Enhancing referral practices: A bariatric department's education initiative to reduce unnecessary referrals to hematology oncology.

Authors

null

Jenna Synnamon

St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA

Jenna Synnamon , Abbegail O'Neil , Alexandra Buczek , Patricia Brennan , Eleanor Elizabeth Harris

Organizations

St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, St. Luke’s University Health Network Cancer Center, Easton, PA

Research Funding

No funding received

Background: Bariatric surgery patients face an elevated risk of iron deficiency anemia. Referrals from the Bariatric department to Hematology Oncology for work up of these anemias strain clinic resources and delay timely care for cancer patients. We initiated a targeted education program to reduce unnecessary referrals from the Bariatric department to Hematology Oncology by raising awareness among staff about appropriate referral criteria. Methods: We developed a curriculum highlighting the differences between symptoms of bariatric surgery complications and hematologic malignancies. Interactive training sessions were held with Bariatric department staff, supplemented by informational materials. Case studies and real-world examples reinforced understanding and decision-making. Staff were also educated on managing iron deficiency anemia internally. Referral rates were tracked before and after the intervention. Results: Baseline data were collected from July 2023 to November 2023, showing an average of 17 referrals per month (85 total over 5 months). The educational initiative included three sessions in December 2023 on anemia management and referral criteria. These sessions highlighted the distinction between symptoms of bariatric complications and hematologic malignancies, as well as education to the bariatric surgery providers on management of hematologic diagnoses resulting from bariatric surgery. Post-intervention data from January 2024 to May 2024 showed a substantial reduction in referrals for bariatric-related iron deficiency anemias to an average of 4.4 referrals per month (22 total over 5 months), indicating a 74% reduction. Improved internal management of iron deficiency anemia contributed to this outcome. The percentage of cancer patients receiving a consult within 7 days of referral contemporaneously improved from 85.7% to 88.1%, indicating improved access to oncology care. Conclusions: The educational intervention significantly reduced unnecessary referrals from the Bariatric department to Hematology Oncology, improving access for cancer patients. Empowering staff with the knowledge to make informed referral decisions and manage common hematologic issues internally improved patient care and clinic efficiency, reducing healthcare costs and patient burden in both departments.

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Poster Session B

Track

Health Care Access, Equity, and Disparities,Technology and Innovation in Quality of Care,Survivorship

Sub Track

Access to Timely Detection and Referral

Citation

JCO Oncol Pract 20, 2024 (suppl 10; abstr 82)

DOI

10.1200/OP.2024.20.10_suppl.82

Abstract #

82

Poster Bd #

B6

Abstract Disclosures