Maria Laura Canale1, Chiara Lestuzzi2, Irma Bisceglia3, Paola Vallerio4, Iris Parrini5. 1. Cardiology Department, Versilia Hospital, Azienda USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, Lido di Camaiore. 2. Cardiology Unit, Oncology Department, CRO, National Cancer Institute, Aviano. 3. Cardiology Service, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome. 4. Cardiology IV, 'A. De Gasperis' Department, ASST Grande Ospedale Niguarda, Milan. 5. Cardiology Division, Ospedale Mauriziano, Torino, Italy.
Abstract
AIMS: Cardio-oncology is imposing as the specialty deputed to the management of a large and rapidly increasing population of cancer patients receiving anticancer treatments with cardiovascular side effects or presenting with cardiac and oncological comorbidities. Organization patterns dramatically vary across Italy. METHODS: On the behalf of ANMCO, we have analyzed the characteristics of cardio-oncology services across different hospital types in Italy. A questionnaire was sent out to all ANMCO divisions inquiring about inner organization, workload, multidisciplinary team and inter-hospital connections. RESULTS: Ninety-eight centers sent back the questionnaire. We summarize different paths into four reference assistance models (sizes XL, L, M and S) according to hospital characteristics, cardio-oncology population size, specialists availability, local facilities and the hospital-surrounding network. We define sizes of the proposed pathways highlighting the need to tailor the model in each single situation. CONCLUSION: No single cardio-oncology organization model can be applied to all hospitals. Each center could select the size/model that best fits its organization. Multidisciplinarity and networking play a crucial role.
AIMS: Cardio-oncology is imposing as the specialty deputed to the management of a large and rapidly increasing population of cancerpatients receiving anticancer treatments with cardiovascular side effects or presenting with cardiac and oncological comorbidities. Organization patterns dramatically vary across Italy. METHODS: On the behalf of ANMCO, we have analyzed the characteristics of cardio-oncology services across different hospital types in Italy. A questionnaire was sent out to all ANMCO divisions inquiring about inner organization, workload, multidisciplinary team and inter-hospital connections. RESULTS: Ninety-eight centers sent back the questionnaire. We summarize different paths into four reference assistance models (sizes XL, L, M and S) according to hospital characteristics, cardio-oncology population size, specialists availability, local facilities and the hospital-surrounding network. We define sizes of the proposed pathways highlighting the need to tailor the model in each single situation. CONCLUSION: No single cardio-oncology organization model can be applied to all hospitals. Each center could select the size/model that best fits its organization. Multidisciplinarity and networking play a crucial role.