As modern oncology involves complex management plans, incorporating immunotherapy with unusual side effects and targeted therapy with oral medications, there is an ever increasing need for primary care providers to be intimately involved in oncology care. In addition, patients from rural areas require timely access to both primary and tertiary care closer to home when side effects occur. When primary care providers are expected to manage various general medical issues, it poses significant challenges for them to keep abreast of developments in oncology.

One of the solutions is to embark on shared care models with general practitioners (GPs). Connecting through technology is one option. Urban GPs can be connected with tertiary centres by sharing common electronic medical records. When these are not available, timely transfer of information is important. For rural patients, shared clinics with GPs are feasible using telehealth technologies. In many cancer centres and private sector, these clinics are part of routine business, using web based and traditional videoconferencing technologies. Shared clinics can serve as professional development activities and case based discussions for improving knowledge while fostering relationships between oncologists and GPs. A true multidisciplinary shared care is a reality in telehealth when allied health and nursing professionals are involved in care.

Shared telehealth consultations are suitable for new cases, urgent reviews, follow up and survivorship care and are funded for specialists and GPs by Medicare. However, not all the system can be connected by EMRs, and internet connectivity can be patchy in some areas.