Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine has launched a big data initiative to predict which lung cancer patients are at risk for an emergency room visit, according to a Penn Medicine News blog post.
The research team is developing a predictive formula using data from recent lab tests, radiology visits and patient-reported symptoms. The ultimate goal of the program is to help physicians intervene in patient care before the patient needs hospital admission. These interventions might include increasing home care treatment or recommending more frequent follow-up appointments.
To further this goal, Penn Medicine recently unveiled an urgent care facility for cancer patients, called the Oncology Evaluation Center. Patients directed toward this center can receive specialized treatment for common cancer complications like infections, fevers or pain management.