A Randomized, Controlled Trial Evaluating Perioperative Risk-Stratification and Risk-Based, Protocol-Driven Management After Elective Major Cancer Surgery.

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of risk-based, protocol-driven management versus (vs) usual management after elective major cancer surgery to reduce 30-day rates of postoperative death or serious complications (DSC) .

Summary Background Data: Major cancer surgery is associated with significant perioperative risks which result in worse long-term outcomes.

Methods: Adults scheduled for elective major cancer surgery were stratified/randomized to risk-based escalating levels of care, monitoring, and co-management vs usual management.

The impact of an oncology urgent care center on health-care utilization.

Introduction: Studies suggest that many emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for patients with cancer may be preventable. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has implemented changes to the hospital outpatient reporting program that targets acute care in-treatment patients for preventable conditions. Oncology urgent care centers aim to streamline patient care.

Meeting the challenge of managing vaso-occlusive crisis.

Quality improvement efforts in patient care are most successful when the entire healthcare team is involved in care planning. This article discusses a multidisciplinary approach to the development of a protocol for patients with sickle cell disease experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis. The protocol's goal was to improve the quality and consistency of care for these patients.