Telenutrition in oncology: A novel model of care in a geographically diverse network.

43Background: Telehealth is growing as a way for qualified providers to reach patients closer to home. Dietitians have been using telephone counseling to support cancer patients for years, but recently consults via videoconference have emerged to better duplicate in office, face-to-face service. Telenutritionallows Registered Dietitians (RDs)who are also Certified Oncology Specialists in Nutrition (CSOs) to provide patients consults at their regular medical oncologist’s office. As part of its goal to provide expert care to oncology patients in regional settings, genetics counselors, social workers, and Palliative Care providers at Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) are currently using a telehealth model to provide services traditionally available only in metro areas. Methods: RDs located within the LCI Network receive consults from regional sites in NC based on established criteria. LCI RDs use Vidyo to teleconference between LCI locations to meet with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team to establish...