scholarly journals Cancerpedia: A Framework for Implementing Comprehensive Cancer Centres

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 244s-244s
Author(s):  
N. Abdelmutti ◽  
A. Chudak ◽  
M. Merali ◽  
T. Sullivan ◽  
M. Escaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
System Level ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Centers

Background and context: Comprehensive cancer centers or programs form a nucleus of cancer care delivery. Although there are frameworks for population cancer control, no similar published framework exists for cancer centers. Aim: We sought to develop a framework for designing and implementing a comprehensive cancer center or program within the context of a population-based model of cancer control that spans diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and palliative care as well as integration with primary care and the community. Strategy/Tactics: The framework was constructed with the patient at the center and provides a system-level perspective as well as a granular view of the fundamental resources and structures needed to build and maintain individual cancer centers and programs. Due to its breadth, we focused the framework on essential information while linking to a wide range of vetted publications that detail additional standards, guidelines and best practices. Program/Policy process: “Cancerpedia” emerged as a cohesive framework for the delivery of high-quality cancer care within and beyond the cancer center. It provides an overview of the cancer control and care delivery framework, describes cancer care services (e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy, palliative care) and details infrastructure and core services (e.g., physical facilities, human resources). In addition to these services, the framework presents guidelines for governance that ensure oversight and quality, describes the critical need for integrating education and research and presents the best practices for engaging in philanthropy. Cancerpedia also outlines the role of the comprehensive cancer center in integration with the community and influencing policy and regulation. Over 30 chapters provide a detailed description of each element and include a description of the service or function, resources requirements such as people, equipment and facilities, management structures, quality performance guidelines and future trends in innovation. Outcomes: To our knowledge, no comparable published framework exists as a reference for developing comprehensive cancer centers. Cancerpedia was designed to serve as a global public good and is adaptable and applicable to diverse contexts and healthcare environments. It is relevant to high-, middle- and low-income countries alike and provides a reference point from which to structure a plan for growth. What was learned: While it is important to describe the various elements required for cancer care delivery, it is critical to consider and address the integration and interdependencies of these various elements. Future opportunities for learning include seeking input from a global audience to gauge the utility and applicability of Cancerperdia to local contexts.

scholarly journals Mapping Geospatial Access to Comprehensive Cancer Care in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Gregory C. Knapp ◽  
Gavin Tansley ◽  
Olalekan Olasehinde ◽  
Olusegun I. Alatise ◽  
Funmilola Wuraola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Control ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Travel Times ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Centers ◽  
The Impact

PURPOSE To address the increasing burden of cancer in Nigeria, the National Cancer Control Plan outlines the development of 8 public comprehensive cancer centers. We map population-level geospatial access to these eight centers and explore equity of access and the impact of future development. METHODS Geospatial methods were used to estimate population-level travel times to the 8 cancer centers. A cost distance model was built using open source road infrastructure data with verified speed limits. Geolocated population estimates were amalgamated with this model to calculate travel times to cancer centers at a national and regional level for both the entire population and the population living on < US$2 per day. RESULTS Overall, 68.9% of Nigerians have access to a comprehensive cancer center at 4 hours of continuous vehicular travel. However, there is significant variability in access between geopolitical zones ( P < .001). The North East has the lowest access at 4 hours (31.4%) and the highest mean travel times (268 minutes); this is significantly lower than the proportion with 4-hour access in the South East (31.4% v 85.0%, respectively; P < .001). The addition of a second comprehensive cancer center in the North East, in either Bauchi or Gombe, would significantly improve access to this underserved region. CONCLUSION The Federal Ministry of Health endorses investment in 8 public comprehensive cancer centers. Strengthening these centers will allow the majority of Nigerians to access the full complement of multidisciplinary care within a reasonable time frame. However, geospatial access remains inequitable, and the impact on outcomes is unclear. This must be considered as the cancer control system matures and expands.

scholarly journals Building a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Overall Structure

