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Telemedicine App for Oncologists: Key Features, Real-World Examples, and Development Insights

The use of telemedicine in cancer care has grown rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in 2019, only about 0.1% to 0.3% of oncology patients used telehealth. By 2020, that number skyrocketed to 33.6% of visits.

While it has dipped since then, it now stands steady at around 15%—a huge jump compared to pre-pandemic times.

This rise shows how important telemedicine has become in oncology care. It’s breaking down barriers, especially for patients in remote areas.

Take South Dakota, for example, where many Native Americans live an average of 140 miles away from the nearest cancer center.

Nearly half of these patients struggle with transportation.

Teleoncology solves this by connecting them with specialists without the long travel.

Beyond convenience, telemedicine empowers patients.

They can easily reach their care teams, manage symptoms, and get support—all from the comfort of home.

This patient-centered approach strengthens trust, boosts treatment adherence, and improves overall outcomes.

As we explore how to build telemedicine platforms for oncology, these examples remind us why they are more than just technology—they are lifelines.

Why Telemedicine is Essential for Oncology Providers

Cancer care comes with unique challenges that often make it harder for patients to access the care they need. Telemedicine is proving to be a game-changer, especially for oncology providers.

Challenges Cancer Patients Face

  • Distance to Care: Many patients, especially in rural areas, live far from cancer centers. In South Dakota, for instance, 47% of patients report transportation as a major hurdle to care. Long travel distances can lead to missed appointments and delays in treatment.
  • Side Effects from Treatment: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause extreme fatigue, nausea, and pain. These side effects often make it tough for patients to travel to appointments.
  • Risk of Infections: Cancer patients, particularly during active treatment, have weaker immune systems. Visiting crowded clinics puts them at greater risk of catching infections.

How Telemedicine Solves These Problems

  • Better Access, Anywhere: Telemedicine connects oncologists with patients no matter where they are. Virtual consultations ensure patients get timely care without exhausting travel.
  • Comfort and Safety: Patients can attend appointments from their homes, reducing stress and avoiding exposure to illnesses.
  • Proactive Symptom Management: With remote monitoring tools, healthcare providers can track patients’ symptoms, vital signs, and medication routines in real time. This helps doctors address issues early, preventing complications.
  • Streamlined Team Care: Telemedicine makes teamwork easier. Oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists can collaborate seamlessly through secure video calls, messages, and shared patient records.

By adopting telemedicine, oncology providers can make treatment more accessible, patient-focused, and effective.

Must-Have Features for Your Oncology Telemedicine Platform

When building a telemedicine platform for oncology care, the right features make all the difference. Let’s explore the essentials you need to enhance patient care and access.

Core Features to Include

  • Secure Video Conferencing: Real-time video consultations are a must. Ensure your platform supports HIPAA-compliant video calls, allowing oncologists to assess patients, explain diagnoses, and create treatment plans—especially for those in underserved areas.
  • Remote Patient Monitoring: Equip patients with tools to track symptoms, vital signs, and medication. Real-time updates help your team intervene early, manage side effects, and prevent complications.
  • Secure Messaging: Enable HIPAA-compliant messaging so patients can easily reach their care team for questions, updates, or symptom concerns. This keeps communication flowing and strengthens the provider-patient relationship.
  • E-prescription and Medication Management: Streamline prescriptions with an integrated system. Patients can avoid pharmacy visits, reducing errors and improving adherence.
  • Clinical Decision Support (CDS): AI-powered CDS tools analyze patient data and offer evidence-based recommendations. This helps personalize care and supports oncologists in making informed decisions.

Additional Features to Consider

  • Online Appointment Scheduling: Let patients book and manage appointments online. It’s convenient and cuts down on no-shows.
  • EHR Integration: Ensure your platform connects seamlessly with existing systems, giving providers a complete view of patient history.
  • Patient Education: Include trusted resources about cancer, treatments, and side effects. Informed patients feel more confident and engaged.
  • Multi-Lingual Support: Make care accessible by offering multiple language options.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Design the platform to be intuitive for both patients and providers. Offer technical support to address any issues quickly.

Meet our tech team to explore the essential features and tech stack of your custom solution.

