Virtual Care Tips for Cancer Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic

OSUCCC – James experts are here to help patients and caregivers as they continue their cancer journeys amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today’s topic: Making the most out of your virtual care visits

Trust and personal connections are important in relationships, including the one you have with your doctor, whom you look to for trusted medical advice. To protect and maintain the health of patients and health care staff, many patients are making the shift to a “virtual” care model.

“We know this might be a challenging transition for many of our patients, who are dealing with heightened anxiety about their health. Our goal is to make our patients continue to feel cared for and supported. We are in this together as a community of medical providers and patients,” says James L. Chen, MD, who co-leads the telehealth initiative at The James with Samantha Jaglowski, MD, and Robb Stillman, RN.

Here are some tips for cancer patients — and their support people — as they make the transition from in person to virtual visits:

• Make a list of questions in advance. This will help you stay on track during the discussion.
• Ask a family member or friend to attend the visit with you and take notes on your behalf so that you focus on speaking to your physician. Technologies to allow multiple participants in a visit are forthcoming.
• Test your technology before your appointment time so that you aren’t pressured or stressed when connecting. Ensure you have a good internet connection if you are using video conferencing. Set up your video camera enabled device so that it is at eye level to facilitate the feeling of true conversation with your provider. Make sure that your video camera works.
• Set a timer to alert you to when your time is almost up. This will give you unpressured time to recap next steps and confirm you are on the same page with your medical team.

After your check in and telehealth visit, use MyChart to ask any questions that arise later.

Here to help

Get more information about preparing for a video visit specifically. Find answers to commonly asked questions and information about visitor restrictions. For further questions related to cancer care and clinical trials, call 1-800-293-5066.

OSUCCC – James COVID-19 Coverage

Important Information for Patients

Tips for Physical Distancing

Telehealth Options for Immunocompromised Patients

At-Home Exercise Tips