Chemotherapy Wait Times in a Network of Pediatric Oncology Clinics

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2020 Aug;42(6):e475-e478. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001466.

Abstract

Patient satisfaction with medical care delivery is an important aspect of value-based health care. Providers strive to provide optimal patient satisfaction. Among a network of ambulatory pediatric oncology affiliate clinics, we conducted patient satisfaction surveys and found that the lowest scores were related to delays in the administration of chemotherapy. To address this shortcoming, we used continuous improvement methodologies to reduce the delay in chemotherapy administration in 3 affiliate clinics. To evaluate the efficacy of the quality improvement interventions implemented at each affiliate clinic, we measured the time from patient arrival to the start of chemotherapy administration over a 2-week period before and after the interventions. Wait times for chemotherapy administration were reduced in each clinic by 7% to 15%, exceeding the preestablished goal of a 5% reduction without affecting patient safety. Patient satisfaction for chemotherapy wait times was also marginally increased. In conclusion, implementation of quality improvement interventions across a clinical network can improve specific aspects of patient satisfaction, thereby improving the overall patient experience.

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care / psychology
  • Ambulatory Care / standards*
  • Ambulatory Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Waiting Lists*