Digital technologies are a critical tool for improving access to cancer care across Australia, with the use of digital technologies and virtual care having increased exponentially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology and virtual care have the potential to play a significant role in reducing the barriers to cancer care for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to support communities across the cancer care continuum and reduce enduring inequalities and inequities.[150]

The utilisation of virtual care across the cancer care continuum allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to receive cancer care on Country and/or close to home. In addition to receiving cancer care on Country, virtual care allows for consumers to have greater access to multidisciplinary cancer teams, and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare workers, as well as to connect via technology with family and community during treatment and care.

Increasing access to additional healthcare workers allows for more translators, increases consumer options for culturally safe and holistic care, and increases consumer supportive care service and personal support networks. As the technology rapidly develops, there is a need to co-design culturally safe models of virtual cancer care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.[151]

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who engage with virtual care from a regional or remote setting, the benefits of receiving cancer care on Country surrounded by their kinship and support networks are immense.[152] However, strong consideration must be given to those who cannot access technology and virtual care due to a lack of affordability, workforce, digital infrastructure, connectivity, or other means, as well as those who choose not to access these services.

While there are many benefits of virtual cancer care, individuals should be provided with the option of in-person cancer care to ensure appropriate choice is afforded to everyone’s cancer journey. To address inequities, expansion of these virtual services must be paired with support to develop digital and health literacy skills and the development of physical services to address the needs of those who cannot, or choose not to, access virtual care. Consideration must also be given to the carers and families who may feel excluded from the care giving and care options must look to include these supports where possible.

This action should build on and align to:

• Action 4.2.3 Identify opportunities to improve equitable cancer care through the digital health ecosystem
• Action 4.5.2 Expand access to digitally enabled cancer care to improve equity and access to quality cancer care, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031[133]
• National Agreement on Closing the Gap[8] in working towards achieving the Closing the Gap targets.