ACCC Takes Aim at Tough Challenges in U.S. Cancer Care Delivery

WHAT: Association of Community Cancer Centers 31st National Oncology Conference

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014—Friday, Oct. 10, 2014

WHERE:  Sheraton Sand Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, California

Hundreds of cancer program professionals from across the nation, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, cancer center administrators, and social workers, will gather in San Diego, California, Oct. 8–10, 2014, for the Association of Community Cancer Centers’  31st National Oncology Conference.

As the nation’s leading advocacy and education organization for the multidisciplinary cancer care team, ACCC’s national conference enables cancer care professionals to explore real-world solutions to help them thrive in the fast-changing world of oncology care delivery. The theme Attend Today, Improve Tomorrow drives the nearly 40 sessions focused on two tracks: Your Program and Your Patients.

Your Program sessions focus on the business side of cancer care delivery. Your Patients sessions look at cutting-edge advances in patient-centered care including oncology medical homes, precision medicine, the evolution of palliative care, integrative medicine, survivorship care, and more.

The rise of patient-centered care is one of the biggest trends impacting cancer care today. This trend means that cancer patients are actively making their own healthcare decisions, and becoming more empowered and engaged in their treatment than ever before. In fact, results from ACCC’s 2014 Trends in Cancer Programs survey reveal that the demand for patient-centered care is redefining cancer care in the U.S., as an increasing number of cancer programs are stepping up their efforts by providing an expanding range of supportive services, such as counseling on nutrition and finances, and integrative and complementary therapies that promote spiritual and emotional well-being.

“During this historic time of health system change, there are critical challenges facing the oncology community, but there have also been tremendous advances,” said ACCC President Becky L. DeKay, MBA. “This unique meeting is an important opportunity to bring together members of the cancer team from across the nation who are passionate about their work, and striving to improve all aspects of the patient experience. We’re looking forward to engaging in substantive, collaborative discussions on how together we can move forward in delivering the highest quality, patient-centered care.”

Here are a few meeting highlights:

Precision Medicine
Thursday, Oct. 9, 8:15–9:00 am
Cancer patients may face similar challenges, but each patient’s cancer is unique. This thought-provoking discussion on precision medicine features expert panelists who will explore how this transformative new model is impacting healthcare.

The Oncology Medical Home: Different Models to Fit All Practice Sizes
Thursday, Oct. 9, 9:55–10:40 am
Oncology Medical Home is one of the most talked about concepts in cancer care today. A panel will discuss three different Oncology Medical Home models currently under way in the U.S.

Out-of-the-Box Community Outreach
Thursday, Oct. 9, 11:10–11:55 am
How do you educate underserved patient populations? Case studies will include St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute’s “Pool Cool” program that partnered with community pools to increase sun-safety awareness and education, as well as Good Samaritan Cancer Center’s “The Salon Project,” which educated women about breast health via hair salons.

Mind, Body, & Soul: Integrative Medicine and Wellness
Thursday, Oct. 9, 1:45–2:30 pm
Increasingly, cancer programs are using integrative medicine offerings, such as nutrition, stress relief, and acupuncture to promote healing and recovery, to treat the “whole patient.”

Keynote Address:
The Good News about the Future of Medicine
Richard Rossi
Friday, Oct. 10, 8:00–8:45 am
There is no question that the U.S. is facing an alarming shortage of physicians, including oncologists. Recognizing a critical need to address our nation’s physician shortage, Richard Rossi co-founded the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, an educational enrichment organization that honors, inspires, and motivates the nation’s most promising future physicians. In this compelling keynote address, he’ll discuss practical strategies and tips for today’s healthcare professionals to mentor and engage the next generation of healthcare leaders.

From Distress Screening to Solutions: Patient-Centered Support
Friday, Oct. 10, 8:50–9:35 am
Hear about distress screening tools that are making it easier for patients to talk to their doctors about the emotional effects caused by the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of cancer.

Improve Patient Engagement, Improve Your Program
Friday, Oct. 10, 10:55–11:40 am
In the era of patient empowerment and instant communication, patients are proactively seeking out healthcare information and advice like never before. This session presents strategies to connect patients to the services they need when they need them.

To find out more about ACCC’s National Oncology Conference, visit www.accc-cancer.org/oncologyconference.