Preventing Delays in Initiation of Radiation Therapy Following Breast Conserving Surgery – A Process Improvement

Authors

Catherine Oplinger, MSN, RN, OCN, AMB-B, Jefferson HealthFollow
Margaret Wight, BA, ODS-C, Jefferson HealthFollow

Document Type

Poster

Presentation Date

10-30-2024

Comments

Presented at the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) Annual Conference.

Abstract

Background

• In July of 2023 new guidelines were released by Commission on Cancer (COC) related to start of radiation treatment following definitive breast conserving surgery for patients who were not previously treated. (1)
• Previous tracking at our institution was reflective which did not allow for prevention of start of radiation falling outside of the sixty-day window recommended in the new guidelines.
• Discussion at a weekly tumor board indicated that a process improvement could benefit our patient outcomes by assuring start of radiation within the recommended guidelines.
• Clinical reasons such as chemotherapy following surgery, seroma, healing issues, or infection are acceptable clinical reasons for start of care falling outside of the recommended start time.
• If chemotherapy is indicated following breast conserving surgery, and radiation is to follow the chemotherapy, the radiation should begin within the sixty-day window of chemotherapy completion.

Recommended Citation

Oplinger, MSN, RN, OCN, AMB-B, Catherine and Wight, BA, ODS-C, Margaret, "Preventing Delays in Initiation of Radiation Therapy Following Breast Conserving Surgery – A Process Improvement" (2024). Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds. Paper 77.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/kimmelgrandrounds/77

Language

English