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Virtual Visits for Children with Cancer

ByLaura Kopp, BSN, RN

A Guide for Families – Virtual Visits

Telemedicine, including virtual visits, has become a valuable resource in pediatric cancer care, offering a convenient way to stay connected with your child’s healthcare team. Virtual visits are one type of telemedicine service that uses video or phone technology to conduct appointments remotely from the comfort of your home. They can reduce travel time, limit your child’s exposure to germs, and make it easier to receive answers to your questions. Because virtual visits differ from in-person appointments, it can be normal to feel unsure about what to expect. Whether you are new to virtual visits or want to make them more effective, this article offers practical suggestions to help you feel ready and confident.

Before the Visit

A little preparation can make a big difference. Getting everything set up ahead of time can reduce stress and ensure the visit runs as smoothly as possible.

Choose Your Location: Picking the right spot for your child’s virtual visit can create a calm environment and allow for focused discussions with the healthcare provider.

  • Find a quiet, private location where you can discuss confidential health information without disruptions. Consider using your bedroom, home office, or a quiet corner with minimal distractions. Try to avoid attending a virtual visit on the go, such as while driving or running errands.
  • If the visit will be conducted using video, keep lighting in mind. Natural daylight or a lamp positioned behind your device can make it easier for the provider to see you and your child clearly while on camera.
  • Ensure the spot you choose is comfortable enough for both you and your child to sit through the duration of the visit.

Prepare Your Space: For video visits, setting up your spot ahead of time can make the experience feel more seamless.

  • Place your device on a sturdy, stable surface so the video remains steady.
  • Set up chairs for you and your child so you are both visible and centered on screen.
  • Position the camera of your device at eye level.

Check Your Technology: To reduce the possibility of technical issues, prepare your setup in advance. Consider testing your technology by calling a family member or friend to make sure everything is functioning correctly.

  • Download any applications provided by your child’s healthcare team that may be required for the visit. If you are unsure what is needed to connect to the appointment, check in with the healthcare provider’s office ahead of time to ask.
  • Test your microphone and speakers or earphones to ensure they are working properly.
  • Adjust the volume as needed so you can hear well.
  • Plug in your device or make sure it is fully charged.
  • Verify that your internet connection is stable.

Gather Necessary Items: Before the visit begins, set aside any materials you may need during it, such as:

  • A list of your child’s current medications, including dosages and frequencies, or have the actual bottles available.
  • Notes on any symptoms or concerns.
  • Questions you want to ask the healthcare provider.
  • Any recent test results or hospital paperwork.
  • Your pharmacy contact information in case of medication changes.
  • A paper and pen to take notes as needed during the appointment.
  • A favorite toy or comfort item for your child in case they need it for support.

Limit Distractions: Minimize potential disruptions so you can fully pay attention during the visit.

  • Silence cellphone notifications.
  • Turn off televisions, music, or loud appliances.
  • Close unnecessary browser tabs or applications on your device.
  • Ask other family members to allow you uninterrupted time.
  • Place pets in a separate room.

Manage Expectations: Letting your child know what to expect can reduce anxiety and build trust. Spend a few minutes preparing them for the visit.

  • Describe to your child in age-appropriate terms what will happen during the visit. For example, you might say, “We are going to talk to your doctor on the computer so they can see how you are doing.”
  • Explain if they will need to speak, show something (such as a rash), or just be nearby in case they are needed. Inform them that their healthcare provider may ask them questions.
  • Share how long the visit may take and what they can do while waiting, especially if only part of the appointment involves them.
  • Offer them a way to feel comfortable during the visit, like letting them choose a toy to bring or an activity to do after their part is finished.

Sign on Early: Giving yourself extra time before the appointment starts can give you a chance to catch any technical problems and ensure you are ready on time.

  • Log in to the appointment 15 minutes early.
  • Use the extra time to double-check your camera, audio, and internet.
  • Be aware that you may be placed into a virtual waiting room, hear hold music, or experience a brief delay before the provider joins.
  • If you run into a technical issue, contact the healthcare provider’s office right away. They may be able to assist with troubleshooting, offer an alternative, or reschedule if needed.

During the Visit

Staying engaged and organized during the appointment can help you get the most out of it. A few simple strategies can lead to a more productive visit and ensure your concerns are fully addressed.

Communicate Clearly: Speak slowly and clearly, and try to be as specific as you can when discussing your child’s symptoms and concerns. If your child has a visible symptom, such as swelling, sores, or redness, you can show it to the provider using the camera. It may also be beneficial to have a photo available in case the video quality is poor.

Ask Questions and Take Notes:If something is unclear, ask for clarification. Take notes as you go so you remember important information, or ask if a summary will be sent to you afterward.

Stay Flexible: Healthcare providers may sometimes run late, just like with in-person appointments. Staying patient can reduce stress during delays. Technical issues may also arise, such as audio cutting out or the video freezing. If you experience problems with technology during a virtual visit, remain calm and work with your child’s provider to resolve them. You may be able to switch to another method, such as a phone call, if needed.

After the Visit

Once the visit ends, take some time to review any notes and confirm the next steps. Being proactive will help keep your child’s care on track.

Review Your Notes: Look over any information you wrote down during the visit, such as important takeaways, instructions, or concerns discussed.

Determine Next Steps: Make sure you understand the plan moving forward, including the timing of the next appointment, if lab work is required, and whether any medication changes have been made.

Clarify As Needed: If something is still unclear or was missed, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider to further discuss it. It is okay to follow up after the visit to make sure you have the information and support you need.

Continuing the Journey with Confidence

Telemedicine makes it easier to stay in touch with your child’s healthcare team regardless of distance. With a little bit of preparation and patience, you can take full advantage of virtual visits during your child’s treatment journey. Use these tips to feel equipped and ready going into virtual visits, knowing that they are only one of many tools to support your child’s health. Your child’s healthcare team is there to support you and your child, whether through a screen or across the exam room. The Sassy Carmen Foundation is also here to provide guidance and encouragement whenever you may need us.

References

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. (2020, June 23). Telemedicine checklist: 3 steps to prepare for your virtual visit. AACE. https://www.aace.com/trending-topics/patient-news/telemedicine-checklist-3-steps-prepare-your-virtual-visit

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, June 4). How to prepare families for a telehealth visit. https://www.aap.org/en/practice-management/care-delivery-approaches/telehealth/how-to-prepare-families-for-a-telehealth-visit/?srsltid=AfmBOoqnXordGZjZ1BPpZObem-em12Qx1E0d1D7iJSe9gpgp14eiYNIQ

Fitzgerald, M. J., Thompson, L. A., & Paradise-Black, N. M. (2021). What to expect at a pediatric telemedicine visit. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(11), 1192. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.2284

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Telehealth: What it is, how to prepare, and what it covers. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medical-care-and-appointments/telehealth-what-it-how-prepare-it-covered

Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (2020, October 1). 5 tips to help you prepare for a telehealth visit. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/10/5-tips-to-help-you-prepare-for-a-telehealth-visit

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, August 16). What happens after my telehealth visit? Telehealth.HHS.gov. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/what-happens-after-my-telehealth-visit

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2025, July 29). What should I know before my telehealth visit? Telehealth.HHS.gov. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/what-should-i-know-before-my-telehealth-visit

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