Graham, LCSW Jennifer

Abstract Purpose The devastation and impact of a new cancer diagnosis can be compounded by psychosocial challenges that can significantly affect patient outcomes. Historically at Mayo Clinic Florida, social work contact with newly diagnosed hematology oncology patients occurred at various and inconsistent times during treatment. Baseline data revealed that 2.16% of these patients received social work contact ranging from 2 to 43 days after diagnosis. Referrals were typically initiated following elevated distress screening or provider-identified needs. This quality improvement initiative explored the impact of embedding early clinical social work services to increase timely social work support for patients and awareness of the role of social work and resources. Methods All patients newly diagnosed with hematological malignancy were scheduled for first contact with social work within two weeks of meeting with their medical provider. During the first social work appointment, psychosocial screening was performed and social work role and resource education was provided. A follow-up consultation was scheduled if needs were identified. Results 96 out of 122 (78.6%) newly diagnosed patients had social work contact for an initial screen during this quality improvement project. There was a 76.44% increase from baseline in the number of patients receiving social work support as a result of this initiative. 52.08% of the newly diagnosed patients proceeded from this initial screening to a scheduled social worker consult. Conclusion Early and proactive social work outreach through a Responsive Practical Proactive (RPP) approach improved access to psychosocial care and helped address gaps between distress screening and timely intervention.