UPMC Interdisciplinary Care Program for Metastatic Breast Cancer

This report details the development and implementation of a nurse-driven quality improvement and primary palliative care intervention program by The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) aimed at supporting patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), particularly geriatric patients. The program, known as the Support/Education/Advocacy (SEA) Program, utilizes a weekly interdisciplinary huddle to connect patients with necessary resources through a standardized assessment process. The report outlines the steps taken to establish the huddle, including securing funding, selecting key stakeholders, and establishing a regular meeting flow. UPMC's data indicates a significant increase in referrals to supportive care, highlighting the program's effectiveness in improving patient-reported outcomes and reducing clinic visits. The report emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the unique needs of MBC patients and improving overall care quality.