Understanding the impact of a clinical care pathway for major head and neck cancer resection on postdischarge healthcare utilization

Abstract

A postoperative inpatient clinical care pathway in patients with head and neck cancer is associated with decreased health care utilization and inpatient costs in the 3 months after discharge. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1216-E1220, 2016.

Establishing a Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Clinical Pathway: An Implementation Evaluation and Audit of Dysphagia-Related Services and Outcomes

“…Current research has established that HNC care delivered through an integrated Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach results in improved patient outcomes and better survival rates [1–3]. Delivery of MDT services through a coordinated head and neck clinical pathway (HNCP) is also recognized to maximize results, increase efficiency in care delivery, reduce costs, shorten the length of hospital stay, and improve overall patient outcomes [4–7]. …”

“…Clinical pathways in HNC care strive to provide evidence-based algorithms by organizing patient care in a coordinated and systematic MDT approach [4]. International cancer care guidelines advocate that HNC services be provided by the MDT housed in an established, patient-centered head-and-neck oncology center with a dedicated team.…”

Cost analysis of a speech pathology synchronous telepractice service for patients with head and neck cancer

“…Unfortunately, due to geographical distance, patients living in regional, rural, and remote areas do not have equal access to services and this consequently leads to additional financial burden for patients and their families due to increased travel and accommodation costs, leave from work, and/or carer costs . These expenses are incurred along the continuum of care in which regular ongoing specialist medical, nursing, and allied health appointments are required to maximize rehabilitation efforts and optimize patient outcomes . Although some reimbursement may be provided by health services or through some private insurance schemes, the outstanding and ongoing financial commitment of cancer treatment ensues significant stress and emotional burden for patients and their family …”

“…1,[8][9][10][11] These expenses are incurred along the continuum of care in which regular ongoing specialist medical, nursing, and allied health appointments are required to maximize rehabilitation efforts and optimize patient outcomes. 4,[12][13][14] Although some reimbursement may be provided by health services or through some private insurance schemes, the outstanding and ongoing financial commitment of cancer treatment ensues significant stress and emotional burden for patients and their family. 8,9,15,16 Access to timely, accurate, and ongoing speech pathology intervention is required to limit medical complications, and optimize the swallowing and communication rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer.…”

Potential for health care cost savings with preoperative gastrostomy tube placement in the head and neck cancer population

“…Cancer care has been found to consume nearly 50% of all healthcare expenditures . Given these demands, institutions are looking more frequently at measures to increase cost efficiency due to growing concerns about healthcare sustainability …”