A Model of Proactive Tele-Oncology Nursing Triage Through Remote Monitoring of Patient-Generated Health Data

Background: Telehealth approaches to remotely triage and manage patient issues are commonly used in surgical oncology. To date, most models place the burden of communication with the cancer care delivery system on the patient at home and in the community.

Objectives: This project presents a model for proactive tele-oncology nursing triage that leverages remotely captured, patient-generated health data to guide assessment and management.

Methods: The nursing triage model is presented through three case studies, which illustrate the trajectory of proactive triage encounters, communication with the surgical oncology team, and management recommendations before surgery to 90 days post–hospital discharge.

Findings: Patients were able to share intermittent electronic symptom data before and after surgery and postoperatively wear sensor devices to support functional recovery. Oncology triage nurses leveraged the data to guide telephone communication to address patients’ needs.