Avera Cancer Institute

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center Avera Cancer Institute

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Rural Chemotherapy

Ensuring consistent access to quality care for patients in rural areas remains a challenge. Avera Cancer Institute recognized a need to implement unified chemotherapy administration standards across the 45 sites to which patients are referred for chemotherapy. The goal was to establish guidelines and standards of practice in all rural sites, both within and outside the Avera system, to better ensure patient safety and quality care.

To accomplish this, Avera’s Rural Chemotherapy Committee created a process that included a mandatory educational webinar and completion of a Chemotherapy Preparation and Administration checklist for all sites. The Rural Chemotherapy Committee developed action plans and supported noncompliant sites, leading to compliance across all sites that administer chemotherapy within nine months after the launch of the initiative.

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Listen to a full recording of Avera's presentation at the ACCC 30th National Oncology Conference. (Available to ACCC members only.)