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-13
Author(s):  
Dolores Grosso ◽  
Mahmoud Aljurf ◽  
Usama Gergis
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Centers ◽  
Private Donations ◽  
Cancer Control Program ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 9.6 million deaths [1]. The WHO recommends that each nation has a national cancer control program (NCCP) to reduce the incidence of cancer and deaths related to cancer, as well as to improve the quality of life of cancer patients [2]. Comprehensive cancer centers form the backbone of a NCCP and are charged with developing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment [3]. This is accomplished through basic and clinical research, the provision of patient care, the training of new clinicians and scientists, and community outreach and education. Most comprehensive cancer centers are affiliated with university medical centers, but their cancer care initiatives may involve partnering outside the institution with other comprehensive cancer centers, community leaders, or members of industry [3]. When affiliated with a university medical center, cancer center executives must work in concert with their counterparts at the hospital, patient practice, medical school, and allied health science leaders resulting in an overlapping, often complicated reporting structure. Comprehensive cancer centers and the departments in the center receive funding for their services from various sources, including national and local grants, institutional funds, private donations, and industry [4].

scholarly journals Integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Approaches Into Treatment of Commercial Tobacco Use for Optimal Cancer Care Delivery

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (Suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S4-S7
Author(s):  
_ _
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Community Organization ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Tobacco Treatment ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Equity And Inclusion

Tobacco-related cancer incidence and mortality and commercial tobacco use have decreased steadily in recent decades, but improvements have not been equitably experienced across population subgroups. A complex interaction across socioecological domains of individual, interpersonal, community/organization, and societal/policy factors influence disparities in tobacco use, treatment, and related health outcomes. NCI’s Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) provides an ideal platform to examine and intervene on multilevel influences across the cancer control continuum to reduce any disproportionate tobacco-related burden and eliminate tobacco-related disparities. The C3I Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group encourages cancer centers to develop, evaluate, and adopt evidence-based practices regarding DEI for prevention and treatment of commercial tobacco use across the cancer control continuum. This paper highlights how 3 C3I sites intervene to address socioecological influences on tobacco use among racially, ethnically, socioeconomically, and geographically diverse patient subgroups. It then outlines ways in which DEI considerations could be integrated into research with patients with cancer who use tobacco and practices related to standards of cancer care. Incorporating DEI considerations in the pursuit of optimal tobacco treatment could facilitate elimination of inequities in population-level cancer outcomes, spanning the full continuum of cancer care from prevention to survivorship.

scholarly journals System-Level Factors Associated With Use of Outpatient Specialty Palliative Care Among Patients With Advanced Cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. e10-e19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin A. Yu ◽  
Kristin N. Ray ◽  
Seo Young Park ◽  
Amanda Barry ◽  
Cardinale B. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Travel Time ◽  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
System Level ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Advanced Solid Tumors ◽  
Patient Travel

PURPOSE: The proportion of patients with advanced cancer who receive outpatient specialty palliative care (OSPC) is as low as 2.0%. Improved understanding of the system-level factors influencing use of OSPC could inform adaptations to the delivery of palliative care to maximize access. We examined associations between OSPC use among patients with advanced solid tumors and oncology-OSPC clinic colocation and patient travel time to an OSPC clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced solid tumors receiving oncologic treatment between January 1 and December 31, 2016, within a comprehensive cancer center network with well-established, oncology-specific OSPC clinics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of clinic colocation and geographic access with OSPC use. RESULTS: Of 9,485 patients with advanced solid tumors, 478 (5.0%) received OSPC services in 2016. After controlling for age, sex, marital status, cancer type, insurance, treatment intent, and illness severity, patients whose oncologist practices were colocated with OSPC clinics were more likely to use OSPC (odds ratio [OR], 19.2; 95% CI, 14.1 to 26.2). Compared with patients who lived > 90 minutes from an OSPC clinic, patients with travel times of < 30 minutes (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.2 to 4.6) and 31 to 60 minutes (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6 to 3.6) were also more likely to use OSPC. CONCLUSION: Among patients with advanced solid tumors, colocation of oncology and OSPC clinics and shorter patient travel time were associated with greater odds of using OSPC. Future efforts to increase OSPC use in this population should consider clinic colocation and travel burden.

