Telehealth for patients and carers

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Your cancer treatment team may be offering you appointments by phone or video instead of face-to-face. These are both types of telehealth. You can still use an interpreter for telehealth appointments if you want to.  

 

Telehealth Appointments and Cancer - Easy Read

Download our Easy Read fact sheet to learn more.

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Before your telehealth appointment   

 

Check with your health professional if you can see scan or test results.   

Let your health service know if you:   

  • are hard of hearing   

  • need an interpreter  

Make sure you;   

  • read any instructions   

  • have a list of questions prepared   

  • have the email address for your local pharmacy so if you need a prescription your doctor can email the pharmacy any prescriptions.   

  • have a support person (e.g. friend or relative) with you if needed   

  • find a quiet place so you won’t be interrupted and make sure you don’t have a window or light behind you   

  • do not have your mobile phone on silent   

  • turn your microphone on (off mute) and your camera is on if you’re using a laptop or tablet (iPad)   

  • set up the screen so you have your face and shoulders in view   

  • rest your screen on something so you don’t have to hold it. This will make it easier for you to concentrate on the call and will also free your hands to write any notes.   

  • connect a few minutes before your appointment time so you can check everything is working ok.  

During the appointment      

  • look at the screen 

  • speak slowly  

  • take it in turns to speak one at a time   

  • if you get cut off, wait for a phone call from your health professional   

  • write down any instructions and what you need to do next.   

  • ask all your questions   

  • ask your doctor if they can share their screen with you when they are going through test or scan results.   

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits?

What appointments are best for telehealth?

What do I need?

Can I ask for a face-to-face appointment?

How much will it cost?

Can I have a support person with me for the appointment?

 

Telehealth patient fact sheet

Practical telehealth advice for patients and carers

Download now  

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Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse