Systemic Treatment Safety Symposium 2014: Oral Chemotherapy

The second Systemic Treatment Safety Symposium, which took place February 21, 2014, in Toronto, aimed to identify opportunities for improving the delivery of systemic cancer treatment in Ontario based on regional needs, while providing a venue for collaboration and knowledgesharing. The agenda included a series of panel sessions followed by discussions, presentations of regional improvement projects and results, and breakout sessions. Based on the discussion that took place at the symposium, a provincial goal of zero handwritten or verbal oral chemotherapy orders by June 30, 2015, has now been established, and regions will be provided with funding for safe prescribing initiatives to support achievement of that aim. Building on the lessons learned from the 2014 System Treatment Safety Symposium, a common measurement strategy will be identified, and Cancer Care Ontario (cco) will also support the work by identifying the recommended key elements of a safe oral chemotherapy prescription. Additionally, cco will identify areas for improving systemic treatment computerized prescriber order entry systems to better enable prescribing of oral agents within such systems. Among the most prominent of the lessons learned during the symposium was the importance of having a focused topic (such as oral chemotherapy) while maintaining a province-wide scope. Another significant takeaway was that attendees appreciate the opportunity to hear from colleagues across the province about the work underway in various regions. Future safety symposia will also explore opportunities for enhanced engagement with participants through greater use of technology.

Autopsies in an area health service: a quality assurance review

The Hunter Area Health Service Quality Liaison Group reviewed autopsy practice in the Hunter Area, focussing upon clinical and resource utilisation effectiveness. Findings are discussed. Conclusions support views expressed in recent literature on the subject. The conclusion is reached that despite increase in consumption of limited resources, autopsies remain an integral component of quality care and should increase in number. Some recommendations are proffered to maximise utility and cost effectiveness in the future.