Out-patient Department of a Cancer Hospital

Abstract

An evaluation is made of the advantages of medical care in an out-patient department of a câncer hospital. Emphasis is laid upon the economical advantages, as well as on psychological and social ones, and also on the increasing chances of an early diagnosis. Sound out-patient care must be based on sound statistical data, some of wich are already available, some yet unknown. Relevant improvements to be introduced in a câncer out-patient department to obtain greater efficiency are: complete medical examination at the first visit; provision for radiological exams and blood and urine tests on the first day; non-delaying hospitalizations after they are indicated; examination on the first day by the most competente doctor available. Eunctions of the oncological out-patient department, whether of direct or indirect responsability of this department, must be clearly defined and perfectly understood by both the medical staff and administration, especialy those concerning admission criteria, follow-up and discharge; those concerning the hospital tumor board; those related with the psychological care of patients and their families and health education. Considerations are made on the adequate fitting of medical equipment and hospital facilities to the requirements of the outpatient department. Finally it is emphasized the great importance of a well planned oncological out-patient department, to allow for a better use of the available financial support, descentralization of medicai work, coordination of activities, and sound evaluation of therapeutic results. This is the only possible way to extend to a greater number of patients the well advanced technology that câncer Services are being prepared to offer.