scholarly journals Tailoring Therapies: Improving the Outcome of Breast Cancer in a Comprehensive Cancer Center in West Africa—The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 163s-163s
Author(s):  
N. Lasebikan ◽  
N. Iloanusi ◽  
T. Onyeka ◽  
C. Ilo ◽  
K. Nwankwo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Cancer Care Continuum

Background and context: Early detection and improved treatments are associated with a reduction in breast cancer mortality and morbidity. UNTH is a leading comprehensive cancer center in Nigeria with referrals from the entire southeast and south south regions. Our goal is to offer high quality comprehensive cancer care services across the cancer care continuum from public health awareness campaigns and provision of screening services all the way to palliative care and survivorship. This is the first attempt by any institution in the country to standardize and harmonize available treatment options for breast cancer. Aim: To optimize, standardize and harmonize treatment options and management strategies for breast cancer using a multidisciplinary approach by developing guidelines adapted to our peculiar infrastructure and health system. Strategy/Tactics: The practice guideline was specifically developed for UNTH using a multidisciplinary approach and taking into consideration circumstances peculiar to UNTH, including the following: UNTH's specific patient population; UNTH's services and structure; and UNTH's clinical information. Program/Policy process: The process used recognized methods that are robust, objective, scientifically valid, consistent and adaptable to UNTH and engaged all identified multisectoral and multidisciplinary stakeholders involved in the care of patients with breast cancer. Outcomes: We reviewed substantial evidence on documented and proven strategies for community screening and prevention, less expensive and only marginally less effective diagnostic tools, locoregional and systemic therapies for the management of breast cancer. The team also recommended all patients receive psycho-oncology support through a dedicated team and through the breast cancer support group. It was agreed that palliative care be incorporated within the first 8 weeks of commencing treatment in line with the current ASCO guidelines and receive consultation from the exercise immunology unit. What was learned: Institutionalized care offers better management strategies and standardized treatment in line with best global practices of care for patients with breast cancer across the cancer care continuum which will ultimately translate to better treatment outcomes.

Acute palliative care unit in a comprehensive cancer center (CCC): Financial and clinical outcomes

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e20518-e20518 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Elsayem ◽  
D. Hui ◽  
Z. Li ◽  
M. Flores ◽  
W. A. Atkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Cancer Centers

e20518 Background: Acute palliative care units (APCU) in CCCs improves symptom control for advanced cancer patients and supports their families. However, these services are not available in the majority of cancer centers. Concerns regarding financial reimbursements represent a major barrier for establishing APCUs. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes and compare the financial outcomes of our APCU as compared to other services at our CCC. Methods: We reviewed all admissions to the APCU over the last 5 fiscal years for demographic information, length of stay, discharges, survival, hospital billings and collection of charges, and compared these to the rest of the institution. Results: 2,510 unique patients were admitted to the APCU. Median age was 59 years (19–101) and 51% were female. The median length of stay in APCU was 8 days (Q1-Q3 6–10). Median survival of patients discharged home, to health care facilities and hospice were 53, 22, and 13 days, respectively (p<0.001, log rank test), with 6 month survival of 20%, 4%, and 2%, respectively. Professional collections ranged from 42–47% of charges for APCU, vs. 32–38% for rest of the CCC and were stable over the 5 year period. Hospital collections were 47–51% of charges for APCU, vs. 55–57% for the rest of the CCC. The payer mix included commercial 1155 (46%), Medicare 755 (30%), Medicaid 126 (5%), mixed 127 (5%), indigent 198 (8%), and others 149 (6%). Conclusions: The ACPU has reimbursement outcomes consistent with the American acute care model and comparable to the rest of the CCC for last 5 years. The APCU is as viable as any other clinical programs in our institution. Further research is needed to investigate possible reasons for lack of APCU in cancer centers. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Forging a New Frontier: Providing Palliative Care to People With Cancer in Rural and Remote Areas

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 963-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Bakitas ◽  
Kristen Allen Watts ◽  
Emily Malone ◽  
J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom ◽  
Susan McCammon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Early Palliative Care ◽  
Care Models

