Three Reasons MPN Patients and Their Families Should Continue Telemedicine

Three Reasons MPN Patients and Their Families Should Continue Telemedicine

What are some reasons why MPN patients and families should continue to use telemedicine visits? In the “Should MPN Patients and Their Families Continue Telemedicine?” program, expert Dr. Kristen Pettit from Rogel Cancer Center shares three ways myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients and families can benefit from continuing to use telemedicine for care.

1. Access to Care

One of the most impactful benefits to patients from the COVID-19 pandemic has been the emergence of telemedicine. Telemedicine has brought improved access to MPN experts, care teams, and specialty cancer centers via smartphone, tablet, or computer to broaden expert care for patients and care partners. Many family members or friends can now join telemedicine visits to help ask questions and to take notes for more engaged patient care.

2. Safety and Travel Benefits

The use of telemedicine has also brought safety and travel benefits. Patients and care partners have reduced the amount of time they spend in clinics and waiting rooms. Their risk of infection with viruses, bacteria, and other illnesses has been decreased when some of their MPN care appointments can be carried out remotely. And reduced travel to appointments helps patients and care partners in lowering  travel costs and stress related to commuting or scheduling rides.

3. Remote Monitoring

MPN patients must also empower themselves to keep track of their health concerns to ensure their remote monitoring is reported accurately. Patients and care partners can monitor any weight changes, enlargement or feeling of fullness with their spleen, feeling overly tired or fatigued, and other symptoms their care provider has mentioned as symptoms to be aware of. If you have any questions about symptoms, make sure to ask your doctor.

By continuing to take advantage of telemedicine, MPN patients and care partners can reap the benefits of remote care paired with in-person visits as advised by your doctor. If you’d like to expand your knowledge, check out our MPN information.