Medical Oncology/Infusion 2008
PeaceHealth Medical Group

Medical Oncology and Infusion officially became a part of PeaceHealth July 1, 2008. As an integrated cancer program, we share the vision of providing safe, evidence-based, quality cancer care.

Three Medical Oncologists staff the oncology clinic. An average of 180-200 patients is seen weekly in the clinic. Approximately 20 new consults are seen per week. Additional clinic staff prepare patient charts for their clinic visit, nurses see patients for follow-up visits for injections and lab draws and patient education. One RN manages approximately 75 patients who are undergoing oral treatment for their cancer. This requires extensive follow-up and monitoring.

Infusion patients are seen daily for specific chemotherapy/biotherapy treatments, symptom management and supportive therapy. Patients are seen in the exam area as new consults, follow-up during on-going therapy or long-term follow-up post therapy. The infusion hours of operation are from 0730-1830, M-F. An average of 48 patients is seen every day in infusion. Approximately 25-30 patients are receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy each day. Other patients are seen for injections, lab draws, hydration or other supportive care. Patients are scheduled to see nurses for education and follow-up visits as well. Patient volumes have increased the first 7 months of 2008, by 8%, 510 patients.

Eighty percent of the nurses in the infusion unit are specialty certified nurse’s (OCN). The infusion unit has 8 infusion chairs, 2 lab draw stations and a “bed” room for patients with special needs. One nurse answers all triage calls from patients and/or physician offices each day. One nurse is dedicated to preparation of all chemotherapy/biotherapy medications each day.

Several quality improvement projects are currently under way to support the vision of providing safe, quality, evidence-based cancer care:

• Pharmacy support in the infusion unit to assist with preparation and management of all chemotherapy agents
• working to create updated, evidence-based chemotherapy order forms for use on the in/out patient areas
• enhancing supportive services for Oncology clinic patients
• review/revision of all nursing process standards
• review/revision of staff scopes of practice

We look forward to working as a collaborative team in providing seamless patient cancer care while creating the Exceptional Cancer Care Enterprise of the future.

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