Implementation of a Cancer Care Line: Experience of a Brazilian Private Oncology Institution (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Advances in technology and medical treatment have made cancer treatment more complex. With an extensive schedule of exams, consultations and procedures, which require speed, the cancer patient's journey is a challenge. Mainly in Brazil, a continental country with a complex and multiple fragmented healthcare system. Based on the “lean healthcare model”, a line of care and attention for cancer patients was created, focused on rationalizing resources and continuous improvement. Objective: to describe the results of a line of oncology care with national coverage and a multidisciplinary approach. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients based on a dashboard developed for continued care (O.C. Care), at a private Brazilian oncology institution, between Jan/2021 and Aug/2023. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) was defined from the day of first contact with the patient until the day of the procedure or treatment. Results: 60,486 patients were included on the platform, 80% active and 20% inactive. 47% of requests were made in-house and 20% in an associated partnership. The Northeast region accounts for the majority of cases (35%), followed by Minas Gerais (26%) and Rio de Janeiro/Espírito Santo (21%). Regarding the types of requests, 49% were exams, 24% consultations, 9% chemotherapy (CT), 8% procedures, 5.5% surgeries and 4.5% radiotherapy (RT). Regarding the average SLA, consultations took 10 days, RT took 13 days, exams took 13 days, procedures took 14 days, QT took 15 days and surgeries took 19 days. Conclusion: O.C Care reduces SLA, improving the results obtained with therapeutic planning. In addition to promoting better control by healthcare professionals over the process, with the help of a well-established internal flow monitored by specialized professionals.