Implementation of an Oral Antineoplastic Therapy Program: Results From a Pilot Project

Background: The Oncology Care Model requires implementation of processes to reduce urgent care (UC), emergency department (ED), and hospital visits for patients on antineoplastic therapies, including oral antineoplastic agents.

Objectives: The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and initially evaluate an oral antineoplastic therapy program (OAP) and an oncology antineoplastic nurse navigator (OANN) role aimed at reducing UC, ED, and hospital visits.

Methods: This pilot project used a descriptive correlational design to analyze the impact of the novel role of the OANN on UC, ED, and hospital visits.

Findings: The OANN engaged 1,095 patients between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. A reduction in UC, ED, and hospital visits was noted between 2019 and 2020 for patients followed by the OANN and enrolled in the OAP. Patients who were contacted by the OANN three or more times after starting their oral antineoplastic agent were less likely to be seen in UC or the ED or to be hospitalized. The novel role of the OANN within the overall OAP provided a significant benefit in reducing UC and ED visits and hospitalization for patients enrolled in the program.