, it was a "strategy to maximize a valuable resource — eliminating the three hours the physicians spend traveling round trip."