title: Optimizing resource allocation and patient flow: process analysis and reorganization in three chemotherapy outpatient clinics.
abstract: Optimizing human and physical resources is a major concern for cancer care decision-makers and practitioners. This issue is particularly acute in the context of ambulatory out patient chemotherapy clinics, especially when - as is the case almost everywhere in the industrialized world - the number of people requiring systemic therapy is increasing while budgets, staffing and physical space remain static. Recent initiatives at three hospital-based chemotherapy units - in Halifax, Toronto and Kingston - shed light on the value of process analysis and reorganization for using existing human and physical resources to their full potential, improving patient flow and enhancing patient satisfaction. The steps taken in these settings are broadly applicable to other healthcare settings and would likely result in similar benefits in those environments.
authors: MA, PhD, is the director of WordMeridian Communications, in Toronto, Ontario.
authors: Morgan
authors: M
authors: Holmes
authors: RN, BScN, is the manager of the Ambulatory Oncology Program at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, in Kingston, Ontario.
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: Bodie
authors: MD, FRCSC, FACS, is a surgical oncologist at the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre and the head of the Capital Health Cancer Care Program, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
authors: Geoffrey
authors: G
authors: Porter
authors: RN, BN, HMS, CON(C), is the director of the Capital Health Cancer Care Program.
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Sullivan
authors: RN, BScN, CON(C) is the health services manager at the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre clinics, including the 11th-floor chemotherapy unit.
authors: Joy
authors: J
authors: Tarasuk
authors: Project officer for the Capital Health Cancer Care Program.
authors: Jodie
authors: J
authors: Trembley
authors: MD, FRCPC, is head of the Systemic Therapy Program at the Odette Cancer Centre, in Toronto, Ontario.
authors: Maureen
authors: M
authors: Trudeau
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002170:Canada; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D040841:Resource Allocation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents