LAUSR

Topic Significance & Study Purpose/Background/Rationale A Blood & Marrow Transplant [BMT] program incorporated Medical Assistants [MA's] onto the core clinical teams to perform essential functions. Their role augments interdisciplinary care coordination of ancillary and support services. Methods, Intervention, & Analysis MA were assigned onto interdisciplinary teams, typically consisting of a Medical Oncologist, Advanced Practice Providers, and Transplant Nurse Coordinators. Our MA's also work in conjunction with and as an extension of our Social Work team. Under the guidance of this team, the MA carries out functions including but not limited to: scheduling patients, appointments for visits, testing, referrals, telephone calls, and medications. Findings & Interpretation The addition of MAs onto the clinical teams alleviates workloads for the Transplant Coordinators, allowing their focus to shift to a more patient-centered care model. With the further development of oral chemo and targeted therapies, MAs can spend time working on initiating these therapies and addressing barriers. These therapies typically require insurance prior authorization or applications for patient assistance programs for unaffordable out-of-pocket. Often, MAs help provide these services for patients that are also admitted. This frees up nurses to focus on direct patient issues. Discussion & Implications The complexity of the BMT environment necessitates innovation. Utilizing MAs in this environment streamlines processes to provide comprehensive healthcare to our patients. Development of the MAs in this program leans on the full scope of their practice, while requiring more focused, specialized professional development. With the success of their integration in the outpatient environment, their unique skillset may present an opportunity to help with inpatient care coordination.