Key takeaways

• An advanced practice provider (APP)-led rural infusion clinic completed 639 appointments for 90 patients, with 99.4% treatment appointment adherence. 
• Providing infusion services closer to home saved 84,696 travel miles during the evaluation period. 
• Multidisciplinary planning and phased expansion increased clinic availability from 2 to 5 days weekly and added hazardous drug administration. 

An APP-led initiative expanded access to rural infusion services while reducing travel burden, according to an abstract presented at the 2026 JADPRO Live meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

The quality improvement team established infusion services at an outpatient clinic 3 hours from the main medical center. Pharmacy, outpatient oncology, nursing, and facility leadership collaborated on a business plan, using patient geographic data to select the location expected to have the greatest impact. Staffing included 2 nurses, 1 pharmacist, and 1 pharmacy technician. 

Initially, the clinic operated 2 days per week, providing port flushes and administering nonhazardous drugs compounded on-site. As the program expanded, services increased to 5 days weekly and included hazardous drugs. These drugs were compounded in advance at the main medical center and transported to the rural clinic the same day. 

From July 18, 2024, through March 31, 2026, 90 patients received infusion services across 639 completed appointments. Treatment appointment adherence reached 99.4%, with 4 treatment no-shows. Investigators reported 84,696 travel miles avoided and $39,224* in travel cost savings. Distance savings reflected the difference between round-trip travel to the main medical center and the rural clinic.  

For oncology APPs, the initiative illustrates a leadership role in coordinating nursing, pharmacy, and medical services to address geographic barriers to treatment. The authors concluded that the approach was feasible and operationally sustainable, with potential for expansion to other rural sites. The abstract did not provide a preimplementation adherence comparison or specific safety outcomes. 

*Editorial note: The travel cost figures require clarification: 84,696 miles multiplied by the stated $0.41-per-mile rate equals $34,725.36, rather than the reported $39,224.  

Source

Gleason C, Arroyo Portela N, Shields J. Bringing cancer therapy closer to home. Poster presented at: 2026 JADPRO Live; 2026; Minneapolis, MN. Poster JL1412C.