Current and Future Directions Using Virtual Avenues for Care Delivery Across the Cancer Continuum
Oncology nurses have long been at the forefront of virtual care, transitioning from telenursing to technology-driven delivery methods that address the evolving needs of cancer patients. Initially developed to overcome barriers to care for rural and underserved populations, virtual care has grown into a critical component of oncology practice. Oncology nurses play a central role in providing timely, personalized, and holistic care, leveraging tools such as remote monitoring, patient-reported outcomes, and mHealth platforms. However, the rapid adoption of virtual care demands a broader focus to sustain its impact. This commentary explores the need to clearly define the role of oncology nurses in virtual care, emphasizing leadership in digital health, the integration of hybrid care models, and workforce training. By addressing these priorities, virtual care can continue to enhance patient outcomes, strengthen nursing-led interventions, and expand the scope of oncology nursing, positioning it as an essential and enduring facet of cancer care delivery.
Authors
- Elizabeth M. Borycki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0928-8867)
- Charlotte Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4532-2751)
- Franco Ng
Institutions
- University of Victoria (CA)
- Toronto Metropolitan University (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Current Oncology
- Published
- 2025-04-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32050249
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.88