BOSTON, MA – Screening of inter-hospital transfers by oncology nurse case managers enhances the capacity and maximizes resource utilization at freestanding National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers, according to a study led by Kathy Rogala-Scherer, RN, Department of Case Management at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The research will be presented at the 31^st Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), May 4-7, in Boston, MA.*

Because the demand for inpatient beds is often outpaced by the supply at freestanding NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, oncology nurse case managers at RPCI conducted a study to determine if obtaining information – ­insurance, demographics, history, and physical and pertinent clinical data supporting the cancer diagnosis – from the hospital requesting the patient transfer, and reviewing it with oncologists, could have a positive impact on bed capacity and resource utilization.

“Our study demonstrated that pre-screening patients before transfer from one facility to another gives the receiving hospital an opportunity to prepare needed services for that patient, thereby maximizing resources and providing quality care more efficiently,” noted Rogala-Scherer.

Additionally, the results verified that patients transferred after careful screening have more predictable, and often better, outcomes because they are ensured access to all required resources; that bed utilization and availability is improved for patients who require the specialized services of a comprehensive cancer center and are physically able to tolerate therapeutic interventions; and that patients can be identified who do not require the specialized resources of a comprehensive cancer center and would not benefit from transfer.

The Oncology Nursing Society is a professional organization of more than 33,000 registered nurses and other healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research and administration in oncology nursing. The overall mission of ONS is to promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org , call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org

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*Editor’s Note: Podium Presentation, Abstract #35: “The Role of the Oncology Nurse Case Manager in Facilitating Hospital Transfers” by Kathy Rogala-Scherer, RN, will be presented Friday, May 5 at 2 pm, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.