Systems Automation for Cancer Surveillance

By using tools like the VA corporate data warehouse and automatic assignment of new patients with head and neck cancer to cancer tracking systems, the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System in Albuquerque is creating a more efficient system of patient care. According to Melvin DeHerrera, RN, MBA, customized patient information is helping to facilitate more cures in the hospital’s ear, nose, and throat clinic.

“The cancer care coordinator tracks head and neck cancer patients with an automated system,” Mr. DeHerrera said. “The purpose of this project is to provide optimal treatment interventions while preventing any patients from being inadvertently lost to follow-up.”