Clinical Concerns Committee: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Clinical Problem Solving and Evidence Based Care. S.Perry1, K.L.Black1, M.

Romaniuk1, M.Venner1, J.Shepherd1, M.Belletrutti1,2 Stollery Childrens Hospital1, University of Alberta2 Background Pediatric Oncology programs are challenged with increasing patient numbers and acuity which can stretch the resources of an existing program especially in the current economic climate. Finding ways to address clinical concerns and provide evidence based care can be difficult when clinical demands monopolize the focus and time of staff. Purpose In an effort to effectively and efficiently address the clinical concerns from both the inpatient and outpatient settings, the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Program developed a multidisciplinary Clinical Concerns Committee (CCC). The purpose of this committee was to promote consistent and evidenced based care for all Pediatric Oncology/Hematology patients treated at the Stollery Childrens Hospital. The CCC provides a venue for submission of clinical questions from program members and a consistent working group to address questions and delegate and/or consult others. Methods The CCC was established in June 2009 with a core membership including a Hematologist/Oncologist, pharmacist, clinical nurse educator, and advanced practice nurses from oncology and hematology. Clinical issues are received from any members of the program via email or hard copy. The committee has the support of administration for attending regular monthly meetings with secretarial support. CCC is responsible to disseminate information or practice changes back to the program. Ad hoc members from within and outside the program have attended meetings when required. Results The CCC has been successful in the promotion of consistent care within our program. Submissions have come from all disciplines in the program and have ranged from basic to complex care issues. The consistent committee membership allows for a coordinated approach for efficiency in issue resolution and information dissemination. Multidisciplinary membership has been essential for capitalizing on expertise to improve practice. Conclusions The Clinical Concerns Committee is an effective initiative for addressing issues within our pediatric hematology/oncology program. As the issues are addressed the CCC is also now providing a format to initiate research projects around clinical questions.