Improving and Innovating

pharmacy-workers600x312.jpg

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute continually strives to improve the quality of patient care by keeping the patient and his or her cancer journey as our primary focus. We use innovative methods for educating patients and staff, creating new technologies, and improving clinical quality and efficiency.

Below are some examples of our leadership in providing a patient experience that is safe, of the highest quality, and always getting better.

Medication Management

Dana-Farber actively utilizes more than 900 clinical trials, as well as thousands of other medications for the treatment of cancer. Safely managing those medications for our patients and staff is a priority within the organization.

Flu Vaccination Program

In 2017, 99 percent of medically eligible Dana-Farber staff members received the flu vaccine, giving Dana-Farber Cancer Institute one of the highest vaccination rates among Massachusetts hospitals. Find out how Dana-Farber is using a universal vaccination requirement to keep our patients and staff safe.

Dana-Farber Pathways

Through Dana-Farber Pathways, we apply lessons from our own practice and from evidence-based medicine. Each patient's treatment pathway is designed to most effectively treat his or her disease, yet achieve consistency across treatment centers.

Patient Reported Data at Dana-Farber

Patient reported data is information reported directly by patients to their care teams. Patient reported data enables care teams to focus on patient priorities and improve quality of life.

eSyM (Electronic Symptom Management) Tool for Patients

Available directly through Patient Gateway, eSyM allows patients to report cancer-related symptoms; access symptom management tips; view symptom trends over time; and receive alerts about when to contact the care team for help — all right from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Real Time Locating System (RTLS)

rtls-patient-badge272x350.jpg

Dana-Farber uses a Real Time Locating System (RTLS) to better manage the flow of patients in our clinics. This system uses sensors as well as small badges worn by both patients and staff members.

Patients are asked to wear a badge that helps us follow their progress during visits. The badge uses technology that sends signals to sensors throughout the Yawkey Center to provide accurate, up-to-date information to locate patients during their appointments and track who they have seen in the clinic.