Increasing the anemia panel rate for cancer-induced anemia (CIA) in patients at a community cancer care clinic: A quality improvement project.

506 Background: Anemia is a common and often multifactorial complication of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, contributing to increased morbidity and decreased quality of life in cancer patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) provides clear guidelines for evaluating and managing cancer-induced anemia (CIA), yet adherence, especially in community oncology settings, remains inconsistent. A community cancer center’s internal review revealed delays in appropriate anemia management, primarily due to inadequate screening for the etiology of anemia. Methods: A quality improvement initiative was implemented to increase the rate of anemia panel testing among patients receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy (excluding breast cancer) with hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL. The goal was to increase panel ordering from a baseline of 49% to 70% over six months (November 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025). A standardized anemia evaluation workflow tool was introduced for use by clinical staff (RN, LVN, NP, MD) to guide decision-making regarding anemia panel testing and subsequent treatment. A total of 1,387 charts were reviewed during the study period, with 119 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Results: Among the 119 eligible patients identified, anemia panels were ordered in 98 cases (80%), surpassing the target goal of 70%. This reflects a 31% relative improvement from baseline. Implementing the workflow tool supported more consistent and timely identification of anemia etiology, leading to earlier and more appropriate interventions such as iron infusions and administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Conclusions: This quality improvement initiative significantly increased adherence to evidence-based guidelines for evaluating CIA. The standardized workflow facilitated provider compliance with NCCN recommendations and payer requirements, enhancing clinical decision-making and improving the timeliness and quality of anemia management in a community oncology setting. These results underscore the value of systematic process interventions in enhancing care delivery and patient outcomes in cancer care.