ABSTRACT
Originally, the underlying premise of modern oncology emphasized interdisciplinary care; cancer patients benefited from the progressive management of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses in the form of coordinated cancer therapy. Recently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommended that subspecialty medical training include an emphasis on patient management in the outpatient setting. Specifically, ASCO urged that trainees learn to manage patients in a longitudinal fashion and be able to participate in multidisciplinary ambulatory cancer care (1). Similarly, nurses in oncology outpatient settings encounter many challenges, including high volumes of patient business fluctuating census, increasingly complex chemotherapy regimens, higher patient acuity, and a diversified case mix of patients (2). Recognizing that the role of ambulatory care in oncology is increasing in importance, the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) recommended that comprehensive cancer centers carefully examine resources allocated to ambulatory care (3). This chapter explores some of the factors influencing the development of outpatient cancer care and provides a theoretical and practical framework for selecting appropriate patients for outpatient care. Applications of these selection criteria and benefits of outpatient care are outlined.
