Susan Huffington, RN, nurse manager for the Quality Care Home Health Agency, noticed that the office had been receiving several

Susan Huffington, RN, nurse manager for the Quality Care Home Health Agency, noticed that the office had been receiving several calls per week for skilled nursing care for pediatric oncology patients. The agency did not provide services for pediatric patients. Susan reported the situation to the administrator. Susan soon was involved in gathering information about the number of home health agencies that offered pediatric oncology care, the standards of nursing care recommended for pediatric oncology patients, how pediatric oncology patients were receiving home care, how many pediatric patients in the area might need such services, and what reimbursement was available for such services. Within the next few months, the management team for Quality Care Home Health Agency decided that as part of the agency’s strategic plan, a program for pediatric oncology services would be developed.

What is a sample strategic plan based on this scenario, include the goals, and responsibilities?

ANSWER

Developing a Pediatric Oncology Program: Strategic Plan for Quality Care Home Health Agency

Introduction

This essay outlines a sample strategic plan for Quality Care Home Health Agency to develop a pediatric oncology program in response to the increasing demand for skilled nursing care for pediatric oncology patients. The plan includes goals and responsibilities to guide the agency’s efforts in providing specialized services for this vulnerable population.

 Goal: Establish a Pediatric Oncology Program

Objective: Develop a comprehensive program to deliver high-quality home health services to pediatric oncology patients.

Responsibilities

Nurse Manager (Susan Huffington): Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the pediatric oncology program. Coordinate with the management team to secure necessary resources and support.

Administrator: Provide oversight, allocate necessary funding, and support the development of the pediatric oncology program (Haskins et al., 2021). Collaborate with external stakeholders, such as insurance providers and regulatory agencies, to ensure compliance and reimbursement.

Clinical Team: Collaborate with the nurse manager to define standards of nursing care for pediatric oncology patients. Participate in the development of care protocols, policies, and procedures specific to pediatric oncology.

Human Resources: Assist in recruiting and hiring skilled nurses with experience in pediatric oncology care (Haskins et al., 2021). Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet the demand for services.

Goal: Assess Patient Needs and Demand

Objective: Determine the number of pediatric patients in need of pediatric oncology home health services in the agency’s service area.

Responsibilities

Nurse Manager: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the number of pediatric oncology patients requiring home health services. Collaborate with local hospitals, oncology centers, and physicians to gather relevant data.

Data Analyst: Analyze demographic and healthcare data to estimate the potential demand for pediatric oncology services in the agency’s service area (National Academies Press (US), 2002). Identify trends and patterns to inform program development.

 Goal: Ensure Quality of Care

Objective: Establish standards of nursing care and protocols for pediatric oncology patients.

Responsibilities

 Nurse Manager and Clinical Team: Review evidence-based guidelines and best practices for pediatric oncology care. Adapt and develop protocols specific to the agency’s pediatric oncology program. Provide ongoing education and training to nursing staff.

Quality Improvement Team: Monitor and evaluate the quality of care provided to pediatric oncology patients (Hughes, 2008). Implement continuous quality improvement initiatives based on patient outcomes, feedback, and regulatory requirements.

Goal: Establish Reimbursement Strategies

Objective: Identify and secure appropriate reimbursement for pediatric oncology services.

Responsibilities

 Administrator and Finance Department: Explore reimbursement options for pediatric oncology home health services. Engage with insurance providers, Medicaid, and other funding sources to negotiate contracts and secure coverage for services.

Legal and Compliance Team: Ensure compliance with regulations and billing requirements related to pediatric oncology services. Provide guidance on reimbursement procedures and documentation.

Conclusion

The strategic plan outlined above provides a roadmap for Quality Care Home Health Agency to develop a pediatric oncology program. By setting goals and assigning responsibilities, the agency can effectively address the growing demand for skilled nursing care for pediatric oncology patients. Through collaboration, data analysis, quality improvement efforts, and reimbursement strategies, the agency aims to deliver specialized and comprehensive care to this vulnerable population, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

References 

Haskins, L., Esperance, B., Olivier, H., & Buswell, L. (2021). Clinical Nurse Educator Mentorship: Implementation at an Oncology Program in Rwanda. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 25(1), 100–103. https://doi.org/10.1188/21.cjon.100-103 

Hughes, R. G. (2008, April 1). Tools and Strategies for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2682/ 

National Academies Press (US). (2002). The Health Care Delivery System. The Future of the Public’s Health in the 21st Century – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221227/ 

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