Healthcare Speeds Up Response Times in Cancer Patient Treatment

Healthcare has updated its Rapid Oncology Circuit (ROC) to expedite response times and improve care coordination in cancer patient treatment. In one of the departments where this update has been implemented, this update is in Dénia, where the Director of Nursing, María José Tomás, has presented the measure to cancer associations of Marina Alta.

The new protocol aims to streamline the identification, referral, and monitoring of suspected cases. It also establishes a structured and common protocol across all health departments so that, when cancer is suspected by a Primary Care physician, there is a rapid response for diagnosis and treatment. The updated procedure in the Dénia department assigns nurse managers to oversee all stages of the process.

Healthcare notes that the ROC centralizes the evaluation of oncological suspicions through a screening system that reviews and prioritizes referrals. A healthcare professional is responsible for daily examination of the patient list from Primary Care and ensures a subsequent priority appointment with a specialist.

In the case of the breast cancer process, nurses with specific and differentiated functions have been assigned. One supports the diagnostic process, reviews the patient list, schedules tests according to BI-RADS classification, and controls response times. They also assist in biopsies and are part of the Breast Committee, where therapeutic strategies are established.

Another nurse takes on the follow-up of patients in the Oncohematological Day Hospital. Their role includes welcoming, assessing general condition, providing information on side effects, and coordinating with other care resources, such as the psycho-oncologist or patient associations.

For María José Tomás, “the new structure improves consultation planning, avoids unnecessary delays, and facilitates smooth communication between the different care levels involved in oncological care. From the patient's perspective, it reduces uncertainty throughout the process.”

Among the main advantages cited by Healthcare are the speed in conducting diagnostic tests, the structured follow-up of patients throughout the process, and greater accessibility to support resources and specialized care available in each health department.

It is planned that in Dénia, the breast ROC model will be expanded to other oncological pathologies such as Hematology, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Gynecology, Digestive System, and Otolaryngology, among others.