The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many problems in the healthcare sector – for providers and patients alike. Access to care has become more difficult since the start of this pandemic and especially cancer patients are disproportionally affected by this. Screening programs were sometimes paused, or not sought out at all due to a fear of contracting COVID-19 in the first place. And for existing patients it often meant that cancer treatments were paused or postponed. During most of the pandemic, oncology facilities experienced a sharp decline in outpatient visits.
Due to these delays, there is already an increase in demand for cancer services and oncology appointments. In the process, a huge increase in patient volume is expected in the coming months, so cancer programs must begin now planning for the coming backlog.
This paper, written in collaboration with ECG Management Consultants, introduces seven various key strategies to help cancer programs manage this increase.
Due to these delays, there is already an increase in demand for cancer services and oncology appointments. In the process, a huge increase in patient volume is expected in the coming months, so cancer programs must begin now planning for the coming backlog.
This paper, written in collaboration with ECG Management Consultants, introduces seven various key strategies to help cancer programs manage this increase.
This thought leadership paper is part of the Siemens Healthineers Insights Series. It provides ideas and practical solutions on 'Achieving operational excellence'.
Key takeaways from the paper
To successful weather “the surge after the surge” ECG’s oncology team proposes seven key strategies in different areas to help cancer programs to provide oncology services in the post-pandemic world:
- Prepare clinical operations to accommodate an increase in patient demand while ensuring patient and staff safety Develop or maintain strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of patients
- Prepare the clinical and nonclinical workforce to respond to increases in demand
- Update the cancer care facilities to meet current social distancing requirements, while at the same time accommodating additional patient volumes
- Thoughtfully resume clinical research efforts
- Enhance communication with patients, allaying their fears while also educating them about the risks inherent with delaying treatment
- Deploy financial management systems to maximize revenue
Read the paper to learn how to use these strategies to overcome the surge after the surge in a post-pandemic world.
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