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Oncology Issues Journal

Oncology Issues is the official journal of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC). As one of the only non-clinical, programmatic journals covering cancer, Oncology Issues provides “how-to” articles for the entire multidisciplinary oncology care team, on a wide range of topics.

The Evolution of Patient Empowerment: Self-Scheduling New Patient Consultations

By Laurel Bray-Hanin, Karen Vincent, and Reuben Au Yeung

Learn how the Seeking Care Patient Experience Team at UCSF Health streamlined the process of obtaining a new patient appointment with a cancer specialist by introducing self-scheduling. Not only has this innovation improved timeliness of care; it has improved patient satisfaction and increased patient volume.
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Also In This Issue:

Effective Approaches to Breast Cancer Care Transitions: A Focus on High-Risk Patients, Provider Departures, and Survivorship
With more patients being diagnosed with breast cancer and an improved prognosis for those living with the disease, there is a clear need to find ways to offset high patient volumes while maintaining high-quality care for longer-term survivors. Read how one breast center approached a comprehensive reorganization and developed a high-risk breast health program and a breast survivorship program.
2024 Trending Now in Cancer Care Part 2
Examine 4 key topics in Part 2 of the 2024 Trending Now in Cancer Care Report: artificial and business intelligence technology; EHR integration in precision medicine; payer, manufacturer, and supply chain challenges; and key partnerships in research and clinical trials. Gain insights gained from discussions at the ACCC 50th Annual Meeting & Cancer Care Business Summit.
Implementation of a Centralized Model for Precision Medicine with EHR Integration
As part of its mission to provide the right care at the right time for the right patient, Mercy established a new Center for Precision Medicine to better serve its predominantly rural communities. Read about its journey and how Mercy expanded services to include to germline, somatic, and pharmacogenomics testing; the multi cancer early detection test; and a Precision Wellness program.
Integration and Outcomes of Universal, Multigene Panel Testing for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients at a Community Healthcare System
Given the high percentage of women with a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome who remain unidentified, the need for timely, inclusive genetic testing is stronger than ever. This study examined the outcomes of implementing universal germline genetic testing, regardless of family history or pathology, for newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer.
Somatic Profiling Prospectively Guides Germline Genetic Testing in Patients with Mutations in High-Risk Cancer Predisposition Genes
In this study researchers used a tiered gene list to identify which patients were most likely to carry a germline mutation, as an alternative to screening all patients with cancer for inherited cancer syndromes.
Care Coordination for Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: The Importance of Interprofessional Collaboration Between Oncologists and Dermatologists
Early diagnosis and timely referral to oncology are crucial for patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancer to improve their clinical outcomes, treatment opportunities, and quality of life. Learn about the key role dermatologists play in the referral process and how to foster strong relationships between oncologists and dermatologists.
Emerging Opportunities in CAR T-Cell Therapy to Improve Early Patient Identification and Care Continuity
Despite the advancements made with CAR T-cell therapy over the last decade, it is difficult for many patients from community cancer programs to access therapy as treatment is only provided at authorized cancer centers scattered across the country. This discussion examines key strategies for early identification and referral of eligible patients, as well as best practices for improving care coordination in CAR T-cell therapy.