Title: Establishment of Chemotherapy in the Home supported by Telemedicine Southern Health
The Primary objective of the project is to deliver chemotherapy in the home, within defined parameters, and improve the quality of care to cancer patients supported by Telemedicine.
The criteria for admission to the Hospital in the Home (HITH) programme have been established and are part of ongoing review. An extensive consultation process and robust governance structure underpin Chemotherapy in the Home
The project is a joint venture of the Oncology and Haematology services, Pharmacy, Chemotherapy Day unit and the Hospital in the Home team. Chemotherapy is an established (HITH) practice across Victoria and is the second most admitted DRG to HITH in Victoria, with 1322 admissions for 2011/12. Chemotherapy given at home is an accepted practice and the project aims to build a model of care that improves the safety and support of these patients. The telemedicine model allows for continued clinical supervision of patients by both the Specialist/HITH medical team in real time. Furthermore this model allows for a multi disciplinary consultation and supportive care direct to the patient and family.
Advantages include:
• Decreased disruption to patient’s routine, lessened patient anxiety, reduced costs in travelling expenses.
• Timely access to care.
• Consultation by specialist medical and pharmacist with HITH clinical team in the patient’s home.
To date four patients have made the successful transfer to HITH receiving monthly treatments with the plan to transfer a further eight by the end of March 2013