Workflow in a pediatric neuro-oncology center

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Medical workflow is defined as task, process and medical staff working together in a specialized multidisciplinary team to deliver proper healthcare and achieve patient satisfaction with good patient experience such as in neuro-oncology centers which deal with central nervous system tumors. The aim of this article is to review workflow of a neuro-oncology center focusing on how to maintain patient satisfaction with the best health care outcome. Main body An organized workflow system in a neuro-oncology center is based on a multidisciplinary team of specialized and experienced neurosurgeons, pediatric oncologist, neuroradiologist, neuropathologist and radiotherapy oncologist where the patient is assigned to a primary oncologist and the decision regarding the surgical intervention is decided first by the pediatric neurosurgeon. The optimum workflow in a high flow neuro-oncology center starts with screening of all the referred cases to select those who match the mission and resources of the center to avoid overloading that affects the time and quality for care giving. Admission protocols must differentiate between elective and emergent admissions, centralization of caseload and proper scheduling of operations and outpatient visits. Clinical documentation is mandatory, and the efficiency and effectiveness of electronic health records (EHR) allows for tracing the work and tasks, proper coordination between multidisciplinary teams and generation of national cancer registries. Surgical intervention is followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy according to pre-planned protocols for every specific pathology that is diagnosed by the neuropathologist. As the management of many neuro-oncology cases is complex and may require individualization, multidisciplinary team meetings involving extensive discussions are analysis for the best management plan. Conclusion A high flow neuro-oncology center requires a well-planned, and organized multidisciplinary team maintaining workflow system to improve the health outcome, and patient’s compliance and experience.