Exploring how telehealth can improve cancer care for older patients at risk of health disparities

Project 2: The Intersection of Telehealth and Health Disparities in At-Risk Older Patients with Cancer

NIH-funded research San Diego State University · NIH-10931513

This study is looking at how using telehealth can help older cancer patients, especially those who might face challenges like being from different backgrounds or having lower incomes, get the care they need after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it wants to make sure that this way of getting care is just as safe and effective as visiting a doctor in person.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSan Diego State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931513 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of telehealth in delivering cancer care to older patients who may face health disparities, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand how telehealth can be equitably implemented to enhance access to care for vulnerable populations, including non-White, low-income, and non-English speaking individuals. The study will evaluate the safety and quality of telehealth compared to traditional in-person visits, focusing on the experiences and perceptions of both patients and providers. By addressing these disparities, the research seeks to ensure that telehealth does not inadvertently widen existing gaps in cancer care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older cancer patients, particularly those from non-White, low-income, or non-English speaking backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to telehealth technology or those who are not at risk for health disparities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to cancer care for at-risk older patients, ultimately reducing health disparities.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in using telehealth to improve access to care, but this specific focus on health disparities in cancer care is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.