Evaluation of Telemedicine Delivery of Palliative Care
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: A driving factor to incorporate palliative care services for oncology patients are the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement measures that focus on quality versus volume-based care. Oncology quality measures can be directly impacted by palliative care services. To improve access for individuals in rural areas, a West Michigan hospice and palliative care organization identified the need for telemedicine. This project answered the clinical practice question: what is an evidence-based toolkit to evaluate the structure, process, and outcomes for outpatient telemedicine delivery of palliative care? SUBJECT: A West Michigan hospice and palliative care organization seeking an evaluation plan for a new telemedicine program. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Quality improvement project focusing on collaboration with a West Michigan hospice and palliative care organization to evaluate telemedicine delivery of palliative care in the oncology setting. ANALYSES: Key stakeholder and organizational input was analyzed to determine structure, process, and outcome measures needed for total program evaluation. RESULTS: The result is a comprehensive evaluation plan consisting of care delivery elements, the tools to evaluate the process, and outcomes of the care received. A cost savings analysis was completed highlighting a positive return on investment. CONCLUSION: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project included evidence-based guidelines to ensure standardized care is being delivered. The toolkit can be applied to varied populations and settings to expand palliative care services. To continue evaluation, the goal is to highlight the impact of innovative delivery of palliative care via telemedicine to improve access and CMS oncology performance measures.
Evaluation of Telemedicine Delivery of Palliative Care
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: A driving factor to incorporate palliative care services for oncology patients are the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement measures that focus on quality versus volume-based care. Oncology quality measures can be directly impacted by palliative care services. To improve access for individuals in rural areas, a West Michigan hospice and palliative care organization identified the need for telemedicine. This project answered the clinical practice question: what is an evidence-based toolkit to evaluate the structure, process, and outcomes for outpatient telemedicine delivery of palliative care? SUBJECT: A West Michigan hospice and palliative care organization seeking an evaluation plan for a new telemedicine program. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Quality improvement project focusing on collaboration with a West Michigan hospice and palliative care organization to evaluate telemedicine delivery of palliative care in the oncology setting. ANALYSES: Key stakeholder and organizational input was analyzed to determine structure, process, and outcome measures needed for total program evaluation. RESULTS: The result is a comprehensive evaluation plan consisting of care delivery elements, the tools to evaluate the process, and outcomes of the care received. A cost savings analysis was completed highlighting a positive return on investment. CONCLUSION: This Doctor of Nursing Practice project included evidence-based guidelines to ensure standardized care is being delivered. The toolkit can be applied to varied populations and settings to expand palliative care services. To continue evaluation, the goal is to highlight the impact of innovative delivery of palliative care via telemedicine to improve access and CMS oncology performance measures.