Program Profile

Background

Due to risk for infusion-related reactions (IRR), administration of iron dextran requires an initial test dose with an extended monitoring period and subsequent doses given as a slow infusion over 2-3 hours. Safe use of a 60-minute iron dextran infusion protocol has been demonstrated previously at fully staffed academic teaching institutions. This study sought to determine the impact on patient safety and infusion clinic efficiency after implementing a 60-minute iron dextran administration protocol at a small, rural facility utilizing a decentralized clinical model.

Methods

This single-site, prospective, interventional study was conducted at a rural level 1C Veterans Affairs secondary care facility. The Hematology/Oncology clinic staffing includes one onsite clinical pharmacy practitioner (CPP) and advanced practice nurse. Remote providers complete patient encounters through video and telehealth modalities. A 60-minute iron dextran infusion service line agreement was designed by the Hematology/Oncology CPP and approved by the facility prior to data collection. The protocol included administration of a test dose and 15-minute monitoring period for treatment naïve patients. Pre-medications were allowed at the discretion of the ordering providers. All patients who received iron dextran between May 31, 2024 and April 14, 2025 per protocol were included in data analysis and results were stratified by treatment naïve and pre-treated patients. Outcomes included the proportion of patients experiencing any grade of IRR based on the Common Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0, and the average duration of administration. Descriptive statistics were used for safety and efficiency outcomes.

Results

Eighty patients received 103 iron dextran infusions and were included for analysis. Pre-medications were administered for 16 of the 103 (15.5%) included infusions. Two patients experienced grade 1 IRR (nausea) on 4 occasions (3.8%) which quickly resolved with intravenous ondansetron, and full iron dextran doses were received. The mean infusion time was 94 minutes in the treatment naïve cohort vs 71 minutes in the pre-treated cohort.

Conclusions

This study suggests a Hematology/ Oncology CPP developed iron dextran 60-minute infusion protocol may be safely and efficiently administered for qualifying patients in a decentralized, rural healthcare setting.

Background

Due to risk for infusion-related reactions (IRR), administration of iron dextran requires an initial test dose with an extended monitoring period and subsequent doses given as a slow infusion over 2-3 hours. Safe use of a 60-minute iron dextran infusion protocol has been demonstrated previously at fully staffed academic teaching institutions. This study sought to determine the impact on patient safety and infusion clinic efficiency after implementing a 60-minute iron dextran administration protocol at a small, rural facility utilizing a decentralized clinical model.

Methods

This single-site, prospective, interventional study was conducted at a rural level 1C Veterans Affairs secondary care facility. The Hematology/Oncology clinic staffing includes one onsite clinical pharmacy practitioner (CPP) and advanced practice nurse. Remote providers complete patient encounters through video and telehealth modalities. A 60-minute iron dextran infusion service line agreement was designed by the Hematology/Oncology CPP and approved by the facility prior to data collection. The protocol included administration of a test dose and 15-minute monitoring period for treatment naïve patients. Pre-medications were allowed at the discretion of the ordering providers. All patients who received iron dextran between May 31, 2024 and April 14, 2025 per protocol were included in data analysis and results were stratified by treatment naïve and pre-treated patients. Outcomes included the proportion of patients experiencing any grade of IRR based on the Common Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0, and the average duration of administration. Descriptive statistics were used for safety and efficiency outcomes.

Results

Eighty patients received 103 iron dextran infusions and were included for analysis. Pre-medications were administered for 16 of the 103 (15.5%) included infusions. Two patients experienced grade 1 IRR (nausea) on 4 occasions (3.8%) which quickly resolved with intravenous ondansetron, and full iron dextran doses were received. The mean infusion time was 94 minutes in the treatment naïve cohort vs 71 minutes in the pre-treated cohort.

Conclusions

This study suggests a Hematology/ Oncology CPP developed iron dextran 60-minute infusion protocol may be safely and efficiently administered for qualifying patients in a decentralized, rural healthcare setting.

Background

Due to risk for infusion-related reactions (IRR), administration of iron dextran requires an initial test dose with an extended monitoring period and subsequent doses given as a slow infusion over 2-3 hours. Safe use of a 60-minute iron dextran infusion protocol has been demonstrated previously at fully staffed academic teaching institutions. This study sought to determine the impact on patient safety and infusion clinic efficiency after implementing a 60-minute iron dextran administration protocol at a small, rural facility utilizing a decentralized clinical model.

Methods

This single-site, prospective, interventional study was conducted at a rural level 1C Veterans Affairs secondary care facility. The Hematology/Oncology clinic staffing includes one onsite clinical pharmacy practitioner (CPP) and advanced practice nurse. Remote providers complete patient encounters through video and telehealth modalities. A 60-minute iron dextran infusion service line agreement was designed by the Hematology/Oncology CPP and approved by the facility prior to data collection. The protocol included administration of a test dose and 15-minute monitoring period for treatment naïve patients. Pre-medications were allowed at the discretion of the ordering providers. All patients who received iron dextran between May 31, 2024 and April 14, 2025 per protocol were included in data analysis and results were stratified by treatment naïve and pre-treated patients. Outcomes included the proportion of patients experiencing any grade of IRR based on the Common Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0, and the average duration of administration. Descriptive statistics were used for safety and efficiency outcomes.

Results

Eighty patients received 103 iron dextran infusions and were included for analysis. Pre-medications were administered for 16 of the 103 (15.5%) included infusions. Two patients experienced grade 1 IRR (nausea) on 4 occasions (3.8%) which quickly resolved with intravenous ondansetron, and full iron dextran doses were received. The mean infusion time was 94 minutes in the treatment naïve cohort vs 71 minutes in the pre-treated cohort.

Conclusions

This study suggests a Hematology/ Oncology CPP developed iron dextran 60-minute infusion protocol may be safely and efficiently administered for qualifying patients in a decentralized, rural healthcare setting.

Purpose/Background

Palliative care referrals are recommended for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer to enhance patient and caregiver outcomes. However, challenges like delays or lack of referrals hinder implementation. This study identified rate of palliative care referrals at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida; explored potential barriers to referral, and implemented targeted interventions to improve referral rates and patient outcomes.

Methods

A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was used for this quality improvement project. Data was collected from electronic medical record, focusing on consult dates, patient demographics, and reasons for seeking palliative care. Pre-intervention surveys were administered to Hematology-Oncology fellows at the institution to identify barriers to referral. Following a root cause analysis, a targeted intervention was developed, focusing on educational programs for fellows for streamlined referral processes.

