A Narrative Review on Teleoncology Enhancing Cancer Care and Equity in Indigenous Communities and Geographically Isolated Areas

Abstract

Background: This paper reviews the perks and challenges of cancer care for patients in geographically isolated areas of India during the COVID-19 pandemic and India's efforts to ensure health access through telehealth services. Methodology: This narrative review applied Andersen Newman's Health Service Utilization Model and the Healthcare Access Barrier framework. Eleven empirical studies were purposively selected through systematic searches in PubMed, Science Direct, Oxford Academic, and Google Scholar. It examines how to ensure equitable access through teleoncology in geographically isolated areas. Moreover, it discussed the significance of teleoncology in ensuring equity in health distribution during this period. Results & Discussion: It highlighted reduced health access due to barriers such as socioeconomic challenges, limited awareness, cultural beliefs, and geographical obstacles. Teleoncology, through platforms like eSanjeevani, emerged as a solution, offering remote consultations, chemotherapy supervision, and multidisciplinary care. The study discussed benefits like reduced travel costs, improved early diagnosis, and continuous care, but also noted challenges like digital literacy, technical issues, and infrastructure gaps. Recommendations: Recommendations include utilizing existing infrastructure, enhancing internet connectivity, and developing a skilled workforce to establish a robust teleoncology model in India, ensuring equitable access to cancer care for underserved populations.