As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the definitions and frameworks that guide our practice. The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) definition of team-based care has long served as a foundation in healthcare, emphasizing collaborative, patient-centered support from multidisciplinary teams. This approach has become especially important in oncology, where complex patient needs require a coordinated, compassionate response from diverse medical professionals. But in a world where technology enables new forms of connection and care, it’s time to expand our definition of team-based care. Today, we have the unique opportunity to extend care beyond clinic walls, embracing on-demand and at-home capabilities that offer patients the right support at the right time—no matter where they are.
Revisiting the IOM’s Definition in Modern Healthcare
The IOM’s definition of team-based care was a landmark in medicine, a shift towards collaboration and integration. This approach reshaped healthcare delivery, encouraging specialists, primary care providers, nurses, and support staff to work together, placing the patient at the center of coordinated care efforts. However, this model, as comprehensive as it is, was built with clinical settings in mind—settings that traditionally required patients to come to us.
For many patients, particularly those managing chronic illnesses or undergoing cancer treatment, this expectation can become a burden. In oncology, the journey is often marked by physically demanding treatments and emotional challenges. Patients deserve the option to receive care in ways that respect not only their medical needs but also their comfort, their routines, and their dignity. And that’s where virtual, on-demand, at-home care capabilities come in.
Embracing Virtual and At-Home Capabilities in Oncology
When the pandemic forced rapid adoption of telemedicine, it revealed the immense potential of virtual care in meeting patients’ needs. But beyond the pandemic, virtual and at-home care have continued to show their power, particularly in oncology. These capabilities provide patients with on-demand access to their care team, allowing for immediate intervention, symptom monitoring, and support—all without requiring them to leave their homes.
Imagine a patient undergoing chemotherapy who suddenly experiences unexpected symptoms. Rather than rushing to an emergency room or waiting for an in-clinic appointment, this patient can connect with an oncology-trained APP, RN, or MA via SMS text, phone call, or video. The patient can receive guidance, discuss symptoms, and receive timely advice or even necessary prescriptions without ever stepping foot in a clinic. This is what team-based care looks like when it’s expanded to include virtual and at-home touchpoints: a network of care that meets patients where they are, physically and emotionally.
These tools aren’t only convenient—they are life-changing. By reducing unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations, virtual and at-home care options help preserve patients’ strength and well-being. They reduce physical strain and mental stress. In the realm of oncology, where each patient’s journey is deeply personal and often challenging, having access to care from the comfort of home can make all the difference.
The Role of Empathy and Intimacy in a Digitally Expanded Care Team
Critically, while virtual capabilities add incredible flexibility, they should never compromise the quality of human connection. I’ve often spoken about the need for empathy, trust, and intimacy in healthcare. These values form the foundation of patient care, particularly for those navigating the complexities of cancer. Technology is a powerful enabler, but it must be used thoughtfully, with an understanding that what patients need most is to feel cared for—not just managed.
In oncology, virtual and tech-based options don’t replace in-person interactions; they augment them. These touchpoints are guided by the same care philosophy we bring to clinical settings. Team members interacting with patients virtually still bring empathy to every conversation, recognizing that the reassurance of a familiar voice or a compassionate response can make patients feel just as connected, just as supported, as if they were in the room. It’s about using technology not as a barrier but as a bridge—enhancing accessibility while maintaining the trust and intimacy that define quality care.
Moving Forward with a Redefined, More Inclusive Team-Based Care
We now have the tools to redefine team-based care in a way that more fully supports patients on their terms. We must broaden the IOM’s definition to include care team members who provide virtual and on-demand support, recognizing that these interactions are equally essential components of a cohesive, patient-centered approach.
Healthcare is at its best when it’s flexible, adaptable, and sensitive to the evolving needs of patients. In expanding team-based care to include virtual and at-home capabilities, we aren’t just following technological trends; we’re responding to what patients have told us matters most to them. We’re honoring their need for comfort and convenience without sacrificing the compassion and personalized support they deserve.
The next era of team-based care isn’t just about assembling a group of skilled professionals; it’s about building a connected care ecosystem that reaches patients wherever they are. In doing so, we can continue to bring humanity, empathy, and hope to our work—whether at the bedside, over a video call, or through a home visit.
As we look ahead, let’s embrace this expanded vision of team-based care, one that respects the IOM’s legacy while responding to the possibilities of today’s world. Together, we can build a model that meets patients in every sense—physically, emotionally, and compassionately—empowering them to navigate their journey with strength, support, and peace of mind.
About Reimagine Care
Reimagine Care partners with cancer providers to deliver on-demand, technology-enabled virtual care, enhancing the practice of oncology while transforming the patient treatment experience. By integrating AI-powered virtual support, evidence-based care pathways, digital monitoring, and 24/7 access to clinical oncology experts, we extend care beyond the clinic—reducing avoidable emergency visits, improving patient outcomes, and empowering providers to deliver high-quality, coordinated cancer care.
We believe people living with cancer deserve a better experience—one that prioritizes their well-being, keeps them connected to their care team, and enables them to spend more time doing what they love. Our innovative approach helps health systems and oncology practices succeed in both fee-for-service and value-based care models, making cancer care more accessible, affordable, and patient-centered.
Empowering Cancer Providers. Transforming Patient Outcomes.