Results

Before the intervention, monthly average for palliative care consults was low (3-8, typically 5). Pre-intervention surveys revealed that fellows lacked knowledge about palliative care resources, which contributed to low referral rates. To address this issue, a didactic session led by a palliative care specialist was conducted for the fellows in the fellowship program. This session provided education on the role of palliative care, how to initiate referrals, and the benefits of early involvement of palliative care teams in oncology patient management. Post-intervention surveys showed a marked improvement in fellows’ confidence regarding identification of patients suitable for palliative care. Following the session, 90% (9/10) of fellows reported being “very likely” to consult palliative care more often and 80% (8/10) indicated they were “very likely” to initiate palliative care discussions earlier in patient’s disease trajectory, with the remaining 20% (2/10) reporting a neutral stance. All fellows (100%) agreed that earlier palliative care involvement improves patient outcomes.

Implications/Significance

This PDSA cycle demonstrated that targeted education for fellows can increase awareness of palliative care resources and improve referral rates. Future work will focus on reassessing usage of palliative care consults post-intervention to evaluate effects of fellows’ education of appropriate palliative care consultation, make necessary interventions based on data and further evaluate the long-term impact on patient outcomes at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

Purpose/Background

Palliative care referrals are recommended for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer to enhance patient and caregiver outcomes. However, challenges like delays or lack of referrals hinder implementation. This study identified rate of palliative care referrals at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida; explored potential barriers to referral, and implemented targeted interventions to improve referral rates and patient outcomes.

Methods

A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was used for this quality improvement project. Data was collected from electronic medical record, focusing on consult dates, patient demographics, and reasons for seeking palliative care. Pre-intervention surveys were administered to Hematology-Oncology fellows at the institution to identify barriers to referral. Following a root cause analysis, a targeted intervention was developed, focusing on educational programs for fellows for streamlined referral processes.

Results

Before the intervention, monthly average for palliative care consults was low (3-8, typically 5). Pre-intervention surveys revealed that fellows lacked knowledge about palliative care resources, which contributed to low referral rates. To address this issue, a didactic session led by a palliative care specialist was conducted for the fellows in the fellowship program. This session provided education on the role of palliative care, how to initiate referrals, and the benefits of early involvement of palliative care teams in oncology patient management. Post-intervention surveys showed a marked improvement in fellows’ confidence regarding identification of patients suitable for palliative care. Following the session, 90% (9/10) of fellows reported being “very likely” to consult palliative care more often and 80% (8/10) indicated they were “very likely” to initiate palliative care discussions earlier in patient’s disease trajectory, with the remaining 20% (2/10) reporting a neutral stance. All fellows (100%) agreed that earlier palliative care involvement improves patient outcomes.

Implications/Significance

This PDSA cycle demonstrated that targeted education for fellows can increase awareness of palliative care resources and improve referral rates. Future work will focus on reassessing usage of palliative care consults post-intervention to evaluate effects of fellows’ education of appropriate palliative care consultation, make necessary interventions based on data and further evaluate the long-term impact on patient outcomes at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

Purpose/Background

Palliative care referrals are recommended for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer to enhance patient and caregiver outcomes. However, challenges like delays or lack of referrals hinder implementation. This study identified rate of palliative care referrals at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida; explored potential barriers to referral, and implemented targeted interventions to improve referral rates and patient outcomes.

Methods

A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was used for this quality improvement project. Data was collected from electronic medical record, focusing on consult dates, patient demographics, and reasons for seeking palliative care. Pre-intervention surveys were administered to Hematology-Oncology fellows at the institution to identify barriers to referral. Following a root cause analysis, a targeted intervention was developed, focusing on educational programs for fellows for streamlined referral processes.

Results

Before the intervention, monthly average for palliative care consults was low (3-8, typically 5). Pre-intervention surveys revealed that fellows lacked knowledge about palliative care resources, which contributed to low referral rates. To address this issue, a didactic session led by a palliative care specialist was conducted for the fellows in the fellowship program. This session provided education on the role of palliative care, how to initiate referrals, and the benefits of early involvement of palliative care teams in oncology patient management. Post-intervention surveys showed a marked improvement in fellows’ confidence regarding identification of patients suitable for palliative care. Following the session, 90% (9/10) of fellows reported being “very likely” to consult palliative care more often and 80% (8/10) indicated they were “very likely” to initiate palliative care discussions earlier in patient’s disease trajectory, with the remaining 20% (2/10) reporting a neutral stance. All fellows (100%) agreed that earlier palliative care involvement improves patient outcomes.

Implications/Significance

This PDSA cycle demonstrated that targeted education for fellows can increase awareness of palliative care resources and improve referral rates. Future work will focus on reassessing usage of palliative care consults post-intervention to evaluate effects of fellows’ education of appropriate palliative care consultation, make necessary interventions based on data and further evaluate the long-term impact on patient outcomes at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.

Background

Enhancing symptom assessment and management of patients undergoing cancer treatment presents several challenges, ranging from workflow integration to application of evidenced-based interventions (Minteer, et al., 2023). Previously, our team conducted a VA mixed-methods study and identified a lack of standardized approaches for symptom assessment, lack of technology support to optimize workflows, and the need for adaptable workflows that reflect both facility and patient preferences. In response, the National Oncology Program Office at Palo Alto VA (PAVA) launched the Proactive Patient-Centered Care Program (PPP) to address these care gaps and develop a feasible, replicable, sustainable workflow to guide broader VA-wide implementation based on prior work conducted by the PAVA team (Banks, et al., 2024).

Methods

Prior to launch, the PPP team engaged oncology leadership in VISN21 and VISN22. Long Beach VA (LBVA) was selected as the initial pilot implementation site. A multidisciplinary group from PAVA and LBVA comprised of oncology and palliative care clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, a lay health worker, and project manager guided the workflow adaptations. To support scalability and sustainability, the Empowering Learning, Innovation, and experiences through Implementation of health Informatics (ELIXIR) team designed an electronic health record agnostic technology-enabled tool to support workflow. The group met weekly to bi-monthly over 5 months, virtually and two in-person sessions, to map current practices, co-develop workflows, and identify key decisions regarding patient eligibility criteria, frequency of symptom assessments, triage responsibilities, escalation protocols, and closed-loop communication processes.

Results

A technology-enabled workflow was developed to deploy proactive symptom assessment and management across VA oncology sites with streamlined coordination between peer support staff and clinicians along with technology to support timely interventions.

Conclusions

Process improvement for symptom management requires on the ground adaptation even within an integrated health system like the VA. This initiative underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, sustainability, and technology integration to support long-term intervention fidelity and scalability. The workflow developed will guide the PPP program’s expansion to LBVA, with patient enrollment beginning May 2025. The approach used to develop this workflow will serve as a model for standardizing supportive care processes across the VA to account for local needs.

Background

Enhancing symptom assessment and management of patients undergoing cancer treatment presents several challenges, ranging from workflow integration to application of evidenced-based interventions (Minteer, et al., 2023). Previously, our team conducted a VA mixed-methods study and identified a lack of standardized approaches for symptom assessment, lack of technology support to optimize workflows, and the need for adaptable workflows that reflect both facility and patient preferences. In response, the National Oncology Program Office at Palo Alto VA (PAVA) launched the Proactive Patient-Centered Care Program (PPP) to address these care gaps and develop a feasible, replicable, sustainable workflow to guide broader VA-wide implementation based on prior work conducted by the PAVA team (Banks, et al., 2024).

