QOL-57. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KAISER PERMANENTE PEDIATRIC NEURO-ONCOLOGY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

KEY MESSAGEStandardization of care for subspecialty patients require centralization and support across multi-disciplinary groups within the Kaiser Permanente medical group, which is a large health maintenance organization (HMO) in the United States.BACKGROUNDPrior to the development of a Pediatric Neuro-Oncology program, Southern California Kaiser Permanente pediatric neuro-oncology patients were routinely referred to respective regional academic centers for consultation. The process was not standard across the region, resulting in additional costs and differences in treatment recommendations, potentially affecting outcomes.METHODSA Pediatric Neuro-Oncology program was established, July 2017, based at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC), consisting of pediatric neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric neuro-radiology, pediatric radiation oncology, and pediatric neuro-oncology case management.RESULTSA Pediatric Neuro-Oncology tumor board was established to meet on a bi-monthly basis. Pediatric neuro-oncology patients across the Southern California now have their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reviewed by the same pediatric neuro radiologists. Neuropathology is standardized and sent to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and reviewed at the molecular neuropathology tumor board attended by the pediatric neuro-oncologist. Cases discussions regarding the patients include the regional pediatric neurosurgeons, the pediatric radiation oncologists, and the pediatric neuro-oncologist, and treatment plans are recommended and recorded by the case manager.CONCLUSIONSCentralization of care has allowed for more consistent and standard care across the Southern California Region, but requires support from multi-disciplinary groups.