Telehealth methods to improve cancer care
Research and Methods Core
This project develops and tries new telehealth approaches to make cancer care easier to access and more effective for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the Penn TRACE methods team will develop and try new telehealth ways to make cancer care easier to reach and use, using ideas from communication science and behavioral economics. They will run quick, real-world tests and mixed-methods studies such as interviews, surveys, and clinic data reviews to learn which approaches work and why. The work will span the cancer care journey—from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up—and focus on ensuring telehealth reduces, not increases, gaps in access. Results will guide clinics inside and beyond Penn on better ways to deliver remote visits and patient support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer at any stage who use or could use telehealth services, especially those who face challenges getting in-person care, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who require hands-on in-person procedures or who have no access to a phone or internet may not benefit directly from telehealth innovations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make remote appointments and follow-up more effective and easier to use, especially for patients who face travel or scheduling barriers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous telehealth programs in oncology have shown promise for symptom monitoring and follow-up, but this core applies new communication and behavioral methods to improve effectiveness and equity.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rendle, Katharine a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rendle, Katharine a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.