Methods

Prior to launch, the PPP team engaged oncology leadership in VISN21 and VISN22. Long Beach VA (LBVA) was selected as the initial pilot implementation site. A multidisciplinary group from PAVA and LBVA comprised of oncology and palliative care clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, a lay health worker, and project manager guided the workflow adaptations. To support scalability and sustainability, the Empowering Learning, Innovation, and experiences through Implementation of health Informatics (ELIXIR) team designed an electronic health record agnostic technology-enabled tool to support workflow. The group met weekly to bi-monthly over 5 months, virtually and two in-person sessions, to map current practices, co-develop workflows, and identify key decisions regarding patient eligibility criteria, frequency of symptom assessments, triage responsibilities, escalation protocols, and closed-loop communication processes.

Results

A technology-enabled workflow was developed to deploy proactive symptom assessment and management across VA oncology sites with streamlined coordination between peer support staff and clinicians along with technology to support timely interventions.

Conclusions

Process improvement for symptom management requires on the ground adaptation even within an integrated health system like the VA. This initiative underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, sustainability, and technology integration to support long-term intervention fidelity and scalability. The workflow developed will guide the PPP program’s expansion to LBVA, with patient enrollment beginning May 2025. The approach used to develop this workflow will serve as a model for standardizing supportive care processes across the VA to account for local needs.

Background

Enhancing symptom assessment and management of patients undergoing cancer treatment presents several challenges, ranging from workflow integration to application of evidenced-based interventions (Minteer, et al., 2023). Previously, our team conducted a VA mixed-methods study and identified a lack of standardized approaches for symptom assessment, lack of technology support to optimize workflows, and the need for adaptable workflows that reflect both facility and patient preferences. In response, the National Oncology Program Office at Palo Alto VA (PAVA) launched the Proactive Patient-Centered Care Program (PPP) to address these care gaps and develop a feasible, replicable, sustainable workflow to guide broader VA-wide implementation based on prior work conducted by the PAVA team (Banks, et al., 2024).

Methods

Prior to launch, the PPP team engaged oncology leadership in VISN21 and VISN22. Long Beach VA (LBVA) was selected as the initial pilot implementation site. A multidisciplinary group from PAVA and LBVA comprised of oncology and palliative care clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, a lay health worker, and project manager guided the workflow adaptations. To support scalability and sustainability, the Empowering Learning, Innovation, and experiences through Implementation of health Informatics (ELIXIR) team designed an electronic health record agnostic technology-enabled tool to support workflow. The group met weekly to bi-monthly over 5 months, virtually and two in-person sessions, to map current practices, co-develop workflows, and identify key decisions regarding patient eligibility criteria, frequency of symptom assessments, triage responsibilities, escalation protocols, and closed-loop communication processes.

Results

A technology-enabled workflow was developed to deploy proactive symptom assessment and management across VA oncology sites with streamlined coordination between peer support staff and clinicians along with technology to support timely interventions.

Conclusions

Process improvement for symptom management requires on the ground adaptation even within an integrated health system like the VA. This initiative underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, sustainability, and technology integration to support long-term intervention fidelity and scalability. The workflow developed will guide the PPP program’s expansion to LBVA, with patient enrollment beginning May 2025. The approach used to develop this workflow will serve as a model for standardizing supportive care processes across the VA to account for local needs.

Purpose/Background

The purpose of this project was to understand how implementing a consult template could optimize hematology E-consult evaluation. At the Tampa VA, providers can submit hematology E-consults for interpretation of lab abnormalities and management recommendations that do not require an in-person hematology evaluation. Previously, submission of an E-consult did not require prerequisite labs or imaging or for lab parameters to be met, leading to an increased number of hematology E-consults and subsequently, lower efficiency for hematologists.

Methods

A hematology E-consult template was created through collaboration between the hematology/ oncology and ambulatory care sections, which lists specific diagnoses and required parameters/workup needed for each diagnosis prior to submission of the E-consult. If those criteria were not met, the consult was cancelled. A representative sample of one month pre- and post-implementation data was analyzed.

Results

The E-consult template was implemented in September 2024. From April to August 2024, the average number of E-consults per month was 243, averaging at 11.0 per day, while from October 2024 to February 2025, the average number of E-consults per month was 146.4, averaging at 6.6 per day. In August 2024, the leading reasons for consult were anemia (77), leukocytosis (26), and thrombocytopenia (24). That month, there were 15 consult cancellations, with the primary reason being the patient was established in clinic (9). In October 2024, the leading reasons for consult were anemia (39), leukocytosis (14), and thrombocytopenia (13). That month, there were 34 consult cancellations, with the primary reason being that hematology advised a clinic consultation rather than an E-consult (10).

Implications/Significance

These data reveal that the hematology E-consult template was associated with a decreased number of E-consults per day and per month. Implementation of the hematology E-consult template allows the hematology consultants to focus on interpretation of lab results and providing management recommendations, as opposed to providing standard of care diagnostic recommendations. It also serves as an educational tool to referring providers, to understand appropriate indications for hematology E-consultation. Lastly, the template has created increased efficiency in providing hematology recommendations and ultimately, improved timely care for our veterans.

Purpose/Background

The purpose of this project was to understand how implementing a consult template could optimize hematology E-consult evaluation. At the Tampa VA, providers can submit hematology E-consults for interpretation of lab abnormalities and management recommendations that do not require an in-person hematology evaluation. Previously, submission of an E-consult did not require prerequisite labs or imaging or for lab parameters to be met, leading to an increased number of hematology E-consults and subsequently, lower efficiency for hematologists.

Methods

A hematology E-consult template was created through collaboration between the hematology/ oncology and ambulatory care sections, which lists specific diagnoses and required parameters/workup needed for each diagnosis prior to submission of the E-consult. If those criteria were not met, the consult was cancelled. A representative sample of one month pre- and post-implementation data was analyzed.

Results

The E-consult template was implemented in September 2024. From April to August 2024, the average number of E-consults per month was 243, averaging at 11.0 per day, while from October 2024 to February 2025, the average number of E-consults per month was 146.4, averaging at 6.6 per day. In August 2024, the leading reasons for consult were anemia (77), leukocytosis (26), and thrombocytopenia (24). That month, there were 15 consult cancellations, with the primary reason being the patient was established in clinic (9). In October 2024, the leading reasons for consult were anemia (39), leukocytosis (14), and thrombocytopenia (13). That month, there were 34 consult cancellations, with the primary reason being that hematology advised a clinic consultation rather than an E-consult (10).

