A new analysis of 42 studies suggests that telehealth interventions can improve quality of life and reduce symptom burden for adults with advanced cancer receiving palliative care. The review included data from 4,232 records, with 6 studies eligible for a meta-analysis. Researchers found that telehealth, such as video calls or phone check-ins, led to a significant improvement in quality of life and a reduction in symptom burden. However, no significant effect was seen on depression.
The findings are promising but not definitive. The review did not report any safety concerns, but the evidence is based on a limited number of studies. The researchers note that more work is needed to identify the best ways to deliver telehealth and to address barriers to access.
For now, these results suggest that telehealth could be a helpful tool in palliative care, offering a way to support patients at home. But it is not a replacement for in-person care. Patients and families should talk with their healthcare team about what options are right for them.
