Virtual symptom monitoring brings peace of mind at home for chemotherapy patients
Feeling supported doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. New ways of monitoring symptoms are helping chemotherapy patients feel cared for at home.
When patients begin chemotherapy, they often prepare for the physical side effects and the uncertainty that come once they return home. Through RESPONSe, a virtual symptom monitoring program, we are helping patients feel more supported and connected throughout their treatment.
RESPONSe links patients receiving IV chemotherapy with their care team after they leave the hospital. Using a mobile app or desktop portal, patients complete simple health check-ins from home and receive timely, personalized guidance from a nurse. When needed, the clinic team follows up directly to provide additional support.
For Sydney Cuthill, who has been navigating cancer care for eight years, the difference was immediate. After starting another round of chemotherapy last year, she experienced a level of reassurance she hadn’t felt before.
“It’s night and day,” says Sydney. “The home monitoring made all the difference. I once called with a quick question and the nurses offered several helpful suggestions. It was excellent.”
RESPONSe was developed by the cancer care team at Richmond Hospital to take a more proactive approach to symptom management.
“Good communication and early symptom management can go a long way toward helping patients feel better and avoid complications,” says Dr. Jeremy Ho, Medical Oncologist at Richmond Hospital and Medical Lead for the project.
By making it easier for patients to connect with their care team and receive trusted advice early, the program helps people feel more confident at home, often preventing complications and reducing unnecessary emergency department visits.
Launched in 2024, RESPONSe is the first program of its kind for cancer care in British Columbia. Funded by the Ministry of Health, Richmond Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) and industry partners, the program is already showing positive results. Early data points to improved patient outcomes, and 90 per cent of participants say they would recommend the service to others. A Traditional Chinese version is also available to improve access for more patients and families.
By listening to patients, families and care teams, we continue to turn ideas into meaningful improvements. RESPONSe reflects our commitment to research and innovation, and to delivering care that supports patients not only in hospital, but at home, where peace of mind matters most.