Implications/Significance

These data reveal that the hematology E-consult template was associated with a decreased number of E-consults per day and per month. Implementation of the hematology E-consult template allows the hematology consultants to focus on interpretation of lab results and providing management recommendations, as opposed to providing standard of care diagnostic recommendations. It also serves as an educational tool to referring providers, to understand appropriate indications for hematology E-consultation. Lastly, the template has created increased efficiency in providing hematology recommendations and ultimately, improved timely care for our veterans.

Purpose/Background

The purpose of this project was to understand how implementing a consult template could optimize hematology E-consult evaluation. At the Tampa VA, providers can submit hematology E-consults for interpretation of lab abnormalities and management recommendations that do not require an in-person hematology evaluation. Previously, submission of an E-consult did not require prerequisite labs or imaging or for lab parameters to be met, leading to an increased number of hematology E-consults and subsequently, lower efficiency for hematologists.

Methods

A hematology E-consult template was created through collaboration between the hematology/ oncology and ambulatory care sections, which lists specific diagnoses and required parameters/workup needed for each diagnosis prior to submission of the E-consult. If those criteria were not met, the consult was cancelled. A representative sample of one month pre- and post-implementation data was analyzed.

Results

The E-consult template was implemented in September 2024. From April to August 2024, the average number of E-consults per month was 243, averaging at 11.0 per day, while from October 2024 to February 2025, the average number of E-consults per month was 146.4, averaging at 6.6 per day. In August 2024, the leading reasons for consult were anemia (77), leukocytosis (26), and thrombocytopenia (24). That month, there were 15 consult cancellations, with the primary reason being the patient was established in clinic (9). In October 2024, the leading reasons for consult were anemia (39), leukocytosis (14), and thrombocytopenia (13). That month, there were 34 consult cancellations, with the primary reason being that hematology advised a clinic consultation rather than an E-consult (10).

Implications/Significance

These data reveal that the hematology E-consult template was associated with a decreased number of E-consults per day and per month. Implementation of the hematology E-consult template allows the hematology consultants to focus on interpretation of lab results and providing management recommendations, as opposed to providing standard of care diagnostic recommendations. It also serves as an educational tool to referring providers, to understand appropriate indications for hematology E-consultation. Lastly, the template has created increased efficiency in providing hematology recommendations and ultimately, improved timely care for our veterans.

Background

The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation requires establishment of a comprehensive cancer program, multi-disciplinary tumor boards, active cancer registry, quality improvement activities and cancer research.

Methods

In 2022, the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center (TRVAMC) set out to obtain accreditation through enhancing workforce practices. Changes in workforce practices included (1) leadership engagement; (2) acquisition of staff; (3) enhancing staff efficiency and (4) inter-departmental collaboration, leading to CoC accreditation in August 2024. executive leadership team (ELT) buy-in was essential. ELT engagement included communicating the benefits of accreditation, alignment with organizational mission and values, protected time for Cancer Committee members, Chief of Staff presence in Cancer Committee, commitment to recruiting new staff, and membership in the Medical Executive Council to voice cancer program needs. New staff included a cancer program manager, cancer case conference RN care coordinator, certified oncology data specialist and survivorship nurse practitioner. Staff development included structured and focused training. Enhancing staff efficiency included developing standards of work with clear delineation of duties (delegation of specific CoC standards), decentralizing decision making, a shared governance council, and weekly Cancer Program meetings. These changes allowed staff members to be active, autonomous decision-making participants, and increased efficiency. Inter-departmental collaboration involved Hematology/Oncology, Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Pathology, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, Chaplaincy and Cancer Research, with key individuals serving as Cancer Committee members. Each department set performance goals and metrics. Each employee’s contribution was rated in annual performance reviews.

Results

TRVAMC thus elevated cancer care delivery standards through structured workforce practices within the framework of CoC standards required for accreditation. Additionally, the accreditation process achieved desirable and measurable outcomes, e.g. 100% growth in oncology dietitian referrals, 75% increase in early palliative care referrals (TRVAMC ranked in the top 5 in the US), and more than 200 patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials (TRVAMC was the highest enrolling VA in the US to NCI trials in 2024).

Conclusions

Our model demonstrates how strategic improvements in healthcare workforce practices at a VA can directly contribute to sustained improvements in quality and delivery of cancer care services.

Background

The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation requires establishment of a comprehensive cancer program, multi-disciplinary tumor boards, active cancer registry, quality improvement activities and cancer research.

Methods

In 2022, the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center (TRVAMC) set out to obtain accreditation through enhancing workforce practices. Changes in workforce practices included (1) leadership engagement; (2) acquisition of staff; (3) enhancing staff efficiency and (4) inter-departmental collaboration, leading to CoC accreditation in August 2024. executive leadership team (ELT) buy-in was essential. ELT engagement included communicating the benefits of accreditation, alignment with organizational mission and values, protected time for Cancer Committee members, Chief of Staff presence in Cancer Committee, commitment to recruiting new staff, and membership in the Medical Executive Council to voice cancer program needs. New staff included a cancer program manager, cancer case conference RN care coordinator, certified oncology data specialist and survivorship nurse practitioner. Staff development included structured and focused training. Enhancing staff efficiency included developing standards of work with clear delineation of duties (delegation of specific CoC standards), decentralizing decision making, a shared governance council, and weekly Cancer Program meetings. These changes allowed staff members to be active, autonomous decision-making participants, and increased efficiency. Inter-departmental collaboration involved Hematology/Oncology, Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Pathology, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, Chaplaincy and Cancer Research, with key individuals serving as Cancer Committee members. Each department set performance goals and metrics. Each employee’s contribution was rated in annual performance reviews.

Results

TRVAMC thus elevated cancer care delivery standards through structured workforce practices within the framework of CoC standards required for accreditation. Additionally, the accreditation process achieved desirable and measurable outcomes, e.g. 100% growth in oncology dietitian referrals, 75% increase in early palliative care referrals (TRVAMC ranked in the top 5 in the US), and more than 200 patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials (TRVAMC was the highest enrolling VA in the US to NCI trials in 2024).

Conclusions

Our model demonstrates how strategic improvements in healthcare workforce practices at a VA can directly contribute to sustained improvements in quality and delivery of cancer care services.

Background

The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation requires establishment of a comprehensive cancer program, multi-disciplinary tumor boards, active cancer registry, quality improvement activities and cancer research.

Methods

In 2022, the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center (TRVAMC) set out to obtain accreditation through enhancing workforce practices. Changes in workforce practices included (1) leadership engagement; (2) acquisition of staff; (3) enhancing staff efficiency and (4) inter-departmental collaboration, leading to CoC accreditation in August 2024. executive leadership team (ELT) buy-in was essential. ELT engagement included communicating the benefits of accreditation, alignment with organizational mission and values, protected time for Cancer Committee members, Chief of Staff presence in Cancer Committee, commitment to recruiting new staff, and membership in the Medical Executive Council to voice cancer program needs. New staff included a cancer program manager, cancer case conference RN care coordinator, certified oncology data specialist and survivorship nurse practitioner. Staff development included structured and focused training. Enhancing staff efficiency included developing standards of work with clear delineation of duties (delegation of specific CoC standards), decentralizing decision making, a shared governance council, and weekly Cancer Program meetings. These changes allowed staff members to be active, autonomous decision-making participants, and increased efficiency. Inter-departmental collaboration involved Hematology/Oncology, Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Pathology, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, Chaplaincy and Cancer Research, with key individuals serving as Cancer Committee members. Each department set performance goals and metrics. Each employee’s contribution was rated in annual performance reviews.

