The Ohio State University has opened its first fully integrated cancer emergency department. The Comprehensive Care Center is the result of a partnership between Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, Richard J. Solove Research Institute and Wexner Medical Center Emergency Department. The centre is based on a clinical care model that combines the expertise of emergency medicine physicians and sub-specialised oncologists working together in a cancer-specific emergency department.
“Cancer patients develop a number of conditions that we want to be well prepared for – to stabilise them, to receive them in the hospital. We want to know about them in advance so we can give them the absolute best care – and fast,” says Thomas Terndrup, MD, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Cancer patients are more prone to suffer from conditions that can escalate into an emergency. Since their immune system is already compromised, a minor medical issue such as fever, dehydration or a viral infection can suddenly require medical care. The Ohio University's Cancer Care Center is equipped with the expertise and the tools to deliver cancer-specific emergency care effectively. The team is also well-trained to communicate with cancer patients and their caregivers throughout the treatment process and to deal with stressful situations.
The two teams involved in the emergency care centre are following best-in-practice protocols and guidelines that have been developed by oncologists at the OSUCCC. The unit includes fifteen treatment stations that are specifically designed to address the needs of cancer patients as well as their family members. Keeping the needs of cancer patients in mind, care has been taken to provide enhanced privacy to patients. This includes private treatment rooms, private bathrooms, natural light and quiet space for conversations between families and physicians. Along with privacy, another objective of this private space is to reduce the risk of exposure due to the nature of the disease and its treatment.
The centre is committed to delivering the most advanced genomic-driven care options and follows a sub-specialised care model. It is a robust clinical research enterprise staffed by a team of emergency medicine physicians, oncologists and an experienced nursing team. The core objective is to provide customised care to every cancer patient and to provide the best healthcare through collaboration between oncologists and scientists.
“Every aspect of our new hospital was designed to address the specific needs of each cancer patient who comes into our care,” says Michael Caligiuri, MD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre and chief executive officer of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Source: The Ohio State University
Image Credit: The Ohio State University
