Virtual cancer follow-up at CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is a leading-edge initiative that offers a safe alternative to traditional hospitalization at a hematologic oncology unit. Instead of staying in hospital for two to three weeks, eligible patients may receive care in the comfort of their own home while still being considered hospitalized. A team of hematology oncology nurses provides 24-hour virtual monitoring, using connected objects to transmit vital signs in real time. Three video calls and a daily phone call complete the process. In the event of complications at home, rapid readmission mechanisms enable patients to return directly to a dedicated hematology-oncology bed. This avoids the need to go through the emergency department.

Virtual cancer care follow-ups have been rolled out in response to significant hospital capacity issues, the implementation of increasingly complex treatments requiring closer monitoring, and the desire to improve the user experience. Three treatment trajectories are currently proposed: autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT), CAR-T cell therapy and bispecific antibodies.

Between March and December 2025, 25 patients received virtual cancer care follow-ups. For certain treatments, the hospital stay was reduced from 16 days to zero in 88% of cases. The satisfaction rate of patients and their caregivers exceeded 90%. This model of care, which leverages cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise, will define the future of oncology in Quebec.

Lead:
David Lepage, Executive Advisor, Nursing

Contributors:
Béatrice De Nkamba Hodonou, Head, Outpatient Oncology Clinics
Ali Marie-Pier Molloy, Executive Advisor, Nursing – Medical (Interim)
Armel Lonfis, Oncology Clinical Administrative Coordinator – Operations
Francine Grondin, Nurse and Project Manager, Virtual Cancer Follow-Up
Leila Akretche, Head, 5CD Unit – Hematologic Oncology
Isabelle Cornoyer, Head, Hematologic Oncology and Cellular Therapy Institute