Factors to consider when starting up a videoconference medical oncology outreach clinic

Cancer patients from small regional and rural towns often travel long distances for short consultations with specialists, for investigations and for chemotherapy. Low numbers of patients in each location mean specialist visits to the towns are not an effective method of service delivery, and many specialists are reluctant to supervise chemotherapy via telephone. Medical oncologists at The Townsville Hospital have demonstrated that using videoconferencing for their clinics can be a successful alternative. They have been conducting clinics and supervising chemotherapy effectively for Mt Isa cancer patients using this technology for over three years.