In order to support a massive expansion and redesign project, Susquehanna Health worked alongside Siemens consultants to help its center to improve workflow and to meet patient’s needs. The improvements include individualized patient flows, optimal positioning of the lab to accelerate workflows, and further restructuring of the hospital floor plan to provide operational efficiency. The center is now able to project future volumes and treatment types.

Siemens workflow-efficiency consultants helped optimize patient flows – both in medical and radiation oncology – which has resulted in an expected 60-minute reduction in patient waiting times. The medical oncology lab, phlebotomy station and pharmacy were all optimally relocated, reducing the distances for nurses and pharmacists on their rounds. Additional consult rooms were recommended so palliative care, pain management, home care and hospice, dietary, and physical therapy caregivers could come to the oncology patient rather than making the patient go to them.

In addition to tremendous workflow improvements, the project has allowed Susquehanna Health to plan for the future based on predictions of the first incidence of cancer. This resulted in more infusion rooms, less exam rooms, plus room for a future linear accelerator if needed. Karen Armstrong, CIO of Susquehanna Health, is convinced of the Siemens consultants’ work, “We know they will help us achieve good, efficient outcomes.”