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Care coordination for radiation oncology patients who transfer care from New York to New Jersey
Thesis   Open access

Care coordination for radiation oncology patients who transfer care from New York to New Jersey

Rita Babu
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
31 May 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001993
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Abstract

Ambulatory medical care Continuum of care Workflow--Management
Problem: Nurses in an ambulatory cancer clinic, radiation department in New Jersey, were dissatisfied with the transfer process for patients who transferred care from a facility in New York to New Jersey. One reason for this dissatisfaction was some patients would be unprepared to start treatment on the scheduled date and time, causing disruption in the clinic workflow. Aim: The aim of the project was to improve care coordination for patients who transfer radiation treatment from New York to New Jersey. Design: The design mechanism to achieve this aim was interpersonal communication, an integral component of care coordination. The study nurse tracked and called transferred patients prior to the start of radiation treatment in New Jersey. Patients were asked five questions to determine readiness to start radiation. Phone calls were documented in the electronic health record (EHR). Radiation department nurses received a pre and post intervention survey. Results: Eighty-seven percent of patients received a phone call prior to start of treatment. Two post intervention surveys were returned. One respondent was satisfied, and the other somewhat satisfied with the transfer process. Both surveys included recommendations to improve the transfer process. Analysis: Phone conversations with patients revealed themes including need for information about side effects of treatment and management of side effects. Clinical Implications: Recommendations included (a) closed loop communication during handoff at the start of the transfer process; (b) efficient tracking of transfer patients using EHR; (c) implementation of an educational video as recommended in the nurse post survey.

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