Results

TRVAMC thus elevated cancer care delivery standards through structured workforce practices within the framework of CoC standards required for accreditation. Additionally, the accreditation process achieved desirable and measurable outcomes, e.g. 100% growth in oncology dietitian referrals, 75% increase in early palliative care referrals (TRVAMC ranked in the top 5 in the US), and more than 200 patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials (TRVAMC was the highest enrolling VA in the US to NCI trials in 2024).

Conclusions

Our model demonstrates how strategic improvements in healthcare workforce practices at a VA can directly contribute to sustained improvements in quality and delivery of cancer care services.

Purpose/Objectives

Radiation oncology treatment planning and delivery systems are predominantly designed as silos, centered around the care of individual patients and generally disconnected from the broader health record. This poses significant challenges for cohort or population scale research, particularly when trying to analyze the nuances and details of treatments. The National Radiation Oncology Program (NROP) sought to design, develop, and implement a platform-agnostic tool to extract clinically meaningful treatment details from DICOM-RT data and applied this in a pilot initiative to centralize data from several VA distinct treatment facilities and merge the resulting dataset with the broader electronic health record to support research and clinical operations.

Methods

Leveraging NROP’s Health Information Gateway Exchange (HINGE) system, we developed the capability to analyze DICOM-RT datasets and output detailed and clinically meaningful radiation treatment information including but not limited to structure-specific dose volume histogram data, individual beam-level treatment details, and verified delivered fraction data. We applied this to historical data from VA facilities participating in NROP’s initial pilot and linked the resulting data with the broader electronic health record on an individual patient level, constituting the Granular Radiotherapy Information Database (GRID).

Results

We demonstrate successful export of clinically meaningful treatment details from a large real-world cohort of VA patients treated between 2012-2024. This constitutes a novel source of authoritative radiation oncology data within the VA CDW. We confirmed the ability to arbitrarily query these cohorts based on both the intrinsic data export as well as its linkages to the broader electronic health record.

Conclusions

This is a proof-of-principle study demonstrating the ability to extract and integrate detailed radiotherapy data with the broader health record, as well as enable unprecedented arbitrary queries at population scale and broad reuse in the VA research and clinical operations.

Purpose/Objectives

Radiation oncology treatment planning and delivery systems are predominantly designed as silos, centered around the care of individual patients and generally disconnected from the broader health record. This poses significant challenges for cohort or population scale research, particularly when trying to analyze the nuances and details of treatments. The National Radiation Oncology Program (NROP) sought to design, develop, and implement a platform-agnostic tool to extract clinically meaningful treatment details from DICOM-RT data and applied this in a pilot initiative to centralize data from several VA distinct treatment facilities and merge the resulting dataset with the broader electronic health record to support research and clinical operations.

Methods

Leveraging NROP’s Health Information Gateway Exchange (HINGE) system, we developed the capability to analyze DICOM-RT datasets and output detailed and clinically meaningful radiation treatment information including but not limited to structure-specific dose volume histogram data, individual beam-level treatment details, and verified delivered fraction data. We applied this to historical data from VA facilities participating in NROP’s initial pilot and linked the resulting data with the broader electronic health record on an individual patient level, constituting the Granular Radiotherapy Information Database (GRID).

Results

We demonstrate successful export of clinically meaningful treatment details from a large real-world cohort of VA patients treated between 2012-2024. This constitutes a novel source of authoritative radiation oncology data within the VA CDW. We confirmed the ability to arbitrarily query these cohorts based on both the intrinsic data export as well as its linkages to the broader electronic health record.

Conclusions

This is a proof-of-principle study demonstrating the ability to extract and integrate detailed radiotherapy data with the broader health record, as well as enable unprecedented arbitrary queries at population scale and broad reuse in the VA research and clinical operations.

Purpose/Objectives

Radiation oncology treatment planning and delivery systems are predominantly designed as silos, centered around the care of individual patients and generally disconnected from the broader health record. This poses significant challenges for cohort or population scale research, particularly when trying to analyze the nuances and details of treatments. The National Radiation Oncology Program (NROP) sought to design, develop, and implement a platform-agnostic tool to extract clinically meaningful treatment details from DICOM-RT data and applied this in a pilot initiative to centralize data from several VA distinct treatment facilities and merge the resulting dataset with the broader electronic health record to support research and clinical operations.

Methods

Leveraging NROP’s Health Information Gateway Exchange (HINGE) system, we developed the capability to analyze DICOM-RT datasets and output detailed and clinically meaningful radiation treatment information including but not limited to structure-specific dose volume histogram data, individual beam-level treatment details, and verified delivered fraction data. We applied this to historical data from VA facilities participating in NROP’s initial pilot and linked the resulting data with the broader electronic health record on an individual patient level, constituting the Granular Radiotherapy Information Database (GRID).

Results

We demonstrate successful export of clinically meaningful treatment details from a large real-world cohort of VA patients treated between 2012-2024. This constitutes a novel source of authoritative radiation oncology data within the VA CDW. We confirmed the ability to arbitrarily query these cohorts based on both the intrinsic data export as well as its linkages to the broader electronic health record.

Conclusions

This is a proof-of-principle study demonstrating the ability to extract and integrate detailed radiotherapy data with the broader health record, as well as enable unprecedented arbitrary queries at population scale and broad reuse in the VA research and clinical operations.

Purpose/Background

Oncology clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPP) play a critical role in optimizing drug therapy, managing side effects, and ensuring medication adherence. As a specialized clinical area, specific training is needed to ensure quality of care. Oncology pharmacy training programs are commercially available but pose a financial burden and are not specific to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). A comprehensive, virtual Oncology Bootcamp series was implemented to upskill new oncology pharmacists (or pharmacists seeking to further their understanding of oncology practice), with didactic materials and clinical tools to enhance and standardize quality care delivery.

Methods

This program was comprised of an online platform of 23 one hour-long continuing education accredited sessions, delivered by leading subject matter experts. Pharmacists from two Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) were invited for the first year of the bootcamp. The curriculum encompassed fundamentals of oncology practice, patient care assessment, chemotherapy protocol review, practice management, and supportive care. Participants also received in-depth training on managing various cancer types, including but not limited to prostate, lung, gastrointestinal and hematologic malignancies. VHA specific information, including utilization of Oncology Clinical Pathways to promote standardized care was included where applicable. The interactive nature of the virtual sessions provided opportunities for real-time discussion and immediate feedback. To measure the impact of this program, a pre and post program evaluation of participants was conducted.

