Nationwide Launches Oncology Management Program

When developing its oncology offering, Nationwide Better Health found research from the Fatigue Coalition that indicated 75% of cancer sufferers adjust their work life due to fatigue caused by treatments and 40% of patients receive no medical recommendations on managing fatigue, although a vast majority seek advice on handling this side effect.

Nationwide Better Health’s oncology disease management program is focused on helping people undergoing cancer treatment learn to better manage the side-effects of the treatment. Pain management therapy, fatigue solutions, medication compliance, emotional support and diet are the backbone of the program, according to the firm.   Additionally, Nationwide Better Health’s model ensures that patients are offered services and support whenever appropriate, and its nurse health coaches develop an individualized, confidential plan based on each patient’s acuity, personal barriers, needs and readiness-to-change.

Additional Components

Additional components of Nationwide Better Health’s oncology management program include:

• Oncology HealthModel, a proprietary evidence-based program guide, helps nurse health coaches determine the type and frequency of interventions needed.
• RiskScreen identifies acuity level, primary, secondary and tertiary conditions.
• Utilization management provides review during hospitalization and, coupled with case management services, offers discharge planning that includes working with the patient, provider and family to develop a care plan focusing on coordinating services to meet the patient’s needs, and assuring appropriate medical treatment during the acute phase of the illness.

According to a press release, Nationwide Better Health’s oncology offering is part of its ongoing efforts to provide a set of integrated health management solutions to Fortune 1000 companies in order to create a healthier, more productive workforce and reduce the impact of health care costs on companies’ bottom lines.