Scientific Publications

Scientific Publications
Papers and other scientific publications that showcase eCAN’s work and outcomes.

Scientific Publications

Documents

Telemedicine in cancer care: lessons from COVID-19 and solutions for Europe

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged healthcare delivery, especially cancer care. Telemedicine emerged as an important tool to reduce disease transmission risks, maintain continuity of care, and improve accessibility. This study explores temporary measures during the pandemic as well as challenges and facilitators for integrating telemedicine into the European healthcare landscape in five case countries, focusing on cancer care. Expert interviews were conducted in five EU countries with diverse health systems: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, and Poland. A thematic analysis was performed. Themes were further explored related to regulatory changes during COVID-19 as well as barriers and facilitators to telemedicine implementation. COVID-19 accelerated telemedicine uptake and processes (i.e. regulations, reimbursement) in all case countries. Acceptance of telemedicine increased among healthcare professionals and patients. Post-pandemic telemedicine use and acceptance declined to pre-pandemic levels in some countries and was attributed to several factors including preferences for in-person visits. Overall, persistent barriers were identified by all country experts including lack of standardized policies, data privacy concerns, technological infrastructure issues, and digital literacy gaps. Telemedicine was validated by all country experts as an important tool to enhance cancer care access and efficiency and to help maintaining continuity of cancer care during crises. Our findings highlight some overlapping barriers and suggest solutions to overcome these barriers across the selected countries. Recommendations for policymakers are listed, emphasizing the importance of telemedicine services in improving healthcare access, efficiency, and resilience. Future research should incorporate diverse population studies, patient perspectives, cost-effectiveness, and policy impacts.

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How to scale up telemedicine for cancer prevention and care? Recommendations for sustainably implementing telemedicine services within EU health systems

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in Europe after cardiovascular diseases. Significant disparities exist across European countries in cancer prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and care, which impact patient outcomes. The Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan aims to improve cancer prevention and care through innovative approaches including telemedicine (TM). TM services, such as teleconsultation and telemonitoring, offer opportunities to enhance patient-centered care, improve access to health services, and empower patients. However, challenges remain, including inadequate IT infrastructure, legal uncertainties, funding issues, and varying levels of digital literacy among the population. The eCAN Joint Action (JA), involving 16 European countries, was launched in September 2022 to strengthen eHealth solutions for cancer prevention and care. This JA focused on improving teleconsultation and remote monitoring, building healthcare capacity, and developing interoperable TM solutions. A key outcome was the eCAN policy dashboard, offering a country-specific overview of cancer-related and eHealth policies in European countries. Additionally, the eCAN roadmap proposed 16 recommendations across six intervention areas, addressing regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure development, training requirements, healthcare system integration, and outcomes evaluation. These recommendations aim to facilitate TM adoption across Europe. The upcoming JA eCAN+ initiative, starting in 2025, will further build on eCAN’s work, advancing the sustainable implementation of TM services in cancer prevention and care in Europe.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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eCAN Joint Action Follow

eCAN aims to provide a framework of recommendations for the integration of telemedicine and teleconsulting in health care systems for cancer prevention and care

eCAN Joint Action @ecan_ja ·

21 Jan

By working together, we can deliver a more effective response to cancer 🤝

This #WorldCancerDay we will join HaDEA Project Showcase to highlight the importance of fostering synergies among EU projects.
➕ info:
#EU4Health #HealthUnion @EU_HaDEA @EU_Health

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eCAN Joint Action @ecan_ja ·

14 Jan

More outcomes from our project are coming to light! We are very excited to share a recently published article on the topic of telemedicine in cancer care in five case countries 🇦🇹 🇧🇪🇩🇰🇮🇹🇵🇱
Check it out👉
#EU4Health #HealthEurope @EU_HaDEA @EU_Health

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eCAN Joint Action @ecan_ja ·

19 Dec

Every great journey has its finale, and eCAN is no exception 👋, but before we close this chapter, we have plenty of exciting insights to share with you all.

All our results are available on our last Newsletter, don't miss it👉 https://ecanja.eu/newsletters/#flipbook-df_5947/1/

#HealthUnion #EU4Health

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eCAN Joint Action @ecan_ja ·

12 Dec

🦺 Challenges and risks of #datasecurity and #privacy 🔐 were addressed in parallel with the implementation of our #cancer pilots.

Check out our guidelines and recommendations! 👇

📄 Full report: https://lnkd.in/dCSGTaKg

#HaDEA #HealthUnion #EU4Health

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