Tampa General Hospital Pioneers Proactive Virtual Cancer care with Reimagine Care Partnership
The rising tide of cancer diagnoses, coupled with a strained healthcare workforce, is forcing health systems to innovate. Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is stepping up to the challenge, recently launching a virtual care program designed to extend critical support to cancer patients beyond the traditional hospital setting.This initiative, a collaboration with nashville-based startup Reimagine Care, signals a significant shift towards proactive, accessible, and patient-centered oncology care.
Addressing the Growing Needs in cancer Care
Cancer care is becoming increasingly complex. Patients require continuous monitoring and support, frequently enough leading to overwhelmed oncologists and unnecessary emergency room visits. TGH recognized this pain point and sought a solution that could alleviate the burden on both patients and providers.
Reimagine Care emerged as the ideal partner. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in virtual symptom management and care coordination specifically for cancer patients undergoing active treatment. Their approach isn’t about replacing the oncology team, but rather extending its reach.
How Reimagine Care Works: An “Extension of the Cancer Center”
Reimagine Care functions as a seamless extension of the TGH cancer Institute, offering 24/7 support powered by a unique blend of technology and human expertise. Here’s a breakdown of their key components:
* Remi, the AI Virtual Assistant: This smart platform provides initial triage and guidance for patient concerns.
* Dedicated oncology Nursing Team: Experienced oncology nurses and advanced practice practitioners are available on-demand to provide personalized support.
* Seamless EHR Integration: All patient interactions and data are meticulously documented within the hospital’s existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, ensuring complete clinical visibility.
According to reimagine Care CEO Dan Nardi, this system effectively handles approximately 95% of patient concerns virtually, dramatically reducing the need for costly and disruptive ER visits.The focus is on operational efficiency – allowing oncologists to concentrate on clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
Benefits for Patients and Providers
This partnership offers a compelling value proposition for both patients and healthcare professionals:
For Patients:
* Increased Accessibility: 24/7 access to expert oncology support, irrespective of location.
* Enhanced Comfort: Manage symptoms and receive guidance from the comfort of home.
* personalized Care: Tailored support from a dedicated team of oncology professionals.
for Providers:
* Reduced Administrative Burden: Fewer after-hours calls and messages requiring direct physician intervention.
* Improved Efficiency: Streamlined symptom triage and care coordination.
* Decreased ER Visits: Proactive virtual support minimizes the need for emergency care.
* “Pajama Time” Reduction: Less time spent on inbox management and non-clinical tasks outside of working hours. (A key metric TGH will be tracking!)
Tampa General’s Commitment to Innovation
Elisabeth King, VP of Operations at TGH’s cancer institute, emphasized that reimagine Care’s proactive, home-centered approach aligns perfectly with the hospital’s dedication to patient-centered innovation. TGH will rigorously measure the program’s success by tracking:
* Reduction in emergency department visits and inpatient admissions.
* Patient satisfaction scores.
* Patient-reported outcomes.
* Engagement with telehealth and secure messaging.
* Symptom triage response times.
Strategic Investment & Future Growth
Tampa General hospital’s commitment extends beyond a simple partnership. TGH Ventures, the hospital’s venture capital arm, has invested in Reimagine Care, demonstrating a strong belief in the company’s long-term potential.
Rachel Feinman, VP of Innovation at TGH Ventures, highlighted the appeal of Reimagine Care’s AI-powered platform, combined with the crucial human element of direct access to oncology nurses and advanced practice providers. The vision is to expand the platform’s application across the entire oncology continuum of care, offering complete virtual support throughout the patient journey.
This collaboration between Tampa General Hospital and Reimagine Care represents a forward-thinking approach to cancer care. By leveraging technology and a dedicated clinical team, they are creating a more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered experience – a model that could reshape the future of oncology care delivery.
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