Innovative OnkoBase app: New approach to pediatric oncology!

Innovative OnkoBase app: New approach to pediatric oncology!

Developments in the field of medical innovations have reached a new peak. Nursing specialist Laura Feuerhahn and doctor Dr. Natalie Palmaers was awarded the renowned internal SICKO Innovation Prize. The prize, which is endowed with 2,000 euros, honors her groundbreaking work on the OnkoBase app, which aims to improve the safety and quality of care for patients in pediatric oncology. This is reported by the MHH.

A key goal of the OnkoBase app is to replace the conventional A4 paper folder, which previously served as a “companion” through cancer therapy. With informative content on diseases, findings, treatment plans as well as contact details and educational videos, the app becomes a valuable resource for affected children, young people, relatives and health professionals. The app will also be available in multiple languages ​​to ensure broad accessibility.

Promoting interprofessional collaboration

SICKO, an acronym for Safety in Pediatric Oncology, promotes interprofessional training and supports innovation in healthcare. Interprofessional collaboration is a central aspect of the project. As the Doctor's newspaper notes, the success of such projects is heavily dependent on constant communication and mutual appreciation between the specialist disciplines. Only interprofessional tandems have the opportunity to apply for the innovation award, which underlines the importance of this form of collaboration.

The results of the interprofessional foot consultation at the Märkisch-Oderland Hospital show the positive effects of such a cooperation: the amputation rates fell significantly, and there was not a single case of major amputation in 2019. The study results also indicate overall improved patient care and demonstrate that a multiprofessional network not only reduces the length of stay for patients, but also significantly reduces perioperative complications.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite these successes, multiprofessional collaboration in German hospitals remains an exception. As the study by the professional association shows, hurdles such as a traditional understanding of hierarchy and unclear areas of responsibility and competence are responsible for the low level of interprofessional cooperation. Further information from the federal administration explains how essential incentives can be created to overcome these challenges and strengthen cooperation between different health professions BAG.

The project manager Dr. Urs Mücke has already pledged his support for the further development of the OnkoBase app and other innovative ideas. Feuerhahn and Palmaers' award could therefore represent a guide for future developments in interprofessional medical collaboration. The need to pursue these innovation approaches is becoming increasingly urgent, as they can not only increase the quality of medical care, but also significantly improve patient and employee satisfaction.