This machine learning algorithm runs nightly and is linked to a smart texting application that goes out to patients every morning for 7 days following chemotherapy, asking about symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
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This machine learning algorithm runs nightly and is linked to a smart texting application that goes out to patients every morning for 7 days following chemotherapy, asking about symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain. Patients reporting severe or worsening symptoms have the smart text escalated to the oncology clinic where they received chemotherapy. Initial analysis broken down by responders (those that opted in and answered the daily text messages) and non-responders (opted out or opted in but did not answer the texts) found that ED visits were 5.7% for responders compared to 6.7% for non-responders. Across the health system, about 30 responders are added daily to the program.
Guest:
Michelle Eichelmann
Executive Director, Oncology Services and Precision Medicine
Mercy, Mercy Oncology Services
Saint Louis, Missouri
“It’s one thing to mine data out of our EMR, but to actually use it in a proactive approach to patients I think is very unique. That’s the key behind this...not just data, but what do we do with the data?” —Michelle Eichelmann
Hear more about this innovation at the ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference, October 9-11, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Resources:
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
