Oncology Translational Research Unit Opens
In response to a growing number of oncology clinical trials requiring inpatient care, the Froedtert & MCW Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital opened the inpatient Translational Research Unit (IP TRU). It is the only oncology IP TRU in Wisconsin. Planning for the October 2022 opening of this unit involved a multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other clinicians, along with the Information Technology and EPIC teams, MCW Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office (CTO) and Institutional Biosafety Committee.
Individualized Care for Clinical Trial Patients
The clinical nurses in this specialized unit provide a high level of individualized care as they focus on the unique needs of patients who are taking part in groundbreaking oncology research. The IP TRU is designed for optimal care of patients in clinical trials and is integrated within the inpatient Bone Marrow Transplant and Neoplastic Disease and Related Disorders Unit. The IP TRU focuses on translational research, which is the process of bringing new scientific discoveries from the laboratory to patient use. Creating a specialized unit within an existing unit allows for increased accuracy with trial tasks, enhanced trial education, reduced stress for staff and training on specialty equipment.
A New Role Supports Increased Communication Needs
With the opening of the IP TRU, a new nurse coordinator role was added to support staff. This person facilitates increased communication between the inpatient and outpatient Translational Research Units, supports continuity of care and allows for increased communication with the CTO. Since its opening, the IP TRU has cared for more than 100 Froedtert & MCW patients in clinical trials.
