Congress Abstracts 2006

35

THE ROLE OF THE ONCOLOGY NURSE CASE MANAGER IN FACILITATING INTER-HOSPITAL TRANSFERS. Kathy Rogala-Scherer, RN, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY.

The demand for inpatient beds frequently outpaces the supply at a freestanding NCI designated comprehensive cancer center.

The purpose of this abstract is to discuss nurse case manager driven solutions focused on enhancing capacity and maximizing resource utilization

The oncology nurse case manager obtains information from the hospital requesting patient transfer. This information includes insurance, demographics, history and physical and pertinent clinical information supporting a malignant diagnosis. Evaluates information supplied by the requesting hospital and reviews with the accepting oncologist and with the intensivist if a critical care bed is indicated. Does not review transfers occurring after 5 pm on weekends, or on holidays. Data for these cases are analyzed and compared with those reviewed by the oncology nurse case manager to determine variance in outcomes.

Patients reviewed have more predictable, and often better outcomes due to careful screening that ensures access to all required resources. Bed utilization and availability is improved for those patients who both require the specialized services of a comprehensive cancer center and are able to physically tolerate therapeutic interventions including surgery and/or chemotherapy. The process of screening patients who either are not medically stable or who do not require the specialized resources available at a cancer center makes it more likely that beds are available for those that do.

Given the likelihood of a persistent inpatient bed shortage, strategies to improve utilization by those most likely to benefit will result in increased satisfaction for patients and providers.