Improving Formal Incivility Reporting in Ambulatory Oncology: Implementing the CIVIC Duty Program.

The aim of this quality improvement project was to increase formal reporting of incivility events committed by patients and their visitors on an ambulatory oncology infusion unit. Evidence-based interventions of providing edu.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Infusion Efficiency Workgroup Study: Optimizing Patient Flow in Infusion Centers.

Purpose: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) formed an Infusion Efficiency Workgroup to determine best practices for operating efficient and effective infusion centers.

Methods: The Workgroup conducted three surveys that were distributed to NCCN member institutions regarding average patient wait time, chemotherapy premixing practices, infusion chair use, and premedication protocols. To assess chair use, the Workgroup identified and defined five components of chair time.

The Big 3: An Updated Overview of Colorectal, Breast, and Prostate Cancers.

This article provides a current overview of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. For each cancer, data related to incidence and prevalence are discussed, as well as nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors. Information about detection and evidenced-based screening guideline recommendations is reviewed, with the most common and recent treatment modalities emphasized.

Empowering Oncology Nurses to Lead Change Through a Shared Governance Project.

Nurses at the bed- or chairside are knowledgeable about clinical and operational concerns that need improvement and, consequently, are in the best position to generate and evaluate practical options and potential solutions to improve efficacy and care processes. Implementation of a shared governance model is effective in engaging staff nurses to make meaningful and sustainable change in patient care processes.

Dermatologic assessment from a distance: the use of teledermatology in an outpatient chemotherapy infusion center.

Treatment-related dermatologic toxicities are common for patients with cancer. Rashes associated with dermatologic toxicities are best treated by a physician who specializes in dermatologic conditions resulting from cancer treatment, but scheduling and travel may present challenges for patients. This article describes a pilot project in which nurses used telemedicine technology to facilitate patient visits with an off-site dermatologist.

An innovative off-campus infusion suite designed to improve experiences of patients with cancer.

The Brooklyn Infusion Center of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was established in 2010 to better meet the needs of patients with cancer living in the Brooklyn neighborhood and surrounding areas. A multidisciplinary team comprising clinical, administrative, planning, and other representatives were charged to identify and develop a location that would provide oncology care for patients closer to home and improve the patients' experience. The primary objectives were to provide patient-centered care that accommodates the patients' preference to receive treatment closer to home and to take advantage of technology to establish processes that will provide safe, efficient, convenient, and high-quality care in a cost-effective manner.

A randomized controlled trial of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).

Objective: The aims of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial were to determine whether ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) reduced pain and improved function in patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in the short term and intermediate term.

Methods: Sixty-eight patients from community-based referring doctors were randomized to receive 3 ESWT treatments or 3 treatments at a subtherapeutic dose given at weekly intervals. Seven outcome measures relating to pain and function were collected at followup evaluations at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after completion of the treatment.

Ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial.

Context: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is increasingly used for plantar fasciitis, but limited evidence supports its use.

Objective: To determine whether ultrasound-guided ESWT reduces pain and improves function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted between April 1999 and June 2001.