Telehealth in Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study of Nurses’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives in Indonesia

Cecep Eli Kosasih,1 Siti Ulfah Rifa’atul Fitri,2 Eka Afrima Sari,2 Hesti Platini2 1Department of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia; 2Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, IndonesiaCorrespondence: Cecep Eli Kosasih, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, 45363, Indonesia, Email [email protected]: Cancer care requires long-term, continuous, and coordinated services. Telehealth has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance continuity of care; however, its implementation in oncology nursing within developing countries remains limited. This study aimed to explore nurses’ and health managers’ perspectives on the needs, challenges, and potential development of telehealth in cancer care in Indonesia.Methods: A qualitative descriptive design with thematic analysis was employed. The participants in this study were eight people consisting of one head doctor of the health service, three hospital managers, and four nurse managers. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with oncology nurses, community health nurses, and health managers involved in cancer care services. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework.Results: Seven major themes were identified: (1) telehealth as a strategy for continuity of cancer care; (2) gaps in communication and patient monitoring systems; (3) limited integration of clinical data and documentation; (4) strengthening education and psychosocial support through digital platforms; (5) the need for therapeutic notification systems to enhance adherence; (6) system readiness and interprofessional collaboration; and (7) socioeconomic and digital literacy barriers to implementation.Conclusion: Telehealth plays a strategic role in strengthening continuity, education, and psychosocial support in cancer care. Effective implementation requires integration with health information systems, supportive policies, adequate infrastructure, and improved digital literacy among patients and healthcare professionals.Keywords: cancer care, oncology nursing, continuity of care, digital health, qualitative study, telehealth