Richmond Hospital Launches Home-Monitoring Tool for Cancer Patients

Richmond, British Columbia – Richmond Hospital has introduced a groundbreaking Remote Symptom and Patient Monitoring System (RESPONSe) aimed at enhancing the care and support for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Officially launched in January 2024, this innovative tool allows patients to report their symptoms and health conditions from the comfort of their homes, thereby improving communication with healthcare providers and potentially reducing emergency room visits.

The RESPONSe program, developed over three years with funding from the British Columbia Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, reflects a growing trend in telemedicine that emphasizes proactive patient care. Dr. Jeremy Ho, a medical oncologist and program lead at Richmond Hospital, stated, "When there’s better communication, patient symptoms are often better and possibly even visits to the emergency room are less." The program aims to bridge the communication gap that often exists between patients and their healthcare teams, particularly for those experiencing the severe side effects of cancer treatment.

Patients enrolled in the program are prompted to complete a survey using their smartphones, tablets, or computers after each chemotherapy session. This survey assesses their physical and mental well-being, allowing nurses to monitor symptoms in real-time. If patients report concerning symptoms, a dedicated nurse can provide immediate assistance, whether through advice, prescriptions, or scheduling follow-up appointments. As of now, 150 patients are actively utilizing the system, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Sydney Cuthill, a 65-year-old patient from Tsawwassen, expressed how the program has significantly impacted her journey with cancer. "This program changed my life," said Cuthill, who has battled cancer for over eight years. "It feels like you have support, whereas before I had no one to be able to call." Cuthill's experience highlights a critical aspect of the program: the emotional support it provides to patients who often feel isolated during their treatment.

The RESPONSe program is designed to operate only during clinic hours, which has been identified as a limitation by Dr. Ho. He noted the potential benefits of expanding the system's availability to 24/7, thus ensuring continuous support for patients. The initiative includes a traditional Chinese language version to cater to the diverse community within Richmond, demonstrating an inclusive approach to healthcare.

The program has already facilitated over 700 phone calls to patients, providing timely interventions that may prevent severe health complications. Dr. Ho described the RESPONSe initiative as a "nurse in a pocket," emphasizing its role in proactive patient care. Previously, patients often delayed seeking help until their symptoms became severe, leading to unnecessary hospital visits.

Despite the program's success, Dr. Ho acknowledged that scaling this initiative across other healthcare facilities would require coordination and support beyond his direct control. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the potential for broader implementation, stating, "With that peace of mind, people can be confident going through treatment, knowing that they’ll get help when they need it."

In conclusion, the RESPONSe program at Richmond Hospital represents a significant advancement in cancer care, effectively utilizing technology to enhance patient monitoring and support. As healthcare continues to evolve towards more patient-centered approaches, Richmond Hospital's initiative may serve as a model for other institutions looking to improve outcomes for cancer patients and beyond.