The Hospitalist Model and Oncology: Oncologist Opinions about Inpatient Cancer Care Delivery

Link to article at PubMed

Oncologist. 2020 Aug 3. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0514. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hospitalists, rather than oncologists, are increasingly providing inpatient medical care to hospitalized cancer patients, yet the opinions of oncologists regarding this model of care delivery are unknown. A survey was conducted assessing these opinions and experiences with inpatient cancer care delivery at a tertiary cancer center. Only thirty percent of oncologists agreed that caring for hospitalized cancer patients was an efficient use of their time, and most believed a hospitalist service allowed them to pursue other interests. Most had a positive experience with hospitalists, agreeing that hospitalists can diagnose and manage toxicities of cancer therapy, exhibit professionalism, and communicate with them and their patients appropriately. Hematologic malignancy specialists were more likely to value inpatient service time and had less confidence in the ability of hospitalists. Overall, the hospitalist model was generally accepted by oncologists and will continue to be an important part of oncologic care delivery.

PMID:32744351 | DOI:10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0514

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *