The National Committee for Quality Assurance has worked with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Oncology Management Services, Independence Blue Cross, and RAND, as well as a broader multi-stakeholder advisory group, to define the Patient-Centered Oncology Care model. The demonstration will take place in 10 oncology practices in southeastern Pennsylvania. Practices will receive implementation support during the 24-month demonstration period. They will be evaluated using patient surveys, quality measures, and measures of emergency department and hospital use. Results from these practices will be compared in two ways: (1) with their performance before they became oncology medical homes and (2) with other similar practices. Patients, clinicians, and health plan leaders will help design the project and disseminate results.
Patient Outcomes (Projected): People with cancer are seeking high-quality, coordinated, and supportive care. The Patient-Centered Oncology Model has the potential to address current gaps in cancer care. If this model can demonstrate better care, then patients will have important information about what kind of care is possible. Our multi-stakeholder team will be poised to support widespread dissemination through training, policy, and payment initiatives.
Patient experiences. For some domains, patients reported better experiences with cancer care at practices using the intervention. For other domains, patients reported better experiences at practices providing usual care.
