Development and Validation of a Score to Predict Acute Care Use After Initiation of Systemic Therapy for Cancer

Key Points Question Is it possible to predict which patients with cancer will require early acute care after starting systemic therapy? Findings In a cohort study, using population-based administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, a score was developed and validated to predict a visit to the emergency department or a hospitalization within the first 30 days after starting systemic therapy for cancer based on cancer type, systemic therapy regimen, previous emergency department visits, and age. Meaning The findings suggest that patients at high risk for use of acute care after starting systemic therapy for cancer can be identified using a simple score that is available at the point of care.