An innovative off-campus infusion suite designed to improve experiences of patients with cancer

The Brooklyn Infusion Center of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center was established in 2010 to better meet the needs of patients with cancer living in the Brooklyn neighborhood and surrounding areas. A multidisciplinary team comprising clinical, administrative, planning, and other representatives were charged to identify and develop a location that would provide oncology care for patients closer to home and improve the patients' experience. The primary objectives were to provide patient-centered care that accommodates the patients' preference to receive treatment closer to home and to take advantage of technology to establish processes that will provide safe, efficient, convenient, and high-quality care in a cost-effective manner. To achieve these objectives, no laboratory processing or pharmacy services were included in the plan for the Brooklyn location. This allowed the elimination of most of the challenges involved with same-day blood draws and chemotherapy orders. In addition, computer technology is used for teledermatology and other medical visits to maintain the continuity of the patients' care with their multidisciplinary teams at the Manhattan, NY, location. The data presented will illustrate how these processes have improved patients' experiences by reducing wait times for treatment, providing treatment closer to home, and implementing a truly patient-centered nursing care model.