Convenience Versus Continuity: A Pilot Study of Care Transfer to a Satellite Clinic for Patients With Plasma Cell Dyscrasias

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with significant financial toxicity due to the high costs of treatment, including travel burdens. Satellite clinics aim to reduce travel burdens by bringing specialized care closer to patients’ homes. This study investigates the effectiveness of transferring established MM patients to a new satellite clinic closer to their homes. Methods: Patients receiving care for plasma cell dyscrasias, including MM, at the primary campus were prospectively screened for eligibility to transfer to a satellite clinic within their catchment area from August to December 2023. Eligible patients were offered the option to transition their care. The proportion of actual transfers was tracked, and reasons patients were ineligible or declined to transfer were recorded. Results: Out of 62 identified patients, 28 (45%) were deemed not transfer candidates by their provider. Among the 34 eligible patients, 10 (29%) opted to transfer. The overall transfer rate was 16% (95% CI: 8-28%). Reasons for declining transfer included comfort with current providers, preference for the primary campus, and concerns about the satellite clinic’s quality of care. Conclusions: Most patients were either not eligible or unwilling to transfer to the satellite clinic once care had been established at the primary campus. Due to the limited uptake of this intervention, directing appropriate patients to satellite clinics at initial referral may be a more effective way to increase utilization of these sites. Enhancing satellite clinic capacity and addressing perceived quality disparities are also essential to boost their utility.