Bryan M. Schmalhofer, MBA RT(R)(T), Manager of Radiation Oncology Operations for the Wellspan Health Oncology Service Line
Dissatisfied with the limited support in their patient education materials, the Wellspan Oncology Service Line developed a mobile app to offer its radiation oncology patients on-demand access to treatment- and disease-specific education. The app incorporates patient appointment and treatment schedules, a symptom tracker, secure messaging with care team members, access to support services, and more. And since it’s connected to Wellspan’s EHR, clinicians can use the app data to continually monitor patient symptoms and side effects.
I think this award elevated the work we had done and made executive leaders across the system aware of our project. Although we had their support, receiving the award helped them understand that we truly did something innovative and with good outcomes.
Sherri Costa, MS, RN, AOCNS® Manager, Cancer Support Services, SEWI & Quality Improvement Coordinator, SEWI Cancer Care, Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospitals
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Oncology pharmacy has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ, learn more about the role that oncology pharmacists play in cancer care and how that role is changing in the face of new therapies and the advent of value-based health. Discover how the University of North Carolina Hospital’s Department of Pharmacy developed a closed-loop, pharmacy-managed, pre-certification and denials management program to avoid passing surprise bills to patients and ensure financial stability for the cancer program.
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WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization is comprised of eight hospitals, more than 19,000 employees, and more than 170 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness, and healthy communities. WellSpan has experienced rapid growth in recent years and currently provides care at six community-based cancer centers in South Central Pennsylvania.
In 2018 the Oncology Service Line recognized the potential to improve the patient experience with the development and implementation of a mobile radiation oncology application (app). This app supports the healthcare organization’s goal to deliver a patient experience that is simpler, builds loyalty, and reduces patient anxiety.
