nmdp logo

Streamlining HCT Referrals

Explore Cell Therapy podcast season 2, episode 12

In this two-part "Explore Cell Therapy" podcast episode, Jonathan Fish, MD, and Joanna Pierro, DO, discuss the transformative impact of a streamlined referral process at Cohen Children’s Medical Center to simplify setting up consultations for hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT).

Experts explore how this simple system created using RedCap software can help overcome logistical barriers and enhance coordinated care through a single point of entry for referrals. Learn how early logistical planning and improved communication channels can increase referral volumes, optimize patient outcomes, and support the introduction of groundbreaking new cell and gene therapy options. This episode is a must-listen for insights into improving patient care coordination and enhancing patient outcomes through timely consultation and transplant.

Key takeaways

  1. Streamlined Referral Process: The implementation of a single entry point for referrals through RedCap has streamlined requests for transplant and cell therapy consult from hematology/oncology practices to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, ensuring timely and easy access to care.
  2. Addressing Barriers: The system mitigates challenges such as inconsistent referral processes, geographical obstacles, and logistical issues, allowing for timely and reliable referrals with more time to address patient barriers to care and ensure optimal outcomes.
  3. Enhanced Coordination to Improve Outcomes: Early logistical planning and social work support are facilitated by the new referral system, crucial for complex procedures like transplant, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. The system has allowed for quicker responses to referrals, which is critical for timely interventions including transplant and CAR-T therapies.
  4. Impact and Quality Measures: An increase in referral volume is noted, with plans to measure its impact on patient outcomes, emphasizing the system's role as a quality improvement tool, especially with new therapies like gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
  5. Collaboration and Communication: The importance of collaboration and communication was stressed, both within and between institutions. The referral system has fostered better communication channels, making it easier for referring providers to get timely responses and improving overall patient care coordination.

This episode's expert guests

Jonathan Fish, MD

Jonathan Fish, MD

Head, Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy
Cohen Children’s Medical Center
Joanna Pierro, DO

Joanna Pierro, DO

Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist
Staten Island University Hospital
Dr. Fish practices pediatric stem cell transplant and is an associate professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hostra. He founded a long-term follow-up program to provide clinical care to survivors of childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation, forming a foundation for clinical research to better understand the challenges they face. The program has grown to follow over 900 survivors.
Dr. Pierro is a hematologist/oncologist and an assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra. Her laboratory research in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia was supported by Young Investigator grants from both the St. Baldrick’s and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundations. In addition to her clinical expertise in pediatric cancer and blood disorders, she also has an interest in medical education, serving on multiple committees.

Access all "Explore Cell Therapy" episodes

Listen to "Explore Cell Therapy" on Spotify

Featured programs discussed in this episode

HLA Today

This program for hematology/oncology practices provides free HLA typing for patients and their family members in the community before they reach the transplant center.

Resources for hematology/oncology and transplant physicians

HCT Guidelines App

This new and improved app features our latest HCT Consultation Timing Guidelines, Post-Transplant Care Guidelines, tips to help identify GVHD, CME opportunities and more.

App for Android

App for Apple

Transplant Center Directory for hematology/oncology physicians

This searchable database provides details on the transplant centers, such as center contact information, number of transplants by cell source, patient survival information and more.

CIBMTR Summary Slides and Reports

CIBMTR data on outcomes and trends are summarized and made available for clinical decision-making, presentations, and research planning.

Resources for your patients

NMDP Patient Support Center

The NMDP Patient Support Center provides support, information and resources for transplant patients, caregivers and families. All our programs and resources are free.

Jason Carter Clinical Trials Search and Support Program

The Clinical Trials Search and Support program helps patients find and join clinical trials through one-on-one support, an easy-to-navigate website, and financial assistance to help patients pay for travel costs to participate in a clinical trial.