Results

Over the course of the program, more than 40 pharmacists across two VISNs participated in the bootcamp series. Results of the program evaluation showed an increase in self-reported comfort and skill levels in all criteria that were assessed (oncology pharmacotherapy, solid tumor malignancies, hematologic malignancies and oral anti-cancer therapy management). Additionally, 85% of respondents stated the series met their overall goals and over 90% of respondents stated they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the content, speakers and organization of the course.

Implications/Significance

This initiative has established the viability and significance of a highly accessible, VHA pathway specific and Veteran centric platform for oncology pharmacy professional development. Future directions for the program include a broader nationwide audience, increased content coverage and self-paced learning options.

Purpose/Background

Oncology clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPP) play a critical role in optimizing drug therapy, managing side effects, and ensuring medication adherence. As a specialized clinical area, specific training is needed to ensure quality of care. Oncology pharmacy training programs are commercially available but pose a financial burden and are not specific to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). A comprehensive, virtual Oncology Bootcamp series was implemented to upskill new oncology pharmacists (or pharmacists seeking to further their understanding of oncology practice), with didactic materials and clinical tools to enhance and standardize quality care delivery.

Methods

This program was comprised of an online platform of 23 one hour-long continuing education accredited sessions, delivered by leading subject matter experts. Pharmacists from two Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) were invited for the first year of the bootcamp. The curriculum encompassed fundamentals of oncology practice, patient care assessment, chemotherapy protocol review, practice management, and supportive care. Participants also received in-depth training on managing various cancer types, including but not limited to prostate, lung, gastrointestinal and hematologic malignancies. VHA specific information, including utilization of Oncology Clinical Pathways to promote standardized care was included where applicable. The interactive nature of the virtual sessions provided opportunities for real-time discussion and immediate feedback. To measure the impact of this program, a pre and post program evaluation of participants was conducted.

Results

Over the course of the program, more than 40 pharmacists across two VISNs participated in the bootcamp series. Results of the program evaluation showed an increase in self-reported comfort and skill levels in all criteria that were assessed (oncology pharmacotherapy, solid tumor malignancies, hematologic malignancies and oral anti-cancer therapy management). Additionally, 85% of respondents stated the series met their overall goals and over 90% of respondents stated they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the content, speakers and organization of the course.

Implications/Significance

This initiative has established the viability and significance of a highly accessible, VHA pathway specific and Veteran centric platform for oncology pharmacy professional development. Future directions for the program include a broader nationwide audience, increased content coverage and self-paced learning options.

Purpose/Background

Oncology clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPP) play a critical role in optimizing drug therapy, managing side effects, and ensuring medication adherence. As a specialized clinical area, specific training is needed to ensure quality of care. Oncology pharmacy training programs are commercially available but pose a financial burden and are not specific to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). A comprehensive, virtual Oncology Bootcamp series was implemented to upskill new oncology pharmacists (or pharmacists seeking to further their understanding of oncology practice), with didactic materials and clinical tools to enhance and standardize quality care delivery.

Methods

This program was comprised of an online platform of 23 one hour-long continuing education accredited sessions, delivered by leading subject matter experts. Pharmacists from two Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) were invited for the first year of the bootcamp. The curriculum encompassed fundamentals of oncology practice, patient care assessment, chemotherapy protocol review, practice management, and supportive care. Participants also received in-depth training on managing various cancer types, including but not limited to prostate, lung, gastrointestinal and hematologic malignancies. VHA specific information, including utilization of Oncology Clinical Pathways to promote standardized care was included where applicable. The interactive nature of the virtual sessions provided opportunities for real-time discussion and immediate feedback. To measure the impact of this program, a pre and post program evaluation of participants was conducted.

Results

Over the course of the program, more than 40 pharmacists across two VISNs participated in the bootcamp series. Results of the program evaluation showed an increase in self-reported comfort and skill levels in all criteria that were assessed (oncology pharmacotherapy, solid tumor malignancies, hematologic malignancies and oral anti-cancer therapy management). Additionally, 85% of respondents stated the series met their overall goals and over 90% of respondents stated they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the content, speakers and organization of the course.

Implications/Significance

This initiative has established the viability and significance of a highly accessible, VHA pathway specific and Veteran centric platform for oncology pharmacy professional development. Future directions for the program include a broader nationwide audience, increased content coverage and self-paced learning options.

Objective

To assess the impact of virtual reality on the distress and pain levels of oncology patients in a VA outpatient infusion clinic.

Background

It is known that distress in cancer care leads to several problems including decreased survival, decreased treatment adherence, and inability to make treatment decisions. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be beneficial to Veterans suffering from stress, anxiety, and other mental health ailments. This VA Oncology Infusion clinic is assessing the impact of VR on its Veterans’ distress and pain levels.

Methods

The pilot phase will last from 3/5/25- 9/5/25. Prior to each VR session, Veterans are administered an NCCN cancer distress screening tool and a numerical pain assessment. Post-VR session, Veterans are reassessed for distress and pain. The veterans are asked the following questions after each session: 1) Would you recommend VR to other veterans? and 2) Was the VR headset easy to use? Each VR session is approximately 10-15 minutes long, and the Veterans choose to engage in mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, or view scenery of their choice.

Results

Preliminary results indicate receptiveness and positive experiences amongst Veterans. 66% of Veterans who have used the VR headset have demonstrated a decrease in Cancer Distress by at least 2 points after a 10–15-minute VR session. 92% of Veterans that have used the VR headset report that it is easy to use and that they would recommend it to other Veterans.

Feasibility

The VA has created the Extended Reality Network (XR) to support the implementation of VR at the local site level. Resources and training are widely available to ensure program success.

Sustainability and Impact

A clearly developed standard of work and protocol that is tailored to the local site’s workflow, including a VR champion is needed to ensure sustainability. Preliminary data shows that veterans are engaged and responding positively to this innovative approach to cancer distress management, as evidenced by decreased distress levels and anxiety.

Objective

To assess the impact of virtual reality on the distress and pain levels of oncology patients in a VA outpatient infusion clinic.

Background

It is known that distress in cancer care leads to several problems including decreased survival, decreased treatment adherence, and inability to make treatment decisions. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be beneficial to Veterans suffering from stress, anxiety, and other mental health ailments. This VA Oncology Infusion clinic is assessing the impact of VR on its Veterans’ distress and pain levels.

Methods

The pilot phase will last from 3/5/25- 9/5/25. Prior to each VR session, Veterans are administered an NCCN cancer distress screening tool and a numerical pain assessment. Post-VR session, Veterans are reassessed for distress and pain. The veterans are asked the following questions after each session: 1) Would you recommend VR to other veterans? and 2) Was the VR headset easy to use? Each VR session is approximately 10-15 minutes long, and the Veterans choose to engage in mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, or view scenery of their choice.

