application of a shared interdisciplinary and multiprofessional cardio oncology in hospital pathway

• DOI: 10.1714/2803.28361
• Publication Date: 2017-11-01
• Authors: Massimo Magnacca; Maria Laura Canale; Andrea Camerini; Alessio Lilli; Domenico Amoroso; Sara Donati; Stefania Lencioni; Giancarlo Casolo; Lucia Belli; Jacopo Del Meglio
• Keywords: Hospitalization; Patient Care Team; Heart Diseases; Software Design; Neoplasms; Cardiology; Critical Pathways; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Medical Oncology; Cardiotoxicity

The burden of cardiac side effects in oncology patients will dramatically increase in the near future as a result of the widespread use of anticancer agents affecting the cardiovascular system, the general population aging, the heightened attention in the detection of cardiac toxicity and the absolute gain in terms of overall survival. The relationship between cardiologists and oncologists should therefore be closer leading to the definition of cardio-oncology. The increased number of such patients requires the creation of a dedicated patient assistance program in order to guarantee every patient the possibility of an interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach. A dedicated care pathway needs a reorganization of internal resources to ensure high standards of care. The proposed pathway is actually active at our institution and has been implemented taking into account available facilities and planned work amount. Our patient cardio-oncology program could be adapted with minimal changes to different hospitals.