Data-driven transformation to an oncology patient-centered medical home.

Abstract

285 Background: Consultants in Medical Oncology and Hematology (CMOH) implemented an EMR in 2003. It fell short in the compilation and presentation of meaningful data upon which to base clinical decisions. CMOH created a new workflow and effectively integrated the EMR with a practice-developed clinical decision support software (CDSS) called Iris. Methods: A project team outlined the data sources required in making a clinical decision and reviewed staff workflow. Within six months, they developed a system for displaying data from internal and external sources into a single scrollable screen for use by the physician at the point of care. Results: Iris promotes a rapid-learning cycle that results in 1) improved adherence to NCCN guidelines; 2) enhanced access and continuity of symptom management; 3) enhanced communication, tracking, and coordination of care; 4) reduction in ER utilization/hospital admissions; 5) a performance status driven approach to end of life care; 6) a systematic measurement of physician performance. This approach enabled CMOH to meet the NCQA’s criteria for level III Patient-Centered Medical Home in 2010. Conclusions: Implementation of EMRs alone does not improve health care delivery. Rather, it is the merger of clinical operations workflow and technology infrastructure delivering consumable data to providers that drives quality improvements and enhancements to the value of cancer care. [Table: see text]