Redesigning Oncology Care to Improve Access, Throughput and Patient Experience
Becker’s Healthcare PodcastSummary
Donna Rizzi, Executive Director of Oncology at Johns Hopkins Hospital, highlights the significant challenges facing oncology care, particularly in managing patient volumes and staff burnout. With approximately 27,000 oncologists in the U.S. and around 2 million new cancer diagnoses annually, Rizzi notes that high patient volumes have surpassed staffing shortages as the primary driver of burnout in cancer infusion centers. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of operational strategies, emphasizing the need for improved patient flow and scheduling.
Rizzi discusses the implementation of an Advanced Clinical Evaluation (ACE) program, which enhances patient preparation and coordination prior to appointments. This proactive approach aims to streamline the patient experience by addressing potential delays in treatment processes. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of technology in optimizing workflows, stating that effective use of AI and predictive analytics can significantly improve appointment scheduling and reduce wait times, while also ensuring that the human element of care remains central to the process.
As oncology leaders face ongoing workforce shortages, Rizzi advises against relying solely on hiring more staff. Instead, she encourages a focus on understanding operational challenges and redesigning workflows to maximize existing resources. By fostering strong partnerships with technology providers, healthcare organizations can better adapt to the evolving landscape of oncology care, ultimately enhancing patient access and experience while supporting clinical teams.
Show Notes
In this episode, Donna Berizzi, DNP, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, & Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Cancer Service Line, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, discusses rising oncology volumes, workforce pressures and the need to redesign care workflows. She shares how Johns Hopkins is combining predictive analytics, advanced clinical evaluation, drug preparation, and specialized care pathways to reduce delays, improve capacity, and create a more sustainable experience for patients and care teams.
This episode is sponsored by LeanTaaS.
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