Optimizing time and care coordination for melanoma patients in the Onkonetwork system

Abstract The increase in melanoma incidence makes oncology patient pathway management for melanoma patients a priority. The aim of this publication is to present the oncological care of patients with melanoma in Hungary’s first oncology patient pathway management system. The OnkoNetwork system was developed and implemented in 2015 in Moritz Kaposi General Hospital in Somogy County, where the authors followed the care of 670 patients with melanoma among thousands of oncology patients. The system monitored the process and time management of melanoma patients’ care from the time of suspicion to the time of closure. The diagnosis, oncological treatment and follow-up of patients are governed by standardized protocols. The system ensures that patients are seen and diagnosed within 21 days. The Oncoteam, within 30 days of entering the system, decides on the patient’s further investigation and treatment, and treatment starts within 14 days of the Oncoteam’s decision. The importance of the OnkoNetwork system is, first and foremost, to provide uniform, protocol-driven care, redirect “lost” patients and reduce delays due to anomalies in the healthcare system. With the use of a patient pathway management system, the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of melanoma patients are prioritized.