Results

Preliminary results indicate receptiveness and positive experiences amongst Veterans. 66% of Veterans who have used the VR headset have demonstrated a decrease in Cancer Distress by at least 2 points after a 10–15-minute VR session. 92% of Veterans that have used the VR headset report that it is easy to use and that they would recommend it to other Veterans.

Feasibility

The VA has created the Extended Reality Network (XR) to support the implementation of VR at the local site level. Resources and training are widely available to ensure program success.

Sustainability and Impact

A clearly developed standard of work and protocol that is tailored to the local site’s workflow, including a VR champion is needed to ensure sustainability. Preliminary data shows that veterans are engaged and responding positively to this innovative approach to cancer distress management, as evidenced by decreased distress levels and anxiety.

Objective

To assess the impact of virtual reality on the distress and pain levels of oncology patients in a VA outpatient infusion clinic.

Background

It is known that distress in cancer care leads to several problems including decreased survival, decreased treatment adherence, and inability to make treatment decisions. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be beneficial to Veterans suffering from stress, anxiety, and other mental health ailments. This VA Oncology Infusion clinic is assessing the impact of VR on its Veterans’ distress and pain levels.

Methods

The pilot phase will last from 3/5/25- 9/5/25. Prior to each VR session, Veterans are administered an NCCN cancer distress screening tool and a numerical pain assessment. Post-VR session, Veterans are reassessed for distress and pain. The veterans are asked the following questions after each session: 1) Would you recommend VR to other veterans? and 2) Was the VR headset easy to use? Each VR session is approximately 10-15 minutes long, and the Veterans choose to engage in mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, or view scenery of their choice.

Results

Preliminary results indicate receptiveness and positive experiences amongst Veterans. 66% of Veterans who have used the VR headset have demonstrated a decrease in Cancer Distress by at least 2 points after a 10–15-minute VR session. 92% of Veterans that have used the VR headset report that it is easy to use and that they would recommend it to other Veterans.

Feasibility

The VA has created the Extended Reality Network (XR) to support the implementation of VR at the local site level. Resources and training are widely available to ensure program success.

Sustainability and Impact

A clearly developed standard of work and protocol that is tailored to the local site’s workflow, including a VR champion is needed to ensure sustainability. Preliminary data shows that veterans are engaged and responding positively to this innovative approach to cancer distress management, as evidenced by decreased distress levels and anxiety.

Background

The rise in the number of T-cell engager therapies highlights their importance in modern cancer treatment paradigms. Having recognized the need for, and complexities of, administering these innovative medications to our patients, our team assessed our institution’s capability to provide these therapies to our patients. We identified that our facility was wellequipped for implementation of T-cell engager therapy due to inpatient administration capabilities, an outpatient infusion center, on-hand supportive care medications (tocilizumab), and access to higher levels of care. Key players included medical oncologists, pharmacists, inpatient and infusion nurses, staff physicians, critical care practitioners, and care coordinators.

Clinical Practice Initiative

Barriers identified: education, toxicity concerns, formulary management, and logistics. To overcome these obstacles, comprehensive plans for procurement, hospital admission, monitoring, and training were developed as a facility-specific standard operating procedure (SOP). All available Tcell engager therapies were presented to the formulary committee and received local approval. Physician and pharmacist champions were registered for the associated risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) programs. Recorded webinars were done to provide education on REMS requirements, medication logistics, and adverse event management.

An admission plan was formulated to outline admission criteria, medication administration, and safety logistics. Order sets created by pharmacists, encompassed pre, post, and as needed medications for cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. To facilitate safe discharge and meet REMS criteria, patients received wallet cards, dexamethasone and acetaminophen PRNs with detailed instructions for use, and direction for seeking emergency care with consideration of local tocilizumab availability.

Conclusions

Our SOP has enabled administration of six T-cell engager therapies for six diseases. The primary limitation for some of these agents is the need for inpatient monitoring at initiation, which may not be available at smaller centers. Facilities that lack these capabilities could utilize community care or partner with a neighboring Veterans Affairs medical center for initial administration, then transition back for continued treatment. Facilities that lack inpatient oncology nursing could administer the drug in the infusion center followed by admission for monitoring and toxicity management. Our implementation plan serves as a scalable model for improving veteran access to novel therapies.

Background

The rise in the number of T-cell engager therapies highlights their importance in modern cancer treatment paradigms. Having recognized the need for, and complexities of, administering these innovative medications to our patients, our team assessed our institution’s capability to provide these therapies to our patients. We identified that our facility was wellequipped for implementation of T-cell engager therapy due to inpatient administration capabilities, an outpatient infusion center, on-hand supportive care medications (tocilizumab), and access to higher levels of care. Key players included medical oncologists, pharmacists, inpatient and infusion nurses, staff physicians, critical care practitioners, and care coordinators.

Clinical Practice Initiative

Barriers identified: education, toxicity concerns, formulary management, and logistics. To overcome these obstacles, comprehensive plans for procurement, hospital admission, monitoring, and training were developed as a facility-specific standard operating procedure (SOP). All available Tcell engager therapies were presented to the formulary committee and received local approval. Physician and pharmacist champions were registered for the associated risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) programs. Recorded webinars were done to provide education on REMS requirements, medication logistics, and adverse event management.

An admission plan was formulated to outline admission criteria, medication administration, and safety logistics. Order sets created by pharmacists, encompassed pre, post, and as needed medications for cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. To facilitate safe discharge and meet REMS criteria, patients received wallet cards, dexamethasone and acetaminophen PRNs with detailed instructions for use, and direction for seeking emergency care with consideration of local tocilizumab availability.

Conclusions

Our SOP has enabled administration of six T-cell engager therapies for six diseases. The primary limitation for some of these agents is the need for inpatient monitoring at initiation, which may not be available at smaller centers. Facilities that lack these capabilities could utilize community care or partner with a neighboring Veterans Affairs medical center for initial administration, then transition back for continued treatment. Facilities that lack inpatient oncology nursing could administer the drug in the infusion center followed by admission for monitoring and toxicity management. Our implementation plan serves as a scalable model for improving veteran access to novel therapies.

Background

The rise in the number of T-cell engager therapies highlights their importance in modern cancer treatment paradigms. Having recognized the need for, and complexities of, administering these innovative medications to our patients, our team assessed our institution’s capability to provide these therapies to our patients. We identified that our facility was wellequipped for implementation of T-cell engager therapy due to inpatient administration capabilities, an outpatient infusion center, on-hand supportive care medications (tocilizumab), and access to higher levels of care. Key players included medical oncologists, pharmacists, inpatient and infusion nurses, staff physicians, critical care practitioners, and care coordinators.

Clinical Practice Initiative

Barriers identified: education, toxicity concerns, formulary management, and logistics. To overcome these obstacles, comprehensive plans for procurement, hospital admission, monitoring, and training were developed as a facility-specific standard operating procedure (SOP). All available Tcell engager therapies were presented to the formulary committee and received local approval. Physician and pharmacist champions were registered for the associated risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) programs. Recorded webinars were done to provide education on REMS requirements, medication logistics, and adverse event management.

