ACCC launched Optimizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to address the need for accurate, integrated, and comprehensive data capture and analysis. Through this initiative, ACCC is developing resources to help cancer programs overcome common challenges and barriers to EHR use. From data capture to measurement and analysis, ACCC provides real-world examples of how programs in the community are effectively using their EHRs to enhance patient care coordination.
To assist cancer programs by increasing their understanding of:
For this project, ACCC facilitated two focus groups comprised of representatives from the multidisciplinary cancer care team including administrators, pharmacists, financial advocates, and nurses. The first was held in October 2016 during the ACCC 33rd National Oncology Conference; the second took place in February 2017. During the focus groups sessions, experienced, expert cancer program professionals described their current EHR systems, shared the biggest barriers/challenges encountered and greatest successes, discussed their experiences in transitioning from one EHR system to another and what they would do differently based on these experiences, and issues related to interoperability or ease of health information exchange across systems. Among the topics discussed:
Four key themes emerged from these conversations. Read More.
Participating in the focus groups were:
Sandra Areias, MSN, RN, OCN
Nurse Navigator Lead, Oncology Care Model
Lahey Health Cancer Services
Debra Bubba, MSN, RN
Administrative Director Oncology Service Line
St. Luke’s University Health Network
Becky DeKay, MBA
Vice President Oncology Services
University Health Shreveport
Steven D’Amato, BSPharm
Executive Director
New England Cancer Specialists
Dianne Driscoll, RN, OCN
Nurse Manager II
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Seacoast Cancer Center
Cassidy Hood
EMR Support Analyst
St Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute
Una Hopkins, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Administrative Director
Dickstein Cancer Treatment Center at White Plains Hospital
Jeffrey Kendall, PsyD
Director, Oncology Support Services
University of Minnesota Cancer Care
Rachel Lawlor, RN, MHA
Director Oncology Services
Mosaic Life Care
Ali McBride, PharmD, MS, BCPS, BCOP
Clinical Coordinator Hematology/Oncology
The University of Arizona Cancer Center
Anne Marie F. Rainey, MSN, RN, CHC
Compliance and Quality Control Officer
Clearview Cancer Institute
Marlene Richardville, RN, BSN, OCN, CPHQ
Nurse Manager
Good Samaritan Hospital
Michelle Rose, MBA
Practice Manager Lead
Lipson Cancer Institute
Matt Sherer, MBA, MHA
Administrative Director, Oncology Services
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
Lisa Thomas-Rhoton
Patient/Family Financial Advocate
St Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute
Carme Tripp, RN, MHA
Executive Director
Southcoast Cancer Centers
Cheryll Willin, MSN, NPC, AOCN
Clinical Director, Oncology Services
Cancer Center of Santa Barbara w/Sansum Clinic
Carolyn Wilson, MSN, RN, CCM
Oncology Nursing Project Specialist
Winchester Medical /Valley Health
In early 2017, ACCC conducted a survey on current usage of electronic health record (EHR) systems in ACCC member programs. Survey responses are helping ACCC identify effective strategies to assist member programs in optimizing their EHR systems to improve patient care. The survey looked at how programs are using EHRs (e.g., for information collection, data analysis, and patient care coordination). Through an analysis of survey results, ACCC is working to identify solutions for overcoming common EHR challenges and barriers, as well as strategies for optimizing use of EHRs for coordinated, patient-centered care delivery and quality reporting.
View survey highlights here.
In spring 2017, ACCC conducted site visits at two ACCC member programs that demonstrate aspects of effective EHR use for care coordination and quality reporting:
North Star Lodge
Virginia Mason Memorial
Yakima, WA
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
Fairhaven, MA
These site visits provided an in-depth look at the programs’ EHR systems and data collection and analysis processes with a focus on the following areas:
A report published with Oncology Issues that synthesizes information from the project’s survey results, focus groups findings, and the sites visits.
ACCC will create tools and resources based on the information gathered through the focus groups, survey, and site visits, to include:
Funding & Support provided by Pfizer Oncology