Essential Factors to Build a Reliable Oncology Telemedicine Platform

When building a telemedicine platform for oncology care, start with security. Ensure it complies with HIPAA and other privacy laws to protect patient data.

Your platform must integrate smoothly with existing systems like EHRs. This avoids data silos and ensures seamless care coordination.

Scalability is vital. The platform should grow with your practice and adapt to new services or patient needs.

Finally, focus on user experience. A simple, intuitive design ensures patients and providers can use the platform easily, enhancing care delivery.

By addressing these areas, you can create a reliable platform tailored to your oncology practice.

Tackling Technical Challenges in Building Oncology Telemedicine Platforms

Creating a secure and efficient telemedicine platform for oncology comes with technical challenges. These challenges, if not addressed, can hinder functionality and patient care. Here’s how to tackle them:

  • Integration with Existing Systems: Connecting your platform to existing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can be complex. Without proper integration, patient data becomes fragmented. Expert IT support is key. For example, integrating unique EHR systems can give oncologists a clear view of patient data for better care coordination.
  • Ensuring Data Security and Privacy: Oncology platforms handle sensitive patient data and must comply with HIPAA and local privacy laws. Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits are vital. A platform built with Canadian data privacy laws in mind ensures patient information stays secure.
  • Scalability for Growth: Your platform should grow with your practice. Cloud-based platforms offer flexibility, easily handling increased patient volume. IT experts can help configure cloud solutions to meet your needs, from workflows to scalable resources.
  • Improving User Experience: Patients and providers need a simple and intuitive platform. Offering training and support ensures smooth onboarding. IT teams can also address technical issues to enhance usability.
  • Bridging the Digital Divide: Not all patients have reliable internet or devices. Options like audio-only consultations and initiatives to provide low-cost devices can make care accessible. Social work teams can help patients with basic tech skills, ensuring no one is left behind.

Importance of Expert IT Support:

Expert IT support is indispensable throughout the lifecycle of your oncology telemedicine platform. From initial planning and implementation to ongoing maintenance and support, IT professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the platform’s functionality, security, and scalability. They provide the technical expertise needed to:

  • Integrate with existing healthcare systems seamlessly.
  • Implement and maintain robust security measures.
  • Optimize platform performance and scalability.

By investing in expert IT support, you can overcome technical challenges, create a secure and reliable telemedicine platform, and ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes.

Creating a User-Friendly Experience for Oncology Telemedicine

A seamless experience ensures both providers and patients can focus on care, not navigating the platform.

1. Simple and Clear Navigation

An intuitive platform makes life easier for everyone. Features like large fonts and high-contrast colors help patients with visual impairments.

Clear menus and easy-to-spot buttons guide users to essential actions, such as booking appointments or accessing records.

2. Engaging Patients with the Right Tools

Tools like automated appointment reminders via email or text reduce no-shows. Timely follow-up messages help patients manage symptoms, adhere to medications, and feel supported.

Providing educational resources—like articles, videos, or symptom trackers—empowers patients to understand and manage their health better.

3. Bringing a Human Touch to Virtual Care

Even with technology, the human connection matters. Providers can use virtual communication techniques, like maintaining eye contact and speaking empathetically, to build trust.

Simple gestures, like sending birthday messages or personalized encouragement, make interactions more meaningful.

With user-centered design, a telemedicine platform can enhance care while making technology approachable and human-friendly for all.

Why Partner with Us for Your Oncology Telemedicine Platform?

At SyS Creations, we combine over a decade of healthcare IT expertise with a deep understanding of telemedicine’s potential to transform cancer care.

Having supported more than 60 Canadian healthcare providers, we specialize in delivering secure, compliant, and user-friendly telemedicine platforms tailored to your unique needs.

From custom telemedicine apps with advanced features like AI and IoT to white-label solutions and MVPs for market testing, we offer end-to-end services.

Our business consulting ensures your workflows and monetization strategies are optimized, while our compliance specialists guarantee your platform aligns with PIPEDA, HIPAA, and other regulations.

A well-designed oncology telemedicine platform isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline for patients seeking timely, compassionate care.

With features like appointment reminders, personalized follow-ups, and educational tools, you can empower patients, improve treatment adherence, and enhance outcomes.

Contact us to explore your solutions & get started with a free consultation or live demo of our telemedicine offerings.