Mounting evidence supports oncology organizations’ recommendations of early palliative care as a cancer care best practice for patients with advanced cancer and/or high symptom burden. However, few trials on which these best practices are based have included rural and remote community-based oncology care. Therefore, little is known about whether early palliative care models are applicable in these low-resource areas. This literature synthesis identifies some of the challenges of integrating palliative care in rural and remote cancer care. Prominent themes include being mindful of rural culture; adapting traditional geographically based specialty care delivery models to under-resourced rural practices; and using novel palliative care education delivery methods to increase community-based health professional, layperson, and family palliative expertise to account for limited local specialty palliative care resources. Although there are many limitations, many rural and remote communities also have strengths in their capacity to provide high-quality care by capitalizing on close-knit, committed community practitioners, especially if there are receptive local palliative and hospice care champions. Hence, adapting palliative care models, using culturally appropriate novel delivery methods, and providing remote education and support to existing community providers are promising advances to aid rural people to manage serious illness and to die in place. Reformulating health policy and nurturing academic-community partnerships that support best practices are critical components of providing early palliative care for everyone everywhere.

scholarly journals The Emergence of a Sustainable Tobacco Treatment Program across the Cancer Care Continuum: A Systems Approach for Implementation at the University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa K. Tong ◽  
Terri Wolf ◽  
David T. Cooke ◽  
Nathan Fairman ◽  
Moon S. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Program ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
University Of California ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Centers ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Tobacco Treatment ◽  
Cancer Care Continuum ◽  
The University

Tobacco treatment is increasingly recognized as important to cancer care, but few cancer centers have implemented sustainable tobacco treatment programs. The University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCD CCC) was funded to integrate tobacco treatment into cancer care. Lessons learned from the UCD CCC are illustrated across a systems framework with the Cancer Care Continuum and by applying constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Findings demonstrate different motivational drivers for the cancer center and the broader health system. Implementation readiness across the domains of the Cancer Care Continuum with clinical entities was more mature in the Prevention domain, but Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship domains demonstrated less implementation readiness despite leadership engagement. Over a two-year implementation process, the UCD CCC focused on enhancing information and knowledge sharing within the treatment domain with the support of the cancer committee infrastructure, while identifying available resources and adapting workflows for various cancer care service lines. The UCD CCC findings, while it may not be generalizable to all cancer centers, demonstrate the application of conceptual frameworks to accelerate implementation for a sustainable tobacco treatment program. Key common elements that may be shared across oncology settings include a state quitline for an adaptable intervention, cancer committees for outer/inner setting infrastructure, tobacco quality metrics for data reporting, and non-physician staff for integrated services.

scholarly journals Easier Said Than Done: Keys to Successful Implementation of the Distress Assessment and Response Tool (DART) Program

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. e513-e526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline Li ◽  
Alyssa Macedo ◽  
Sean Crawford ◽  
Sabira Bagha ◽  
Yvonne W. Leung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Care ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Electronic Screening ◽  
Screening For Distress

Purpose: Systematic screening for distress in oncology clinics has gained increasing acceptance as a means to improve cancer care, but its implementation poses enormous challenges. We describe the development and implementation of the Distress Assessment and Response Tool (DART) program in a large urban comprehensive cancer center. Method: DART is an electronic screening tool used to detect physical and emotional distress and practical concerns and is linked to triaged interprofessional collaborative care pathways. The implementation of DART depended on clinician education, technological innovation, transparent communication, and an evaluation framework based on principles of change management and quality improvement. Results: There have been 364,378 DART surveys completed since 2010, with a sustained screening rate of > 70% for the past 3 years. High staff satisfaction, increased perception of teamwork, greater clinical attention to the psychosocial needs of patients, patient-clinician communication, and patient satisfaction with care were demonstrated without a resultant increase in referrals to specialized psychosocial services. DART is now a standard of care for all patients attending the cancer center and a quality performance indicator for the organization. Conclusion: Key factors in the success of DART implementation were the adoption of a programmatic approach, strong institutional commitment, and a primary focus on clinic-based response. We have demonstrated that large-scale routine screening for distress in a cancer center is achievable and has the potential to enhance the cancer care experience for both patients and staff.

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