An admission plan was formulated to outline admission criteria, medication administration, and safety logistics. Order sets created by pharmacists, encompassed pre, post, and as needed medications for cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. To facilitate safe discharge and meet REMS criteria, patients received wallet cards, dexamethasone and acetaminophen PRNs with detailed instructions for use, and direction for seeking emergency care with consideration of local tocilizumab availability.

Conclusions

Our SOP has enabled administration of six T-cell engager therapies for six diseases. The primary limitation for some of these agents is the need for inpatient monitoring at initiation, which may not be available at smaller centers. Facilities that lack these capabilities could utilize community care or partner with a neighboring Veterans Affairs medical center for initial administration, then transition back for continued treatment. Facilities that lack inpatient oncology nursing could administer the drug in the infusion center followed by admission for monitoring and toxicity management. Our implementation plan serves as a scalable model for improving veteran access to novel therapies.

Background

Unmet psychosocial health needs negatively impact cancer care and outcomes. The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation requirements include Psychosocial Distress Screening (PDS) for all newly diagnosed patients. To enhance cancer care and meet CoC standards, the Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center (TRVAMC) developed and implemented a closed-loop, centralized PDS pathway.

Objectives

Develop processes/methods to: (1) identify all newly diagnosed cancer patients; (2) track initiation of first course of treatment; (3) offer and complete PDS at initiation of first course of treatment; and (4) ensure placement of appropriate referrals.

Methods

All staff members were trained in PDS and competency completed. A standard operating procedure (SOP) was created to identify patients meeting criteria for PDS. Newly diagnosed patients were identified from cancer registry lists, tumor boards, radiology and pathology reports. Patients were placed on a tracking tool by the nurse care coordinator (NCC) and monitored to facilitate timely workup and initiation of treatment. Nurses in the cancer program offered and completed PDS and placed all necessary referrals (to > 11 services). Patients were removed from the tracker only after confirmation of PDS and referrals.

Results

Prior to implementation of PDS, no patients received comprehensive screening and referrals. After implementation, data were collected over a 2 year period. In 2023 and 2024, 277/565 (49%) and 256/526 (48.7%) newly diagnosed patients were eligible for PDS, respectively. All eligible patients were offered PDS (100%). Of patients who underwent PDS, 37% scored their distress at a level of 4/10 or higher, underscoring the severity of distress and unmet need. Referrals to various services were indicated and made in 43.8% patients, most frequently to Social Work, Primary Care or Psychology/Mental Health. More recently, nurses in the Infusion Clinic and Radiation Oncology were trained in and also started conducting PDS on patients coming for treatment.

Conclusions

Implementation of comprehensive and timely PDS resulted in early identification and interventions to address diverse facets of distress that are known to interfere with quality of life, compliance with cancer treatments and outcomes. The program also met the CoC standard for accreditation of TRVAMC in 2024.

Background

Unmet psychosocial health needs negatively impact cancer care and outcomes. The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation requirements include Psychosocial Distress Screening (PDS) for all newly diagnosed patients. To enhance cancer care and meet CoC standards, the Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center (TRVAMC) developed and implemented a closed-loop, centralized PDS pathway.

Objectives

Develop processes/methods to: (1) identify all newly diagnosed cancer patients; (2) track initiation of first course of treatment; (3) offer and complete PDS at initiation of first course of treatment; and (4) ensure placement of appropriate referrals.

Methods

All staff members were trained in PDS and competency completed. A standard operating procedure (SOP) was created to identify patients meeting criteria for PDS. Newly diagnosed patients were identified from cancer registry lists, tumor boards, radiology and pathology reports. Patients were placed on a tracking tool by the nurse care coordinator (NCC) and monitored to facilitate timely workup and initiation of treatment. Nurses in the cancer program offered and completed PDS and placed all necessary referrals (to > 11 services). Patients were removed from the tracker only after confirmation of PDS and referrals.

Results

Prior to implementation of PDS, no patients received comprehensive screening and referrals. After implementation, data were collected over a 2 year period. In 2023 and 2024, 277/565 (49%) and 256/526 (48.7%) newly diagnosed patients were eligible for PDS, respectively. All eligible patients were offered PDS (100%). Of patients who underwent PDS, 37% scored their distress at a level of 4/10 or higher, underscoring the severity of distress and unmet need. Referrals to various services were indicated and made in 43.8% patients, most frequently to Social Work, Primary Care or Psychology/Mental Health. More recently, nurses in the Infusion Clinic and Radiation Oncology were trained in and also started conducting PDS on patients coming for treatment.

Conclusions

Implementation of comprehensive and timely PDS resulted in early identification and interventions to address diverse facets of distress that are known to interfere with quality of life, compliance with cancer treatments and outcomes. The program also met the CoC standard for accreditation of TRVAMC in 2024.

Background

Unmet psychosocial health needs negatively impact cancer care and outcomes. The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation requirements include Psychosocial Distress Screening (PDS) for all newly diagnosed patients. To enhance cancer care and meet CoC standards, the Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center (TRVAMC) developed and implemented a closed-loop, centralized PDS pathway.

Objectives

Develop processes/methods to: (1) identify all newly diagnosed cancer patients; (2) track initiation of first course of treatment; (3) offer and complete PDS at initiation of first course of treatment; and (4) ensure placement of appropriate referrals.

Methods

All staff members were trained in PDS and competency completed. A standard operating procedure (SOP) was created to identify patients meeting criteria for PDS. Newly diagnosed patients were identified from cancer registry lists, tumor boards, radiology and pathology reports. Patients were placed on a tracking tool by the nurse care coordinator (NCC) and monitored to facilitate timely workup and initiation of treatment. Nurses in the cancer program offered and completed PDS and placed all necessary referrals (to > 11 services). Patients were removed from the tracker only after confirmation of PDS and referrals.

Results

Prior to implementation of PDS, no patients received comprehensive screening and referrals. After implementation, data were collected over a 2 year period. In 2023 and 2024, 277/565 (49%) and 256/526 (48.7%) newly diagnosed patients were eligible for PDS, respectively. All eligible patients were offered PDS (100%). Of patients who underwent PDS, 37% scored their distress at a level of 4/10 or higher, underscoring the severity of distress and unmet need. Referrals to various services were indicated and made in 43.8% patients, most frequently to Social Work, Primary Care or Psychology/Mental Health. More recently, nurses in the Infusion Clinic and Radiation Oncology were trained in and also started conducting PDS on patients coming for treatment.

Conclusions

Implementation of comprehensive and timely PDS resulted in early identification and interventions to address diverse facets of distress that are known to interfere with quality of life, compliance with cancer treatments and outcomes. The program also met the CoC standard for accreditation of TRVAMC in 2024.