Innovations in oncology: Telemedicine is revolutionizing care!

Innovations in oncology: Telemedicine is revolutionizing care!

The first day of the Austrian Health Forum 2025 in Schladming is dedicated to innovative solutions in oncological care. The workshop entitled “Digital and true to life – Innovative solutions in oncological care” will be moderated by Günter Rauchegger. The aim is to significantly improve oncological care in Austria through telemedicine, structured processes and networked actors. The press reports that digitalization is viewed here as a catalyst for change.

The need for change in oncology is great because the dynamic of innovation in this area is remarkable. We are moving away from classic chemotherapy towards targeted and immunological therapies. New medications that can often be taken orally help improve patients' quality of life. The telemedicine project OnkoMobil, which is starting in Styria and Vorarlberg and focuses on therapy monitoring and aftercare for cancer patients, is particularly exciting.

Telemedicine: An answer to the challenges

The increasing need for oncological care is obvious, as Hannes Kaufmann emphasizes. The increasing number of cases is encountering limited capacities, which requires a paradigm shift in care. OnkoMobil offers a solution here: Telemedical monitoring makes it possible to detect side effects at an early stage and intervene. Thomas Bauern emphasizes that digital self-assessments improve the aftercare of cancer patients. The integration of primary care is also crucial to close existing gaps in care.

However, these innovative technologies and approaches are not without challenges. Bernd Leinich points out that the complexity of the organizational structures is often greater than that of the technology itself. Volker Knestel speaks of a graduated structural model that requires clear treatment paths in care. Data security is also a focus. Angelika Rzepka emphasizes the importance of data protection for secure data processing and its use for research purposes.

The role of nursing and patient involvement

A key aspect of the discussion is the role of nursing, especially the so-called cancer nurses. Yvonne Zabka emphasizes the importance of personal care and involving patients in their treatment. There is agreement that nationwide uniform training and recognition of cancer nurses are necessary to ensure comprehensive care. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that digitalization offers new opportunities: faster communication and more efficient administrative processes could significantly improve the quality of treatment, such as the Federal Ministry of Health underlined.

Telemedicine has received a huge boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, the use of telehealth in oncology has increased noticeably. A study shows that before the pandemic, only 6.57 visits per 1,000 members in the USA took place via telemedicine. The pandemic forced hospitals to do this because this innovative method allowed care to continue safely even during lockdowns. Many patients were extremely satisfied with telemedicine visits, further encouraging acceptance of these solutions. However, it remains to be clarified how barriers to digital use can be reduced, especially among older and disadvantaged population groups.

Conclusion: A necessary change

In summary, it can be said: Change in oncological care is necessary and is already on the way. The discussion in Schladming clearly shows that further developments and clearer responsibilities are needed to ensure high-quality, people-centered treatment. The use of digital technologies can help overcome healthcare challenges and ensure better medical care. But it is necessary that all actors – from politicians to healthcare providers to patients – pull together to make the change successful. The next time will show what impact the solutions discussed will actually have in practice.