Abstract CN60
Background
Thanks to the development of more sensitive diagnostic techniques, new drugs and palliative care the survival of cancer patients has raised. In parallel, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments have increasingly been administered on an outpatient basis to optimize health care resources. As a result, more patients experience treatment-related side effects at home. Objective: To analyze the topic of continuity of care among cancer patients and which organizational strategies can be adopted to ensure it.
Methods
A literature review was conducted from March 2019 to March 2020 in the databases of Pubmed, PDQ-Evidence, Cochrane, Cinahl.
Results
21 studies were selected: 5 systematic reviews with meta-analysis, 12 systematic reviews, 1 literary review, 2 RCTs, 1 case study mix-method. From data examination three kinds of organizational strategies emerge: encouraging the role of the nurse in the healthcare pathway (Specialist Nurse, Nurse Case Manager…) and the use of supporting tools (e.g., supportive care plan) (6 studies); implementing specific organizational models in healthcare setting (Acute Oncology Service, PCOC…) (5 studies); developing of telemedicine (cancer helpline, tailor-made smartphone apps…) (9 studies). The review of Lash et al. (2017) focuses across all areas.
Conclusions
The review suggests that ensuring continuity of care among cancer patients could potentially improve their symptoms management and satisfaction on healthcare facilities and contain costs, avoiding for example improper ED visits and hospital readmissions. It’s essential to invest in training professionals who must acquire skills to educate patients on the timely recognition and management of complications and the correct use of health care services. The nurse plays a key role as he is involved in all healthcare settings to plan and integrate every steps of the care pathway. Implementing specific organizational models, with the help of telemedicine and other supporting tools could ease this process.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The author.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.